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Kayak trails offer much closer look at wetlands
F ishermen or birders looking for some serenity along the Texas Coast are
 | | Kayakers like these get an intimate look at the wildlife and plants that abound in wetlands around Port Aransas. Kayaks can be rented nearby, or -- as many visitors do -- you can simply strap them atop your vehicle and bring your own equipment. In some cases, such as in the photo above, organizations will offer kayaking classes to those who are interested in paddling along the kayak trails but who have no experience with the personal watercraft. This is a group from the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi, under the tutelage of an instructor from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. |
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turning more and
more toward a series of paddling trails that snake across the shallow waters and flats west of Port Aransas.
The trails include two along the Corpus Christi Bay side of Mustang Island, extending from Port Aransas nearly to Mustang Island State Park, and four on the South Bay side of Lydia Ann Channel, north of Port Aransas.
Satellite photo maps to any of the trails, including GPS coordinates, are available at several Port Aransas retailers, including the South Jetty, at 141 W. Cotter St.
The Lighthouse Lakes Trails are a series of three intertwining trails that point the way for navigating the black mangrove estuary behind the Lydia Ann Lighthouse. The trails are just north of the State Hwy. 361 causeway between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas. Here you will find great paddling, fishing and birdwatching.
The Mustang Island Paddle Trail snakes along the bay side of Mustang Island between Mustang Island State Park, past Shamrock Island and terminates near the edge of the Port Aransas city limits. This trail traverses some of the best wildlife habitat on the mid-coast and provides a roadmap for great saltwater fishing.
Either trail offers excellent shallow water fishing and spectacular birding.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates that 80 percent of the kayakers in the Port Aransas area are anglers, except for spikes during bird migrations. Then, birders also flock to the shallow water wetlands to catch a glimpse of the strange or unusual.
The paddling trails have opened up waters anglers just can't get to in a $30,000 boat.
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