Every Day In Port A

Kids can run off all that youthful energy on the beach. FISHING

Charters

Deep Sea Headquarters, 416 W. Cotter, 749-5597. Three party boats with concessions are available for group fishing, private charters for one to six anglers. Mostly offshore fishing trips made, usually for eight hours. Shorter trips available if demand warrants them. Guides available for bay fishing charters. Reserve private charters for bay or offshore trips in advance. Tackle and bait provided. Bring your food and drink on private charters.

Dolphin Dock, 300 W. Cotter, 749-4188. Fishing for one to 100 for private or company charters. Fish the Gulf for kingfish, shark, snapper and more or head for the bays for redfish and trout. Bait, ice and tackle provided. Ask about food and drink availability. Twenty-four and 40-hour fishing safaris available. Reserve in advance.

Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon, 749-5448.Two party boats take anglers snapper and king fishing for four, six, eight and 12-hour trips. Private charters accommodate one to six people with bait, ice and tackle provided. Bring your own food and drink. Gulf and bay charters available. Reserve in advance. Take the Jetty Boat to San Jose Island.

Offshore Adventures, 2200 State Hwy. 361 at Crabman Marina in Aransas Pass. 749-7464, 800- 567-5132. Fishing on 85’ Adventurer available daily.

Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc., city marina. This association of local guides rents a dock at the city marina. Just walk the dock, check out the boats and talk to the captains that happen to be on the dock. Call them at the telephone numbers posted on their boats, call 749-6339, or visit www.paboatmen.org.

Woody’s Sports Center, 114 W. Cotter, 749-5252. Charters for one to six people for bay or Gulf fishing. Bait, tackle, ice provided. You bring food and drink.

On your own

South/north jetties, marking the entrance to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, these granite jetties provide ample room for anglers to set up for a day of fishing. The south jetty is accessible by car from the beach. Take the Jetty Boat from Fisherman’s Wharf to get to the north jetty where there are no amenities — you’re on your own. Bring your trash back with you and deposit in trash can at the jetty boat dock or at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ancel Brundrett (Station Street) Pier, at the north end of Station Street. Cast out into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel for redfish, trout, mackerel, sheepshead and flounder. Free, restrooms.

Charlie’s Pasture Pier, at the end of Port Street on a spot of land locally referred to as “Charlie’s Pasture”. Fish the ship channel for reds, trout, drum, flounder. Free, no amenities. Please don’t litter.

Horace Caldwell Pier, on the beach at the end of Beach Street. Fee per person and per rod. Catch trout under the lights, redfish, whiting, pompano, blacktip shark and black drum.

J.P. Luby Pier, at Roberts Point Park. Fish the Corpus Christi Ship Channel for drum, redfish, sheepshead, croaker, flounder and more depending on the season. Free. Restroom facilities.

Surf fishing presents itself on all of Mustang Island where it does not interfere with swimmers. Best, least populated areas for fishing without fear of hooking a human are south of the city limits from access Road 1 south to the Fish Pass jetties. Trash cans are available at intervals along the beach. Please use them.

By boat any angler can fish the Gulf or bays. Exercise customary safety precautions and use charts available at many locations. Some maps and charts available at South Jetty Gift Shop.Keep trash on board and deposit properly when returning to shore.

BIRD WATCHING

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Ross Avenue. Part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the Center is a “must see” for all nature lovers. Brochures listing the birds likely to be seen are available at the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Bureau.

Scott and Joan Holt Paradise Pond Birding Center, Cut-off Road. More than 100 species of birds frequent this two-acre tract.

Port Aransas Wetlands Park, SH 361 South, about one-quarter mile south of Avenue G. A board- walk and observation gazebo, indigenous landscaping. Part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

Birding on the Boardwalk, guided nature tour every Wednesday at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, 9 a.m. Call 749-4158 by 8:30 a.m. if weather is questionable. Free.

Lynn Gavit Marsh Bird Exhibit, Civic Center foyer, Avenue A at Cut-off Road. An exhibit of marsh birds donated in memory of Gavit by his family.

Shorebird boat trips aboard the shallow draft Kohootz. Travel into the mangroves and wetlands. (361) 779-3188, www.birdingportaransastx. com.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture The 1,217-acre preserve lies on undeveloped land in an area long known as Charlie’s Pasture features a 3,300-foot concrete hike-and-bike trail, restroom facilities and shade structures over wooden benches and tables.Extensive fencing prevents motorized vehicles from entering the preserve. A sixfoot wide path branches off a trail at Port Aransas Community Park and runs to the preserve’s new pavilion off Port Street.

University of Texas Marine Science Institute Visitors Center, On Cotter Ave, near the beach. Free self-guided tours of exhibits including aquaria with Texas coastal species and habitats, photos and research projects past and present. Free movies Mon.-Thurs. at 3 p.m., gift shop.

University of Texas Marine Science Wetlands Education Center, 3.5 acres between the UTMSI Visitors Center and the South Jetty. A marsh/seagrass pond landscaped with various seagrasses and coastal vegetation. Stroll the boardwalk to observe migratory waterfowl and resident marsh birds. Interior board walks with access limited to guided tour groups.Tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m

MUSEUM

The Port Aransas Museum, on the corner of Brundrett and Alister Streets,Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy the collection of historical photographs, videos, artifacts and stories that chronicle the history of our town and its citizens.Visit www.portaransasmuseum. org.

SURFING Miles of the Gulf of Mexico await those who want to face the challenge of riding the surf on traditional surfboards or sailboards. Surfboards and boogie boards are available for rent in Port Aransas. A favorite surfing spot is just south of the Horace Caldwell Pier.

Texas Surf Camps, (361) 749-6956. Summer surf camps, year-round lessons, grouup events and parties. For schedules and more information, visit www. texassurfcamps.com

BOATING/TOURS

Scenic, sunset and nature cruises are offered from Fisherman’s Wharf (749-5448), Deep Sea Headquarters (749-5597) and Woody’s Sports Center (749- 5252). Call for times, fees and other information.

Jetty Boat, 15-minute ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to San Jose Island. Fishing, beachcombing, no amenities, it’s uninhabited. 749-5448. Call for current prices and times.

Kohootz Boat Tours, at Deep Sea Headquarters, 440 W. Cotter, (361) 779-3188. Dolphin encounters and lighthouse boat tours.

Oso Fun, 739-6600. Private charter dolphin/birding watch for up to six aboard the power catamaran, Oso Fun. www.porta. com

Paradise Jet Ski Rentals, 749-6904, on the dock at Woody’s Sports Center. Rentals through October or until the northers chill ‘em out. Rentals then resume in March for spring and summer.

Sky High Adventures, 749- 4600, at Woody’s Sports Center. Parasailing. Take off and land on the back of the boat -- never get wet. Observer rides available. Open every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations recommended.

Top Water Kayak Tours, Ave. E at 10th St., 749-5159. Kayak tours for birding, shelling, fishing, nature, sunrise and sunsets to the Lighthouse Lakes, Shamrock Island, Harbor Island and Shamrock Cove.

‘Wet Heads’ Kayak Adventures, 749-7111, www.wetheadskayakcom. Kayak adventure trips since 2003. Self-guided or guided, individually outfitted. Moderate to challenging trips, Lydia Ann Lighthouse, one-way or windy-day trips. Kayaking for the average tourist.

BEACH ACTIVITIES

Beach Walk Adventures, guided beach walks on the fourth Friday of the month and on some holiday weekends. Free. Meet at 9 a.m. on the beach at the red flag next to Horace Caldwell Pier. Bring water, container for shells. Call 749-4158 by 8:30 a.m. if weather is questionable. Sponsored by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

San Jose Island, an uninhabited island accessible only by boat. Across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel from Port Aransas. Take the Jetty Boat from Fisherman’s Wharf. Please don’t litter.

Sand sculpture lessons, by Build a Better Sand Castle. One-on-one, group lessons, family plan. Call Mark Landrum, (361) 290-0414.

GOLF

Newport Dunes Golf Club on State Hwy. 361, south of Beach Access Rd. 1A. 18 hole, links-style, par 71, Arnold Palmer signature course. Open to the public. 749.4653, www. newportdunesgolf.com.

Sinton Municipal Golf Course, about a 45-minute drive from Port Aransas, three miles north of Sinton on Highway 181. 18 holes, pro shop. (361) 364-9013. (Call for hours.)

Rockport Country Club, 40 minutes from Port Aransas on Highway 35 North. 18 holes. USGA reciprocal (only members, members of any other USGA country club and their guests may play). (361) 729-8324.

Padre Isles Country Club, 14353 Commodore, (361) 949-8006. A 20-minute drive down State Hwy. 361 from Port Aransas to an 18- hole golf course.

Gabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center, a 45-minute drive from Port A, at 4401 Old Brownsville Road in Corpus Christi. 18 holes. (361) 883-3696.

Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course, 35 minutes from Port Aransas, 5601 S. Alameda in Corpus Christi. 18 holes. (361) 991-8765.

Northshore Country Club, 40 minutes from Port Aransas in Portland, Highway 181. 18 holes. Closed on Mondays.

TENNIS

Port Aransas Tennis Association welcomes tennis buffs age 18 and older to join them just for fun at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the Port Aransas High School tennis courts on Station Street. Monthly adult round robin tennis tournaments are held the first Saturday of each month. Free. See South Jetty for updates. Also, many of the condominiums have tennis courts for use by their guests.

SERVICE CLUBS

Chamber of Commerce, (open to public) different locations and dates. Check weekly issues of the South Jetty for location.

Keep Port Aransas Beautiful, second Monday of the month at 7 p.m., at the Community Center. See weekly issues of the South Jetty or visit www.kpab.org.

Kiwanis Club meets at noon every Wednesday at Jay’s Seafood and Spaghetti Works.

The Port Aransas Education Foundation (PAEF) is a local nonprofit entity established to provide funds in the form of grants for educational materials, events, and training not traditionally funded by school budgets. 749-7126.

Port Aransas Garden Club, monthly at 10 a.m. at the Community Center. See weekly issues of the South Jetty.

Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association, 749-3800, Web site, www.portausa.com. Different locations and dates. Check weekly issues of the South Jetty.

Rotary Club meets at noon on Thursdays, Pelican’s Landing.

THEATER

Port Aransas Community Theatre, 2327 State Hwy. 361, a nonprofit group of volunteer players, producers, directors, stage hands, etcetera that presents plays year round. Watch the South Jetty for current information year-round.

ART Art Center for the Islands: Nonprofit center of Mustang and Padre Islands, 323 N. Alister, Port Aransas. Exhibits works of art and houses a working studio and classroom as well as work space and gathering area for artists and students. First Friday artist receptions and Third Saturday sales held monthly. 749-7334. See South Jetty for current information.

Felder Gallery 1726 State Hwy. 361, #5 Tower Center, features the art of Larry Felder, along with twenty-two other local, regional and national artists who work in a variety of styles and mediums.

Fire It! Ceramics, 513 N. Alister St., 749-7967. Paint it yourself ceramic studio where you can pick a piece, pick a paint and get creative.

Mustang Island Gallery, 2222 State Hwy. 361, 749-2200. Original art by nationally and internationally known artists - oil paintings, watercolors and sculptings.

Port A Gallery, 345 Alister next to Pelican’s Landing, 749-7402. Original oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic paintings, pottery, bronzes, marble, prints and giclees by local and nationally known artists.

Potters on Cotter, 413 E. Cotter St., 749-7712. Studio and gallery; local photography;handcrafted wheel-thrown stonewear pottery; raku and more

SWIM/FITNESS

Port Aransas Community Park, 700 Clark Parkway, 749-2416. Heated public swimming pool, fitness trail, skate park, lighted Senior League ball field and lighted Little League field, sport court and birdwatching area. Pool open daily except Monday. Park admission is free, pool admission is free for children under age 2, $1 for 2 to 18, $2 for those age 19 to 59 and $1 for seniors 60 and older.

Aerobics (low impact) classes, Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, at the Pollock Center, behind Community Presbyterian Church, 113 N. Alister St. Times subject to change. Call 749-5319 for updates.

GETTING AROUND

Cars & Carts, Station Street and Avenue G. 749-1655. Rent beach buggies and cruise the beach.

Nautical Wheelers, 428 S. Alister St., 749-3003. Rent electric cars and beach cruising bicycles to tour the island.

KITE FLYING

Fly It! Kite Shop, 405 Cut-off Rd., 749-4190. Kites of every description.

SKY DIVING

Sky Dive Texas Beaches, Sky dive Mustang Island. Training and tandem dives by reservation. Call (281) 501-3101 or visit www.skydivetexasbeaches. com.