Things to do in Port A

Kids, sun, a surfboard -- just add water and you’ve got fun. 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. Guides available for bay fishing charters. Reserve private charters in advance. Tackle and bait provided. Bring food and drink on private charters. (See ad Page 57.)

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. Twentyfour and 40-hour fishing safaris available. Reserve in advance.

Bird watchers train their binoculars on a feathered friend at the Leonabelle Tunrbull Birding Center. 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 food and drink. Gulf and bay charters available. Reserve in advance. Take the Jetty Boat to San Jose Island. (See ad Page 71.)

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 or call them at the telephone numbers posted on their boats. A list of charters can be found at www.paboatmen.org.

Catamarans and kite surfers take advantage of the wind and surf in Port Aransas on Mustang Island Woody’s Sports Center, 114 W. Cotter, 749-5252. Charters for one to six people for bay or Gulf fishing. Bait, tackle, ice provided. Bring food and drink. (See ad Page 56.)

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 are 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.

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.

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

State Hwy. 361 Wetland Overlook, about one-quarter mile south of Avenue G. A boardwalk and observation gazebo, indigenous landscaping. Part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

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. Part of Discover Port Aransas exhibits.

SCIENCE & NATURE

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. (See story Page 38)

Wetlands Education Center at the University of Texas Marine Science, 3.5 acres between the UTMSI Visitors Center and the south jetty. A marsh/ seagrass pond with a wildscape of various seagrasses and coastal vegetation. Stroll the boardwalk to observe migratory waterfowl and resident marsh birds. Interior boardwalks with access limited to guided tour groups. Free tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. (See story Page 47)

Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture - The 1,217-acre preserve lies on land in an area long known as Charlie’s Pasture. There are more than two miles of hike and bike trails on a boardwalk leading visitors over algal flats and on granite trails along the uplands from a pavilion to a tower overlooking wetland areas around Salt Island. Covered seating is available along the trail and restrooms are at the

MUSEUM

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. Free tours of the Little Chapel on the Hill are offered through the museum on the first and third Friday and Saturday of each month. Visit www.portaransasmuseum.org. (See ad Page 51.)

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. Winter surf camps, year-round lessons, group 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, (361) 779-3188. Dolphin encounters, lighthouse and shorebird boat tours. www.kahootz.com. (See ad Page 11.)

Oso Fun, 739-6600. Private charter dolphin, sunset, shipwreck, lighthouse cruises 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.

Pirate Boat Rides, 749-5252, at Woody’s Sports Center. What begins as a dolphin watch tour, ends as a swashbuckling adventure defending the boat against an attempted pirate commandeer. Suitable for all ages. Departs daily; minimum occupancy required for boat to embark. (See ad Page 10.)

Port A Parasail, 749-4600, at Woody’s Sports Center. Parasailing. Take off and land on the back of the boat -- never get wet. Observer rides available. By reservation only, daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (See Ad Page 5)

Shamrock Kayak Charters, 749-7716.

Stray Cat Sailing Charters, at Island Moorings Marina, (361) 416-0054. Sunset cruises, dolphin and bird watching, party cruises, pet friendly BYOB.

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.

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 purple 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. (See ad Page 4.)

Third Coast Kitesurfing, (361) 563-4640. Kite boarding lessons, beginner to advanced.

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. (See

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

SERVICE CLUBS

Chamber of Commerce, (open to public) different locations and dates. Check weekly issues of the South Jetty for events. (See ad Page 9, story Page 11)

Keep Port Aransas Beautiful meets last Tuesday of every month, August through May, 6 p.m., at the Ellis Memorial Public Library. 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.

Parrot Heads of Port Aransas meets monthly to socialize and plan activities to help community environmental programs. 749-5141.

Port Aransas Education Foundation (PAEF) is a local non-profit 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. (See story Page 50)

Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association, 749-3800, Web site, www.portaransasmuseum.org. Different locations and dates. Check weekly issues of the South Jetty. (See ad Page 51.)

Port Aransas Style Neighborhood Group of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the American Sewing Guild meets to share tips and work on charitable projects for area organizations. Suesstuff5703@aol.com.

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

Port Aransas Community Theatre, 2327 State Hwy. 361, a nonprofit group of volunteer actors, producers, directors, stage hands, etcetera that presents plays year round. Visit their Web site portaransasco mmunitytheater.com or watch the South Jetty for current information year-round. (See

ART

Port Aransas Art Center: Nonprofit center of Mustang and Padre Islands, 323 N. Alister, Port Aransas. Gallery with art exhibits, working studio and classroom and gift shop. First Friday artist receptions and Third Saturday sales held monthly. 749-7334. See South Jetty for current information. (See ad Page 8, story Page 69)

Felder Gallery, 1726 State Hwy. 361, #5 Tower Center, features the art of Larry Felder, along with 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. (See ad Page 67.)

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

Port A Glass Studio and Art Gallery, 401 Beach St. 749- MELT, www.portaglass.com. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., later on weekends. Working glass studio: Dichroic glass, acrylic glass, jewelry, handmade artwork and adult and children’s classes. (See ad Page 33.)

Potters on Cotter, 413 E. Cotter St., 749-7712. Studio and gallery; local photography; handcrafted wheel-thrown stonewear pottery; raku and more. (See ad Page 42.)

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. (See Story Page 18).

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.

Fit By Choice, group classes in yoga and strength. Personal training by appointment. (361) 438-2693, www.portafitbychoice.com for schedule.

Shapes for Women, 30 minute circuit training. 749- 2348, www.freewebs.com/por taransasshapesforwomen for hours.

Yoga on the Beach, held second Saturday of the month. Free, 8 a.m. next to Horace Caldwell Pier at the end of Beach Street. Sponsored by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department. (See story page 57).

TOOTLING AROUND

Beach Ya Kart Rentals, 721 State Hwy. 361, www.beachyakartrentals@yahoo.com. (See ad Page 32.)

Big Shell Bike Shop, 403 N. Alister, 749-8479. Sales, Rentals, repairs.

Cars & Carts, 325 E. Ave G, 749-1655. Rent beach buggies. (See ad Page 36, 37, 65.)

Coastal Ed’s, 513 N. Alister St., 749-7001. Coastal cruisers and more. (See ad Page 35.)

Island Carts ‘N Scooters, 1115 State Hwy. 361, 749-2066. Renting hourly, 1/2 day, full day and longer. (See ad Page 31.)

Island Surf Rentals, 124 E. Ave G, 749-0822. Golf carts, kayaks, surfboards, bikes. (See ad Page 32.)

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 Cutoff Rd., 749-4190. Kites of every description. (See ad Page 7.)

SKY DIVING

Sky Dive Texas Beaches, Training and tandem dives by reservation. Call (281) 501-3101 or visit www.skydivetexasbeaches.com. Read the weekly editions of the South Jetty for more to do in Port Aransas.