2

2016 Spring Visitors Guide

 2016 Spring Visitors Guide 3
Dinin,Dancin,Dozin Spring Break.............................................12

Inside The Guide

Dining..................................................77-83
Lodging................................................70-71
Night life.............................................30-32
City Stuff
Beach Rules..............................................39
Chamber-Tourist Bureau......................11
City map.............................................46-47
Demographics....................................... 6-7
Golf Cart Rules.......................................40
History................................................66-69
Newcomers tips....................................54
Amenities
Airport......................................................69
Art Center...............................................62
Chapel tours............................................45
Churches..................................................26
Community Park.....................................16
Community Theater...............................23
Computer Center..................................60
Discover Port A......................................61
Eight Wonders of Port Aransas...........55
Farley Boat Works..................................56
Ferryboats................................................41
Getting Around.......................................50
I.B. Magee Beach Park............................38
Library.......................................................64
Nature Preserve.....................................45
Port Aransas Museum............................65
Roberts Point Park.................................14
Shuttle.......................................................29
Things to Do.....................................84-90
UTMSI.......................................................34
Wetlands Ed. Center..............................50
Events
ArtFest......................................................43
Beach walks.............................................35
Calendar - Regular events....................19
Calendar - Special events......................18
First Friday Schedule..............................62
Fiesta de Mayo.........................................43
PAGC Style Show..................................... 8
Songwriters Showcase.........................43
Texas SandFest........................................42
Whooping Crane Festival.....................48
Yoga on the Beach..................................65
Fishing/Sports
Fishing Bag Limits...................................75
Fishing Licenses.......................................51
Fish Records......................................72-75
Golf Course.............................................44
Kayaking....................................................60
Surfing.......................................................41
Tennis........................................................51
Bird Watching
Birding Centers.......................................27
Area Attractions
Attraction List........................................... 9
Aransas Queen Casino.........................37
Schlitterbahn............................................37
S. TX Botanical Gardens........................58
Texas State Aquarium............................36
USS Lexington Museum........................24
Index to
Advertisers 90
On the Cover
Carson Einkauf of Port
Aransas rides a wave on
a stand-up paddleboard
near Horace Caldwell Pier.
South Jetty staff photo by
Dan Parker
4 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Spring 2016
VISITORS GUIDE
PUBLISHER
Murray W. Judson
EDITOR & CO-PUBLISHER
Mary Henkel Judson
AD SALES
Murray Judson, Jackie Linn
WRITERS
Mary H. Judson, Dan Parker,
Joe Martinez,Vivian Carlson
AD PRODUCTION CHIEF
/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Elizabeth K. Weaver
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Keith Petrus
PRODUCTION
Mary H. Judson, Vivian Carlson,
Elizabeth K. Weaver, Denise Goode
OFFICE/CIRCULATION
MANAGER
Denise May Goode
BOOKKEEPER
Dianne Null
DISTRIBUTION MGR.
Dogs love playing in the surf with their people. Friendly dogs are Brent Uhl
welcome on the beach as long as they are on a leash and their Assistant: Shirley Uhl
people pick up after them.
Port Aransas South Jetty
141 W. Cotter P.O. Box 1117
Keep up with whats going on in Port Aransas Port Aransas, Texas 78373
editor@portasouthjetty.com
Subscribe to the South Jetty in Print, Online or Both www.portasouthjetty.com
www.portasouthjetty.com or (361) 749-5131 (361) 749-5131

Largest
selectio
n
of Ree
f
Sandals!
Beach
101 E Ave G Wear for
Port Aransas, Tx the whole
x 7837
Corner OF AVE G 3 family
AND ALISTER
361-749-55
00
Hurley I Fox I Quiksilver I Roxy I Volcom I Billabong I Salt Life I Electric I Von Zipper I Reef
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 5
6 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Port Aransas by the Numbers

Location Northern tip of Mustang Island 30 minutes from Corpus Christi; three hours south of San Anto-
nio, three hours south of Houston and three-and-a-half hours from Austin. 45 minutes from Cor-
pus Christi International Airport, 30 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi and shopping malls.

Population Port Aransas: 3,480 (2010 census)

Registered voters: 2,998

Taxes Entity Rate/ $100 Net Assessed Value

City .................................................... $ .275666 .................................$1,857,260,637
County (Only).................................. $0.312928 ...............................$25,098,705,505
School .................................................$1.11805 .................................$2,190,018,676

Utilities Natural gas: City of Port Aransas

Water/Sewer: Nueces County Water Control & Improvement District No. 4
Solid waste disposal: Contracted by city. Residential curb side recycling.
Telephone: CenturyLink
Industries Tourism Charter Fishing Higher Education

Climate Annual avg. temperature: 71.0,

Rain: Winter: 30.13
Monthly avg. temperatures: January: 55.1 October: 73.9 July: 84.1
Average elevation: 5-6 feet above sea level
Prevailing wind: Southeasterly
Library Bill Ellis Memorial Public Library: 700 W. Avenue A, east of city hall

Medical Emergency Medical Service (City operated): 10 fulltime medics.

Doctor: 1
Services Dentist: 1
Hospitals: Corpus Christi (30 minutes away): Driscoll Childrens Hospital, Christus Spohn
Hospital-Shoreline, Christus Spohn Hospital-South, Christus Spohn Hospital-Memorial, Corpus
Christi Medical Center; Bay Area, Doctors Regional; Aransas Pass (10 minutes away): Care Re-
gional Medical Center

Churches Protestant: 4 Catholic: 1

2016 Spring Visitors Guide 7

Folks enjoy walking along the beach in the springtime with their dogs. Remember, all dogs must be leashed.

Port Aransas ISD District 2A: Total enrollment: 524

Education Port Aransas High School: 174

Pelican
Brundrett Middle School: 126
H.G. Olsen Elementary School: 224
Fifth grade: 44 Eighth grade: 43 Twelfth grade: 31
The
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute:
International research facility, graduate program for marine science CONDOMINIUM & BEACHHOUSE
1107 S. 11th St.
Air service Mustang Beach Airport: SH 361. City-operated, 3,500-foot surfaced, lighted run- Port Aransas, TX 361-749-6226
way, self-service fuel, GPS approach, AWOS, attendant.
*2-4 bedroom condos *Private balconies
* Fish cleaning facilities * Swimming pool
Lodging Hotels/motels, Condominiums, Cottages/Courts, RV Parks, Vacation Home * Cable TV * Free Wireless Internet
Rental Services, Bed & Breakfasts. Rooms available: 5,900; RV spaces available: 1,300 *Basketball Court * Laundry Facilities
* Large renovated beach house - sleeps up to 26 people
Recreational Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlies Pasture: 1,217-acre preserve that parallels * Peaceful surroundings overlooking the Gulf
the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Hikers welcome; vehicles prohibited. Dogs OK on leashes
1-800-888-4974 FAX 361-749-5947
Facilities, only in certain areas.
www.thepelicancondos.com
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center: Boardwalk, observation towers, Ross Ave.
Birding, Port Aransas Wetlands Park: Boardwalk, observation tower, State Hwy. 361 South
email: Thepelicancondos@centurytel.net
Scott & Joan Holt Paradise Pond Birding Habitat: Boardwalk, observation areas,
Camping, Cut-off Road.
Port Aransas Community Park: 6-lane, 25-meter outdoor heated swimming pool, 2
Amenities baseball fields, t-ball field, soccer field, 1.1 mile jogging trail/exercise course, playground and
picnic area, sand volleyball court, basketball court, putting green, observation tower, skateboard
park. dog park. Off Ross Avenue.
Roberts Point Park: Pavilion, amphitheatre, observation tower, fishing pier, bulkhead with
walkway, rock jetties, basketball and bocce courts, picnic and playground equipment.
Fishing/sightseeing: Horace Caldwell Pier, Ancel Brundrett Pier, J.P. Luby Pier, Charlies
Pasture Pier.
Mustang Island beach: beachcombing, swimming, camping (3-day limit in city limits), boating,
surfing, windsurfing.
I.B. Magee Jr. Beach Park: Camping, showers, RV spaces, educational wetland area.
Wetlands Education Center at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute:
Walking educational tours; aquariums at institutes visitor center.

Boat Launching City marina: 6 ramps

Fishing Head (party) boats: 11; Private charter boats: 45; Charter boat agents: 6
Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc.: Fishing guides dock at city marina available for
private charters.

Communications Newspaper: 1 Weekly (print and online)

Television: Local, Cable Channel 20
Telephone: CenturyLink

Home Rule: City Council (six members + mayor)

Government Police department: 17 officers (+ 6.5 dispatchers)
Fire department: 24 volunteers with 9 vehicles
Fire insurance key rating: 4
County Constable: 7 full time

Banks: 2 branches: American Bank,ValueBank Texas

Banks
8 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Area residents model the latest in island fashions at the annual show.
Enjoy wine and tappas while shopping at the boothtiques before the
show.

See the newest in

island wear at show
Fashion, shopping and food
are on the agenda at the annual
Fashions and Flip Flops-Island
Style fashion show presented
by the Port Aransas Garden
Club.
The newest trends in spring
and summer island wear will
be on display at the event set for
Thursday, March 3, at the Port
Aransas Civic Center, 700 W.
Ave. A.
Tickets are $25 per person.
The doors open for shopping
at 1 p.m. and the runway show
begins at 2:30 p.m.
Get there early and enjoy a
glass of wine and some hors
doeuvres while shopping at the
boothtiques.
In addition, view the various
items and gift baskets donated
by area merchants for the raffle
drawings that will take place.
Watch weekly editions of the
South Jetty for information on
purchasing tickets and a list of
participating shops, as the event
gets closer.
For more information about
the event, call the PAGC at
(361) 876-4375 or go to the
garden clubs website www.
portaransasgardenclub.org.
Proceeds from the event
go toward PAGC landscaping
projects throughout the city and
scholarships for Port Aransas
High School seniors.
PAGC is a Section 501(c)
(3) nonprofit corporation. The
organization was established
in 1964 to promote education
and public interest in gardening,
landscaping, litter control, and
other activities that contribute
to the beautification of Port
Aransas.

Sisters Island Style

Arts, Gifts and Home Decor
118 W. White (361) 438-1972
behind Subway
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 9
Aransas Pass
Aransas Queen Casino. 2200
State Hwy. 361 (between Aran-
sas Pass and ferry landing), (844)
GAMBLE-4 (426-2534), aransas-
queencasino.com. Sailing 7 days a
week, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. cruises.
Bayside
Fennessey Ranch, Hwy.
2678, Bayside, (361) 529-6600,
www.fennesseyranch.com.
Custom birding trips, pho-
tography seminars, photo
blinds for day leases, Rus-
sian boar hunting, coun-
try hayrides, hummingbird
tours, educational programs.
Corpus Christi
Texas State Aquarium, 2710
N. Shoreline, (361) 881-1200 or
(800) 477-GULF. texasstateaquar-
ium.org. (See story Pg. 36 Ad
Pg. 35.)
USS Lexington Museum, 2914
N. Shoreline Blvd. (on Corpus
Christi Beach), (361) 888-4873 or
800-LADY-LEX, www.usslexing-
ton.com (See story Pg. 24 Ad
Pg. 10. )
Texas Surf Museum, 309A N.
Water St., (361) 882-2364. www.
texassurfmuseum.org. Admission:
Free. Call for hours.
Corpus Christi Ice-Rays, Pro-
fessional Ice Hockey Team, (361)
814-PUCK (814-7825) www.
goicerays.com. Season: Septem-
ber - March.
Corpus Christi Fury. X League
Indoor Football. (361) 356-1111.
Delayne Corbett of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, sculpts his
creation in the master solo division at Texas SandFest 2015.
Keep up with whats going on in Port Aransas
Subscribe to the South Jetty in Print, Online or Both
www.portasouthjetty.com or (361) 749-5131
www.ccfury.com. Season: March
- July
South Texas Botanical
Gardens & Nature Center,
8545 S. Staples St., Corpus
Christi, (361) 852-2100 www.
stxbot.org. (See Ad Pg. 89,
story Page 58.)
Hurricane Alley Waterpark,
702 E. Port Ave., (361) 883-9283.
www.hurricanealleycc.com.
Corpus Christi Speedway,
241 Flato Rd. (Agnes at
Flato), (361) 289-8847, www.
ccspeedway.org.
Corpus Christi Hooks - Tex-
as Minor League Baseball. AA
Affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port
Ave, www.cchooks.com. (361)
561-HOOK (561-4665) Season:
April Sept.
Schlitterbahn Riverpark
and Resort-Corpus Christi
14353 Commodores Dr. (361)
589-4200 www.schlitterbahn.
com/corpus-christi. (See story
Pg. 37)
Kingsville
King Ranch Museum, 405 N.
Sixth St., (361) 595-1881. Mon-
day-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,
BOUTIQUES,
Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. www.king-
ranch.com.
King Ranch Visitor Cen-
EATS & ART?
ter, 2205 State Hwy. 141 West,
(361) 592-8055. Daily sched-
uled tours. Call for times.
YOU BET
Rockport
Fulton Mansion
YOUR BOTTOM
State Historic Site,
317 Fulton Beach Road,
SAND DOLLAR!
(361) 729-0386. www.vis-
itfultonmansion.com. Tues-
day-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30
p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Adults, $6; ages 6-18, $4; age five
and under, free.
Texas Maritime Museum,
1202 Navigation Circle, (361)
729-1271 or (866) 729-2469
(729-AHOY). www.texasmariti-
memuseum.org. Tuesday Sat-
urday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Sunday
1 4 p.m.
The Aquarium at Rockport
Harbor, 706 Navigation Circle, VISIT THE PORT ARANSAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR MORE Scan to Plan
(361) 727-0016. www.rockpor- ACTIVITIES, MAPS, BROCHURES AND FRIENDLY CONVERSATION. Where to STAY & How to PLAY
403 W. COTTER. CLOSE TO THE FERRY.
taquarium.com 1-4 p.m. Thurs-
day-Monday, closed Tuesday and
Wednesday. Free admission.
The Port Aransas Museum
Painting by Flint Reed
Annual Old Town Festival Classes, Lectures, Exhibits
View 1000s of Historic Photos
Corner of N Alister & Brundrett
361.749.3800
Open Thurs, Fri, Sat 15 p.m.
portamuseum@paphafarley.org
www.portaransasmuseum.org
Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association
10 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

WWII Aircraft Carrier WWII Planes Jets Huge Battle Guns

Over 250,000 Sq. Ft. & 11 Decks to Explore Mess Deck
Virtual Battle Stations Behind The Scenes Hard Hat Tour
Scale Model Exhibit Flight Simulator
Ships Store 3D MEGA Theater
Open Daily
On NORTH BEACH
IN CORPUS CHRISTI
1- 800 - LA DY- LEX
USSLEXINGTON.COM

# 1 on
Robert Bell of Waxahachie caught and released this monster black
drum at Roberts Point Park in March 2015.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 11

Visitors get answers here

Have some questions about
where to go? The Port Aransas
Chamber of Commerce-Tourist
Bureau can help answer them.
The bureau is open from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, and is located at 403 W.
Cotter Ave. next to a shuttle
stop. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. on Saturday and closed on
Sunday.
Brochures from all member
businesses, including dining and
accommodations, are available.
Staff members are there to help.
For visitors staying in the
area a little longer than most,
brochures about other Texas Find out about Port Aransas lodging, restaurants, nightlife and area
destinations also are accessible. attractions from the friendly folks at the Chamber of Commerce.
A South Jetty newspaper rack
is on the porch for when the get help from tourist bureau The chambers website,
lobby is closed. staffers. Also, tour groups on PortAransas.org, is a great
An illuminated sign showing buses may arrange to have a tour source of information with lots
points of interest on a map guide from the bureau join them of links, bureau President and
of Port Aransas stands in the for a narrated tour. CEO Ann Bracher Vaughan said.
chamber buildings parking area. The tourist bureau also sells Contact the bureau by
Visitors who would like to plan beach parking permits for $12, phone at (361) 749-5919,
a return visit for a family, school which are required on the (1-800-45-COAST) or by email
reunion or business meeting may beach. at info@portaransas.org.
12 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Thousands hit the beach to party

Spring Break is one of the prohibits consuming alcohol on
biggest events of the year in Port the beach or possessing it with
Aransas. Tens of thousands of intent to consume throughout
visitors hit the beach when the March from midnight to 7 a.m.
weathers good. every day except Sundays, when
The holiday this year is March its illegal from midnight to noon.
14 to 18. The law doesnt apply when
Visitors fish, eat, drink and the alcohol is being consumed
shop, but the most popular outside of public view, such as
activity for Spring Breakers is inside tents or RVs.
simply hanging out at the beach. In February, the council
Port Aransans work hard to could change the ordinance
get ready for the crowds and to temporarily to make it fit
make sure things go smoothly strictly with the dates of Spring
once they get here. Break, which change from year
Store, restaurant and to year. The council also could
nightclub owners stock up on adjust the hours that alcohol is
large amounts of food, drink and prohibited during that period.
other merchandise. Check the South Jettys weekly
Port Aransas city workers editions to find out if any
groom the beach road to make changes were made.
sure the sand is as hard-packed Council members and police
as possible, for better driving. have said the citys alcohol
Portable restrooms are serviced. Folks from all over make their way to Port Aransas to enjoy the sun, surf and sand while they party. ordinances arent used against
If youre planning a trip to people peacefully enjoying a
Port Aransas during Spring get here to start looking for Department and Nueces County and other law enforcement beer or two on the beach, but
Break, making reservations accommodations, you could Precinct 4 Constables Office put agencies send officers to town are employed as a tool to get
way ahead of time would be a have a hard time getting a room. extra officers on the street to to help out. rowdy folks off the beach at
good idea. If you wait until you The Port Aransas Police keep order during Spring Break, The city has an ordinance that night.

Stay 3 Nights, 4th Night Free

1-888-226-6153
www.thedunescondos.com
1000 Lantana Drive~Port Aransas,Tx 78373

Stay Closer to the Beach....

2016 Spring Visitors Guide 13
14 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Fish, play, more at Roberts Point Park

A sight to see when visiting as a walking, jogging and cycling and other features.
Port Aransas is Roberts Point trail. Other areas to fish from The Tom and Corabelle Keeler
Park. Located near the ferry along the trail have benches and observation tower is where you
landing, you can find great areas palapas. want to be if you want to get a
to fish and relax, as well as spots The playground in the park birds-eye-view of the park and
to watch dolphins and passing is set with slides and swings, the ship channel. From there,
ships in the Corpus Christi Ship and is near the Patsy Jones youll be able to see ships make
Channel. Amphitheatre. New playground their way through the channel,
The park is named after the equipment called the Jolly the ferries running back and forth
Roberts family, one of the oldest Voyager, was installed in 2015 to Harbor Island, boats docked
fishing families on the island. and resembles a pirate boat that at the Dennis Dreyer Municipal
The park has a special-events kids can climb on and walk in Harbor and dolphins swimming
pavilion named after the late and out of. It has slides, ladders alongside boats in the channel.
fishing enthusiast Fred Rhodes
and serves as a venue for
performances, festivals, award
presentations, picnics and gives
shade to spectators at fishing
tournaments.
The picnic pavilion in the
park has tables with shade and
washer toss games, shuffleboard
lanes and a bocce court nearby. Folks watch a rig being moved through the ship channel from Roberts
Equipment for those games is Point Park. on a foggy day.
available at the harbormasters
office in the center of the soccer field that overlooks the the park, make for great fishing
parking area. channel. spots. The pier is also lighted for
The park also has basketball, The J.P. Luby Fishing Pier and fishing at night and runs along a
a sand volleyball courts and a the granite jetties alongside mile-long bulkhead that doubles
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 15
16 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Community Park: swim, skate, walk, more
With spring warming up
temperatures, check out the
Port Aransas Community Park!
The park has a spacious pool,
dog park, trails, baseball fields
and a skating park.
Pool
With the winter months in
the rearview mirror, the pool
is the ideal place to take a dip
without the salt and sand. The
pool is open Tuesday through
Saturday and has plenty of shade,
lounge chairs, benches, showers,
lockers, poolside cubbyholes for
personal belongings and a picnic
area with vending machines.
Swimmers under the age of
2 get in the pool for free and
swimmers between 2 and 18,
and 60 or older, are admitted
for $1. Those who are between
19 and 59 can get in for $2.
Children under 3 must wear a
swim diaper.
Open swimming is from 1 to
2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
and from noon to 1 p.m. on
Saturdays.
Lap swimming on Tuesday
through Thursday is from 8 a.m.
to 2 p.m; Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
and on Saturday from 12 to 5
p.m.
Water exercise for $2 is
available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m,
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and another
class from noon to 1 p.m.
Deep-water aerobics for $2
is on Wednesday and Friday, and
starts at 11 a.m.
Total Body Aquacize for
$2 is on Tuesday and Thursday
starting at 8:30 a.m. and on
Saturday starting at noon.
Dog Park
A third of an acre of the
community park is fenced in and
set aside for mans best friend.
Divided into two sides (large
and small dogs) the dog park is
open from dusk to dawn and
has water, toys, pet waste pick-
up stations and fire hydrants
provided by the Port Aransas
Fire Department.
Fields and Courts
Springtime means bright
The pool is a great place to cool off with some friends on a hot day.
lights and time for some Marlin
baseball. The baseball fields in
the park are home to both Little
League and high school baseball
games. Concession stands and
restrooms are located next to
the fields. The larger baseball
field doubles as a soccer field.
The park also has a sand
from the community pool with a
into the Port Aransas Nature
volleyball court and basketball
court.
Check out the South Jetty for
the Marlin baseball springtime
schedule.
Skate Park
This 10,000-square-foot skate
area has concrete bowls, ramps,
stairs and more skater-friendly
obstacles such as hubbas,
flats, gaps and grinds. There
also is a 7.5-foot-deep kidney-
shaped bowl if youre looking
for an adrenaline rush. A large
concrete slab rink also is adjacent
to the park for roller-skating and
blading. Roller hockey is played
on Sundays from 4 p.m. to dark
and the court is marked for a
game of pickleball. Equipment
for pickleball can be checked out
drivers license.
Trails
Take in a pet-friendly run,
jog, hike or walk on a 6-foot-
wide path that branches off
an existing trail and heads out
Preserve at Charlies Pasture.
The concrete trail also allows
bikes and has a long course at
1.1 miles and a short course
that circles the baseball field
at just under a half-mile. The
shorter trail also has 10 exercise
stations that offer a variety of
workout routines.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 17

Best food & view of the harbor

finsgrillandicehouse.com 361-749-ToGo (8646)

www.deepseaheadquarters.com reddragonpiratecruises.com
361-749-5597 361-749-AHOY (2469)

Fishing Adventure

Tours
scarletladydolphincruise.com
361-749-5597

440 West Cotter next to Ferry Landing in Port Aransas, Texas

18 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

2016 Spring Special Events

February
25-28....................................................Whooping Crane Festival
May
TBA................................................................. Anglers on Wheels
749-5919 Barbara Blair, (210) 254-2310 or Woody's, 749-5252
29............................................................................Meet the Chefs 13-15................................................................................... ArtFest
Yogi Barrett 749-8454
Roberts Point Park, 749-7334

March TBA.......................................................... Songwriters Showcase

Roberts Point Park, 749-7334
3.............................................................. Garden Club Style Show 19-21......................................................HT3 Series Tournament
Johnie Swenson, (512)423-5041 TBA
5.........................................................Parrot Heads Spring Phling
Deno Fabrie, 749-0256
11-20........................................................................... Spring Break

April
1-3........................................................................ IFA Redfish Tour
Dennis Dreyer Municipal Harbor, www.redfishtour.com
23............................................................Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup
Deno Fabrie, 749-0256
29-May 1..................Texas Sand Sculpture Festival (SandFest)
Folks tested their pullup skills
www.texassandfest.com
during Spring Break 2015.

Read the weekly editions of the South Jetty and go to www.portasouthjetty.com

for updates and changes to the calendars. All events subject to change.
Free sand sculpting lessons are a crowd favorite at SandFest.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 19

2016 Spring Regular Events

March, April, May 3rd Wednesday......................................................VFW meetings
11 a.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St
Wednesday and Friday..............................Deepwater Aerobics
Mondays............................................. VFW Group Shuffleboard 11 a.m., Community Park Pool, 749-2416
7 p.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St. Wednesday Friday.................................................. Story Time
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.................................. Adult tennis By request, Bill Ellis Memorial Library, 749-4116
7:30 a.m.,PAHS courts, 749-4861 Thursdays.......................................... Port Aransas Rotary Club
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.........................................Aerobics Noon, Stingrays, 401 Beach St.
8-9 a.m., JELM Center, 113 S. Alister ST., 749-5148 Friday.................................................. VFW Group Shuffleboard
Monday & Wednesday............................................ Adult tennis
2 p.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St.
7 p.m.,PAHS courts. Murray Judson, 749-4861 1st Friday....................................First Friday Artists Reception
3rd Tuesday............................................VFW Auxiliary meeting Port Aransas Art Center, 749-7334
11 a.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St. 1st & 3rd Saturday...................................... Chapel on the Dunes
Tuesday & Thursday....................... Wetlands Education Tour Tours, 9:15 a.m., 749-3800
10 a.m., UTMSI, (361) 749-6764; groups over 10, (361) 749-3153 4th Friday...................................Guided Beach Walk Adventure
Tuesday & Thursday................................ Total Body Aquasize 9 a.m., Horace Caldwell Pier
8:30 a.m., Community Park Pool, 749-2416 Saturdays..................................................................... Story Time
Tuesday Friday......................................Adult Water Exercise By request, Bill Ellis Memorial Library, 749-4116
Noon, Community Park Pool, 749-2416 Saturdays.................................................... Total Body Aquasize
Wednesdays.......................................Birding on the Boardwalk Noon, Community Park Pool, 749-2416
9 a.m., Birding Center, 749-4158 2nd Saturday ..............Second Saturday @ Farley Boat Works
Wednesdays....................... Community Womens Bible Study
Farley Boat Works
9:30-11 a.m., First Baptist Church, 200 N. Station St. 2nd Saturday...................................................... Yoga on the Beach
Wednesdays............................................................. Kiwanis Club
8 a.m., next to Horace Caldwell Pier
Noon, Stingrays, 401 Beach St.
Wednesdays............................VFW Shuffleboard Tournament Keep up with whats going on in Port Aransas
2 p.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St. Subscribe to the South Jetty in Print, Online or Both
Wednesdays...............................VFW 8-Ball Pool Tournament
www.portasouthjetty.com or (361) 749-5131
7 p.m.,VFW Post home, 311 N. Alister St.

We Never Stop Moving.

Kandice
Fricke-Sweetman Marnie Pate
AssOciAte Owner/BrOker
361-779-1921 361-460-0250

Barbara Thrasher Larry Villman

AssOciAte AssOciAte
817-271-6880 361-385-6081

Jack Ponton John Zimmerman

BrOker/AssOciAte BrOker/AssOciAte
361-728-8657 361-765-8041

ISLAND, REALTORS Rick Riordan

AssOciAte
Tracy Gaines
AssOciAte
361-332-1132 361-945-3082

1900 State Highway 361, Port Aransas, TX 78373

361-749-6000 800-580-6600
WWW.CBPORTA.COM
A great blue heron flexes its wings while landing on the bulkhead
porta@cbporta.com
Lisa Hood Julie Woodward
AssOciAte BrOker/AssOciAte
between Port Street and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel at sunset. 325-451-0006 361-563-7788
20 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 21
22 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 23
Community theater is alive
with plays, concerts, more
Live adult and youth plays
and musicals, variety shows as
well as movies, live concerts and
more are presented by the Port
Aransas Community Theatre
(PACT.)
The always-active community
theater is located at 2327 State
Hwy. 361 at Sea Isle Drive.
Call the theater anytime at
(361) 749-6036 or go to its website
portaransascommunitytheatre.
com to hear a list of current and
coming productions.
Weekly editions of the South
Jetty contain the PACT calendar
as well as stories on upcoming
auditions, productions and
performance schedules.
In March, Forever Opry will
be on stage. It is a tribute to the
women of country music and will
tell the stories of Kitty Wells,
Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and
The comedy Money Matters was on stage at the Port Aransas
Community Theatre in March 2015.
Tammy Wynette. funded by donations, ticket sales
Auditions for shows and plays and various fundraisers.
are open to residents and visitors Memberships in PACT are tax
alike. deductible and are available in a
Volunteer directors, actors, range of prices.
sound and lighting technicians, To become a member, call the
musicians and set construction number above or make checks
and costume design volunteers payable to PACT and mail them
of all experience levels are always to P.O. Box 835, Port Aransas, TX
welcome. Email Darlene Secich 78373.
at pactdarlene1@yahoo.com to
volunteer.
Tickets may be purchased at
the box office 45 minutes prior
to each performance. Reserved
seat tickets are available online
at www.brownpapertickets.com
by searching for the performance
you wish to see. Tickets also may
be purchased with cash or check
at the Port Aransas Business
Center located at 1023 State
Hwy. 361, Suite C.
PACT is a nonprofit organization
24 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Visit a landmark, museum

History, drama and patriotism
its all on display at the USS
Lexington Museum on the Bay.
The retired aircraft carrier,
known simply as The Lex, is
a National Historic Landmark
permanently docked on North
Beach in Corpus Christi. It
welcomes visitors every week.
The Lex was the oldest
working carrier ship in the
United States Navy until it was
decommissioned in 1991. It has
a 910-foot flight deck and held
a crew of about 3,000 service
members during World War II.
Docked at 2914 N. Shoreline
Blvd., the vessel has 20 restored
vintage Navy aircraft on the flight
deck with the Corpus Christi The USS Lexington, nicknamed The Blue Ghost, was commisioned
skyline and bay for a backdrop. in 1943 and joined the Fifth Fleet in Peral Harbor. Todau is is a
Also accessible are many other museum, education center and a National Historic Landmark. The
parts of the ship, including a aircraft carrier was transferred to its final berth in Corpus Christi on
theater, post office, barbershop, June 8, 1992. It opend to the public in October 1992. More than 5.5
hospital and captains quarters. million people have visited it since the opening.
The Lex is open 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Labor Day to Memorial Day. and over or military with ID free, as do museum members.
Admission is $14.95 for adults, and $9.95 for children 4-12. The Lexingtons Web site address
$12.95 for seniors age 60 Children 3 and under get in is www.usslexington.com.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 25
26 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Where to Worship
Church of Christ, 205
Brundrett St., 749-5498.
James Bruster, minister. Sun-
day Bible class 9 a.m.; wor-
ship services 10 a.m. and 6
p.m.; Wednesday Bible
class 7 p.m.
Community
Presbyterian,
113 S. Alister
St., 749-5319.
Pastor Steve
Shullanberger.
Sunday worship:
11 a.m. and 8:30
a.m. through March 13;
Adult education: 9:30 a.m.;
Youth (all ages) education:
9:45 a.m.
First Baptist, 200 N. Sta-
tion St., 749-6479. Pastor
William Campbell. Sunday
school/Bible study 9:45
a.m., Sunday service 11 a.m.;
Monday night service 7 p.m.
Youth ministry for grades
6-12, Wednesdays 6 p.m.
Anchor groups, call church.
Lutheran Island Mission,
433 Trojan St., at Trinity-by-
the-Sea Espiscopal Church;
210-363-3538. Pastor Tom
Dietzel. Sunday wor-
ship: 3 p.m.
Saint Joseph
Catholic, 100
N. Station St.,
749-5825. Fa-
ther Krzysztof
Bauta. Rosary 7:45
and Mass 8 a.m. week-
days, Saturday Mass 5 p.m.;
Sunday Mass 9 and 11 a.m.;
confession, 30 min. before
each mass or by appoint-
ment.
Trinity-by-the-Sea Epis-
copal, 403 Trojan St., 749-
6449. Rev. James Derkits.
Holy Eucharist Rite II, Sun-
day 9 a.m., 11 a.m.; Healing
Eucharist, Wednesday noon.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 27
Port Aransas is birders paradise
Springtime in Port Aransas is
birders paradise due to the large
number of migratory birds that
have wintered in South America,
Central America and Mexico and
make their way north, stopping off
here to re-fuel.
The Birdiest City in the small
coastal cities category for the
past five years, Port Aransas offers
dozens of areas for birders to view
the large variety of birds.
The nature centers, beach,
jetties, piers and boats offer birders
excellent spots to view both shore
and migratory birds.
The Great Texas Coastal Birding
Trail that ties together sites from
Beaumont to Brownsville, passes
through Port Aransas and three
locations are sites on the trail.
They are the Wetland Overlook,
the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding
Center and the south jetty near I.B.
Magee Beach Park.
The Wetland Overlook
is on State Hwy. 361, south of
Avenue G. The observation
platform overlooks a basin that is
a large shallow wetland habitat for
waterfowl and shorebirds. During
migration the scrubby vegetation
and grasses attract migrant land
birds. The basin is normally thick
with waterfowl and shorebirds
during wet periods.
The Leonabelle Turnbull
Birding Center is off Ross
Avenue behind the wastewater
treatment plant adjacent to the
Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The
10-acre marshland features a 500-
foot boardwalk that extends into
the marsh, an observation tower
and two free viewing scopes
one on the tower and a second
ADA-accessible scope at a viewing
stand along the boardwalk.Visitors
also may catch a glimpse of two
American alligators, Boots and
Bags that call the place home.
The entry is planted with native
species that attract birds. Free-
guided bird walks take place every
Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the birding
center.
The south jetty/ I.B.
Magee Beach Park furnishes
an excellent vantage point for
observing a variety of open water
and shoreline bird species. Gulls
and terns often rest at the base
of the jetty and shorebirds may
be seen feeding along the beach.
Resident brown pelicans and gulls
may be seen gliding over the dunes
and gulf.
The Joan and Scott Holt
Paradise Pond Birding Center
is off Cut-Off Road near Avenue C,
behind San Juan Restaurant. It is the
only natural permanent fresh water
wetland and pond on Mustang
Island. The natural setting sits on
two acres surrounded by giant
black willows and native coastal
prairie. The park is recognized as
an important stopover site for
migratory land birds along the
central Texas coast.The boardwalk
leads out into an area where one
can find both songbirds and more
than 100 species of migrating birds.
A Brazilian pepper tree eradication
program has been ongoing and a
re-planting of more beneficial and
bird-friendly species is in progress.
The Port Aransas Nature
Preserve at Charlies Pasture
is a 1,200-acre site. It features
more than two miles of hike and
bike boardwalk and granite trails.
Covered seating sites along the
trails provide birders places from
which to watch. A viewing tower
overlooks the wetland areas
around Salt Island. The extensive
tidal flats provide feeding areas and
habitat for shorebirds including
endangered and threatened
species. There are two entrances,
one at the end of Port Avenue and
a new entrance on State Highway
361 near the airport.
28 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 29

Leave the driving to the shuttle

Dont have to have your own Museum on the Bay. Before getting
car or golf cart to get around? off the bus, it is recommended to
For 25 cents a passenger, you let the driver know where he/
can travel by shuttle throughout she can pick you up.The departing
most of Port Aransas, including trip back to Port Aransas, Monday
to Horace Caldwell Pier on the through Saturday, leaves from La
beach. Palmera Mall at 3:30 p.m.
The shuttle can be flagged Transfers are available to other
down at any location on the route buses in Corpus Christi.
and runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To catch a ride on the Flexi-B,
It is operated by Port Aransas call 749-4111 at least 24-hours
city employees via the Regional before your trip. If you have an
Transportation Authority (RTA) in urgent transportation need, the
Corpus Christi. Flexi-B also will accept requests
If youre looking to travel to for travel on a short notice, hence
Corpus Christi,you could catch the the name.
Flexi-B bus. From Monday through You can also visit CCRTA.
Friday, the bus departs from Port org for more information on the
Aransas at 7:30 a.m. and heads to Regional Transportation Authority
Del Mar College and to medical of Corpus Christi. Riders also may
and other appointments. Monday call (361) 289-2600.
through Thursday a trip departs at For more information about
the public transportation modes
10 a.m. to the La Palmera Mall. On in Port Aransas, visit the city site
Friday and Saturday, a trip leaves at www.cityofportrransas.org and
Port Aransas at 10 a.m. and goes click on the transportation link.
to the La Palmera Mall, the Corpus You also can refer to the Getting
Christi bayfront, Texas State Around section of this Visitors
Aquarium and the USS Lexington Guide on page 50.
30 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Back Porch Bar, 132 W.
Cotter Ave., on the harbor next
to Woodys Sports Center, 749-
2800. www.pabackporchbar.
com. Open daily from noon-2
a.m. Openair hangout where
you can watch anglers return
with the days catch while sipping
an ice-cold beverage. Live music
scheduled every weekend, full
bar. WiFi, leashed-dog friendly. H,
S, all major credit cards. (See ad
Page 32.)
Beach Lodge, 2016 On
The Beach, 749-5713, www.
thebeachlodge.net. Lounge
on the shaded deck of this
beachfront bar only 200 feet
from the Gulf of Mexico. Sip
your favorite cold beer, glass of
wine or soft drink. Select from a
full food menu or just snack on
appetizers. Open daily. H, NS, all
major credit cards.
Out On the tOwn
Behringers Landing,
905 State Hwy. 361, 749-2664,
behringerslanding.com. Opening
Spring 2016 from 11 a.m. to
midnight. Live music, open mic
for comedy. Raw bar, burgers,
pizza served till closing. Two
pool tables, outdoor patio with
bar where smoking is allowed. H,
NS, all major credit cards.
Bernies Beach House,
730 Trout St., 749-4440, www.
berniesbeachhouse.net. Hot
nightspot and cool day spot.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-
2 a.m., Sunday, noon-2 a.m. $1
draft beer during happy hour. Live
music, DJ, dancing, poker game
nightly and big TVs. Four full-
service inside bars and patio bar,
kitchen and gift shop. H, All major
credit cards. (See ad Page 31.)
Black Marlin Bar and Grill
at Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf
The James Little Band is among live acts that perform in Port Aransas.
Club, 258 Snapdragon, 749-4653
Ext. 4. blackmarlinbarandgrill.
com. Upstairs bar with Gulf
views. Call, see website for
hours. Moderate to expensive,
Coast Club, 1023 State
Hwy. 361, Suite A (in the Shops
of Port A) 749-JOES (5637).
www.Facebook.com/coastclub.
Sports bar, includes a patio and
flat screens. Occasional live
music, karaoke. Open 3 p.m.-2
a.m. daily, happy hour 5-6 p.m.
H, NS (smoking on patio.) All
major credit cards.
Drop Anchor Bar &
Grill, 118 Cut-Off Road.
(361) 945-9595. www.
dropanchorbarandgrill.com.
Open seating deck upstairs and
downstairs with views of the
ship channel and ferries. Open
Thursday, Sunday 11 a.m.-9
p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-
all credit cards. 10 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday,
C Bar at Cinnamon Shore, Wednesday. Full bar. Major
225 Grand Blvd. 749-0704. credit cards. (See ad Page 81.)
cinnamonshore .com/dining.
Poolside caf and bar. Open daily. Continued on Page 29
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 31
Continued from Page 28
Giggitys, 722 Tarpon St.,
749-3663. giggitys.com. Live
music nightly, food, pool table
and Golden Tee. Full bar. 11 a.m.-
2 a.m., seven days a week. H, All
major credit cards. (See ad Page
30).
Kodys Restaurant and
Bar, 2034 State Hwy 361, 749-
8226. kodysrestaurant.com.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2
a.m. Full bar, food, pool table,
putt-putt golf, big screen TVs. H,
All major credit cards. (See ad
Page 18.)
La Barataria Restaurant
and Wine Bar, 3500 Island
Moorings Parkway, 749-2212.
w w w. i s l a n d m o o r i n g s . c o m /
restaurant. Call for hours. Full bar.
Occasional live entertainment.
Moderate to expensive.Views of
the bay. H, NS, smoking allowed
outside only. All major credit
cards. (See ad Page 76.)
Lovetts Bar, 315 S.Alister St.,
in Alister Square Center across
from the Family Center IGA,
749-4466. This island watering
hole is open Monday-Saturday, 7
a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday noon-2 a.m.
Happy hours and drink specials.
21 & Up
361.416.1020
315 North Alister Street
Port Aransas, TX 78373
Raeanne Reed performs
during Sunset Sounds, a free
outdoor concert series held
from April through October
on the second Friday of the
month.
Live music, karaoke, pool tables,
shuffleboard, darts and video
games. S, H, MC,V.
Sandollar Sity Saloon,
3038 On the Beach, 749-5000.
sandollarsity.com. Just a few
feet from the water, between
Markers 15 and 16. Beer, wine
and set-ups. Open daily while
the rental office is open. H, NS,
Major credit cards.
Salty Dog Saloon, 230 N.
Alister St., 749-4912. Enjoy a mix
of country-western, blues and
Continued on Page 30
Open till 2am
Indoor and Outdoor Bar
14 Beers on Tap
Live Music
Multiple Patios
Dog Friendly Courtyard In Back
www.TreasureIslandPortA.com
TreasureIslandPortA
32 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 29
50s rock-n-roll with beer, wine
and liquor.This nightspot features
live entertainment, karaoke, pool
tables, shuffleboard, darts and
a full bar. Monday-Saturday 11
a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday noon-2 a.m.
S, H, MC,V, D.
Seaside Caf at
Cinnamon Shore, 749-0222,
cinnamonshore .com/dining.
Poolside bar and caf. Open
daily.
Shortys Place, 821
Tarpon St., 749-8077 (behind
the Coast Guard Station.)
shortysportaransas.com. Beer,
wine, liquor. Occasional live
entertainment, sometimes spur-
of-the-moment events. Darts
and regulation size pool tables.
Open daily until 2 a.m. Daily
happy hour. S, H. (See ad Page
30).
Stingrays Taphouse and
Grill , 401 Beach St., 749-BATS
(2287). stingraystaphouse.com.
Sports bar. Over 20 TVs, 11 ft.
main screen; watch all sports,
live music, pool, shuffleboard and
darts. Pet-friendly patio. Open
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday,
11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-
1 a.m. Closed Tuesday. Smoking
on patio. NS, H, all major credit
cards. (See ad Page 80).
The Flats Lounge, 801
Tarpon St., 749-1990, www.
facebook.com/FlatsLounge. Full
bar and cold beer. Live music
on weekends. Pool table, video
games and darts. Open daily until
2 a.m. Happy hour 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Must be 21 after 9 p.m. Major
credit cards. S.
The Gaff, 323 E. Beach St.,
749-5970, www.facebook.com/
pages/The-Gaff. This island-style
bar serves up cold beer, wine and
set-ups in a warm and friendly
atmosphere. Open weekdays 8
a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 8
a.m.-12 a.m., Sunday, 12 p.m-12
a.m. Dance to the jukebox, enjoy
a game of darts or munch on
freshly made pizza. Beer garden
in back. Live music. Belt sander
races the second and fourth
Saturday of the month (call for
times). H, Major credit cards.
The Phoenix Restaurant
and Bar, 337 N. Alister St., 749-
9277. www.facebook.com/pages/
The-Phoenix-Restaurant-and-
Bar. Premium indoor bar, outside
open-air bar. Open Wednesday-
Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9
p.m. Moderate to expensive.
Major credit cards.
The Tarpon Bar and Grill,
224 Cotter Ave. 749-1947, www.
thetarponbarandgrill.com. Open
daily. Bar open until 12 a.m.
on weekends. Inexpensive to
moderate. Major credit cards.
Tiki Bar at Moby Dicks
Restaurant, 517 S. Alister St.,
749-9447. mobydicksporta.com.
(See ad Page 7.)
Treasure Island, 315 N.
Alister St., (361) 416-1020. www.
treasureislandporta.com. Ages
21 and up. Live music, full bars
inside and out. Friendly leashed
dogs welcome on back patio.
Smoking on back patio only. All
major credit cards. NS,H. (See ad
Page 31.)
Trout Street Bar & Grill,
104 W. Cotter Ave., 749-7800.
tsbag.com. Enjoy the view
overlooking the harbor while
sipping a specialty frozen drink.
Big screen TVs. Call for hours. H,
All major credit cards.
VFW Post 8967, 311 N.
Alister St., 749-6534. You dont
have to be a veteran to enjoy this
bar that is open to the public.
Open noon-10 p.m. daily. Beer,
wine and set-ups. Pool tables,
shuffleboard and darts. H, S.
Virginias on the Bay,
815 Trout St., 749-4088, www.
virginiasportaransas.com. Watch
the boats come in with their
catches. Open daily. Sunday-
Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday,
Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Live
music on Friday and Saturday.
Beer, wine, full bar. All major
credit cards. H, NS.
Wild Horse Saloon & Grill,
212 Beach St., 749-0105. Local
bar with mixed drinks, beer and
wine. Outdoor deck, big screen
TVs, Golden Tee and darts. Open
daily at 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Live music
on weekends. Inexpensive. S, H,
All major credit cards.
Check ads in the weekly
editions of the South Jetty for
current entertainment listings or
call the individual establishments.
H: Handicap access; NS:
Nonsmoking; S: Smoking
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 33
34 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
UTMSI opens window on
areas underwater world
The University of Texas Marine
Science Institute (UTMSI) offers
the public insight through several
venues into the underwater
world that surrounds Port
Aransas.
The Visitor Center at UTMSI,
located off Cotter Avenue, has
exhibits, lectures and aquariums
that can give you a closer look at
The Estuary Explorium gives kids a chance to learn more about the
aquatic environment of the area.
whats going on and whats being
studied at the institute.
The institute was established
in 1941 and is the first
permanent marine laboratory in
Texas. The Visitor Center hosts
more than 40,000 visitors a year
and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
There are seven aquariums
that showcase marine habitats
near Port Aransas, ranging from
saltwater marshes to the floor
of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Estuary Explorium is
open Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on
Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is
home to about 950 square-feet
of exhibits that show the value
and transitional nature of the
estuarine environment.
The Visitor Center gift shop,
called the Ocean Emporium,
is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday and
sells apparel, toys, books, jewelry
and more.
Films are shown as part of
the Marine Science Education
Film and Discussion Series every
Tuesday and Thursday through
March 10 at 3 p.m. The films
are 10 to 45 minutes long and
include a 15 to 20 minute group
discussion at the end.
See the Island Agenda in
weekly issues of the South Jetty
for film titles.
For more information about
the Visitor Center, call (361)
749-6729.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 35

Free guided beach

walks are offered
on the fourth
Friday of each
month by the Port
Aransas Parks
and Recreation
Department.
Wear a hat and
sunscreen, and
bring water and
something to hold
the treasures you
collect.

Learn about treasures that

wash ashore at beach walks
Take advantage of the mild
spring mornings in Port Aransas
and go on a guided beach walk
along the shore.
These walks are offered the
fourth Friday of each month at
9 a.m.
A local expert, well-versed
in the local treasures leads the
walks where you can look for
the various treasures found
washed up in the surf.
Participants should meet
at the purple flag next to
Horace Caldwell Pier at the
end of Beach Street and wear
appropriate shoes, bring drinking
water, sunscreen and a container
to carry your treasures.
The City of Port Aransas Parks
and Recreation Department
sponsors the monthly event.
Watch issues of the South
Jetty for updates.
36 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Meet marine life at aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium
in Corpus Christi has
doubled its dolphin
quotient.
Liko and Schooner,
male Atlantic bottlenose
dolphins, arrived at the
aquariums Dolphin Bay
feature in January. They join
longtime aquarium dolphins
Kai and Shadow.
Liko and Schooner were
born at SeaWorld Orlando.
Both are 8 years old.
Were excited to welcome
Liko and Schooner to our
Aquarium family, said Tom
Schmid, president and CEO of
the aquarium. Their presence
will create new, socially-
enriching opportunities for
Kai and Shadow. Our dolphins
are tremendous ambassadors
for marine wildlife, creating
connections with our guests
that allow us to educate and
inspire hundreds of thousands
of people every year about the
importance of protecting and
conserving marine wildlife and
our oceans.
Located at 2710 N.
Shoreline Drive in Corpus
Christi, the aquarium is
easily accessible by U.S.
Hwy. 181.
In addition to the dolphin
area, a 125,000-gallon
exhibit holds sharks, moray
eels, amberjack, tarpon and
more. Outside, guests may
view birds, an alligator, a sea
otter and much more.
The aquariums Wild
Flight Show gives guests
close views of raptors,
hawks and other birds of
prey, while providing an
educational background
on these animals and
their wild counterparts.
Admission is free for
members during the first
year of membership. Deals
and perks that go along
with membership are listed
on the aquariums website,
www.texasstateaquarium.
org.
At press time, admission
for non-members was
$22.95 for adults (13 years
and older), $20.95 for
seniors and military and
$16.95 for children ages 3
to 12, Friday through Sunday.
Children 2 and younger
get in free. Discounted
prices on admission are
offered when tickets were
purchased online.
Specific ticket information
can be found at www.
texasstateaquarium.org/
plan-your-visit.
Parking costs $5.
The aquarium is open
daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
until Feb. 28, when hours
are extended to 6 p.m.
The aquarium can be
reached by phone at (361)
Get an up-close look at the sea creatures that inhabit the deep 881-1200 and (800) 477-
waters of the Gulf of Mexico. GULF.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 37

Waterpark to open
for season April 30
The new Schlitterbahn Riverpark
and Resort will open for the warm-
weather season on April 30, with
all of its rides finished, according to
Amy Gazin, a spokesman.
Located southeast of the
intersection of Park Road 22 and
State Hwy. 361, the water park has
been under construction for the
past few years.
The park includes a young
childrens play area, a swim-up
bar and a variety of water-fueled
rides such as a Boogie Bahn in will remain open on weekends
which folks ride a body board on a from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until May 27,
standing wave. daily hours will begin, according to
The facility also will include the the parks website. The daily hours
Schlitterbahn water park chains will vary.
signature looping Torrent Tidal In addition to North Padre
Wave River that customers will Island and Galveston, Schlitterbahn
ride while lying on floats. operates water parks inNew
Also on the grounds are a hotel, BraunfelsandSouth Padre Island.
a restaurant called The Veranda Delays in getting the entire park
and a golf course that was on the open over the past two years have
property before the water park been a result of the scope of the
construction began. project growing and financing
After opening April 30, the park issues slowing construction.

Gamble aboard a
casino ship at sea
Are you feeling lucky?
Docked at Tarpon Shores
Marina on Harbor Island,
the 155-foot Aransas Queen
Casino makes runs into the
Gulf of Mexico every day. The
marina is at 2200 State Hwy.
361. The Aransas Queen casino
The casino boat began ship makes two trips daily into
operations in 2015 the Gulf of Mexico.
Games include black jack,
craps, roulette, three-card
poker and more than 200 slot Cruises are from 11 a.m. to 5
machines. p.m. Monday through Thursday;
A virtual sports book allows 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to
guests to bet on sporting 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and
events worldwide, according noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
to the casino. Admission is $18 including
Guests get a complimentary tax Monday through Thursday.
meal on weekend cruises. The Its $27 Friday through Sunday.
meal is $8 on weekday cruises. For more information or to
The boat is home to three make reservations, call (877)
bars and indoor and outdoor 844-4725. Reservations also
dining and lounge areas. Folks can be made online at www.
also enjoy live music. aransasqueencasino.com.
38 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Park offers camping amenities
If youre looking relax on the
sand, go fishing or tip-toe in the
chilly winter Gulf of Mexico
waters, I.B Magee Beach Park is
the perfect spot.
From the third-floor
observation deck of the
$1.8-million headquarters, guests
are able to see the unforgettable
sight of a stretch of water that
seems to never end.
The park is open from 8 a.m.
to 10:30 p.m. every day located
between Cotter Avenue and
Beach Street and has plenty of
sand for beachgoers to camp on.
Primitive beach camping is
$12 per night, with access to
the beach shower house (four
quarters for four minutes)
and bathrooms on the beach.
Wireless Internet access,
climate-controlled restrooms
and laundry facilities also are
available for campers.
Overnight stays are $25 per
night for RVs.Tents can be rented
for $20 and include a water and
electric campsite with dump,
water and a shower. A limit of
three vehicles and up to eight
people are allowed to park near
tents and are required to have a
beach parking permit.
Day parking on the beach
from the south jetty to Horace
Caldwell Pier is under county
jurisdiction and is free (no beach
parking permit required). The
day use area along the park has
beachfront picnic tables and a
protected swim area free of
vehicular traffic. South from the
pier, a beach parking window
sticker is required at a cost of
$12 per year.
Campers and beach goers are
warned not to park their cars
within 50 feet of the waters
edge or to bring any glass to
the beach. These both violate
city ordinances and may result
in fines.
A weekly rate of $150 is
charged for RVs and tents rent
for $125 a week. Monthly rates
of $450 are offered between
Oct. 1 and March 31, but are
Set up camp for the day or the week at the I.B. Magee Jr. Beach Park
that is located on the beach between the south jetty and Horace
Caldwell Pier.
not available from April to
September.
The Horace Caldwell pier on
Beach Street is open 12 hours
a day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and
costs $2 to enter. Those who
would like to fish, but dont have
poles, may rent poles for $15,
(plus admission) and must pay a
$20 deposit that is refundable.
Each guest is limited to
four poles, for which they are
required to pay $2 per pole
brought on the pier.
Permits (tickets) that are given
after entering the pier expire the
following day at 5 a.m.
Children under six, law
enforcement and media are
admitted for free and senior
citizens and active military are
admitted for half price.
The pier has a restaurant,
Keepers, that serves lunch and
dinner and if interested in a
cold one, they have that too.
Fishing products, including poles,
bait and tackle are for sale, as
well as souvenirs and sundries.
Surfboard rentals also are
offered for those whod like to
hang 10.
The park, operated by the
Nueces County Coastal Parks
Department, was named in
memory of I.B. Magee Jr. He was
a Port Aransas resident who was
widely known for his community
support. Magee lived in a home
near the park, where he could
watch the sun rise over the Gulf
and enjoy the sight of visitors
enjoying the park.
For more information, call the
park office at (361) 749-6117. To
make a reservation, contact the
park office at (361) 749-6117 or
(888) 878-9126.You may contact
Keepers at (361) 749-5333.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 39
Beach rules designed for safety
Certain rules and a few
precautions should be taken to
make sure everyone stays safe
while at the beach.
The speed limit is 15 mph.
Offenders could be fined up to
$500.
Beachgoers also should
keep in mind that glass is not
permitted on the beach.
Campfires must be contained
in a grill, fire pit or hole in the
sand. The fire cannot be larger
than 3 feet wide, by 3 feet high
by 3 feet deep. Fires should be
put out with water and buried
in sand.
It is illegal to have fireworks
on the beach or anywhere in
Port Aransas, and that includes
sparklers. A parking permit is
required to park on the citys
beach. Permits may be purchased
from vendors on the beach,
the Port Aransas Chamber of
Commerce-Tourist Bureau
or at any Stripes convenience
store on the island. No permit is
required between mile markers
52 and 58 or at I.B. Magee Beach
Park, a county park within the
Port Aransas city limits.
A separate permit is required
for camping in RVs on the beach.
Parking is not permitted
within 300 feet of any beach
entrance or along the sand
dunes. Vehicles are not allowed
on the surf side of the wood
posts (bollards) that line much
of the beach. A city ordinance
prohibits vehicles from parking
or traveling within 50 feet of the
waters edge.
Garbage should be discarded
in garbage cans on the beach
(including snuffed cigarette
butts). Discarded tent or shade
structure frames should be left
next to a dumpster or trash bin,
not inside.
Dog owners must pick up
after their pets and keep them
on a leash. Do not leave your
dog in a hot car, as it could result
in an animal cruelty citation or
arrest. Dogs must have current
shots and wear a rabies tag. Port
Aransas pooches are required
to have city tags in addition to
rabies tags.
Alcohol consumption is
allowed on the beach except
for certain hours during Spring
Break. Motorists should not
have any alcoholic beverages
war sting can reduce the pain. and be careful not to become breaking free.
Benadryl or a similar over- dehydrated by drinking plenty Folks also should watch out
the-counter drug can also tone of water. for undertows, which can suck a
down the bodys reaction. The Gulf of Mexicos big beachgoers under water in front
Jellyfish stings that cause pain waves can hold swimmers under of waves, just before the waves
only at the site of the sting water, possibly thumping them break. If you get sucked under,
usually dont require trips to the against the hard sand bottom. relax and let the wave break
doctor, but call 911 if the patient Another hazard is a rip tide over you, and the undertow will
suffers from abdominal pain, a current that moves from shore let go after a few seconds.
coughing, nausea or swelling of toward the horizon and can Spring seawater temperatures
the tongue or lips. carry a swimmer far offshore. If can dip down into the 60s and
The beach can be a pleasure for Beachgoers should wear caught, swim parallel to shore, even lower, so dont stay in too
folks of all ages if beachgoers sunscreen and hats year round. not against the current, until long. Hypothermia can set in.
treat it with respect and follow
the rules that are designed with
safety in mind.
opened in the vehicle, as it could
result in a Class C misdemeanor.
A city ordinance prohibits
beachgoers from playing music
louder than 85 decibels at the
beach. For comparison, when an
airplane jet engine is running, its
roughly 140 decibels.
Pedestrians shouldnt
obstruct traffic on the roadway,
which means no walking in the
road, only crossing, police said.
Pedestrians also should stay out
of the sand dunes. Snakes are
known to lurk there.
If riding in the back of a truck,
you must be seated in the bed
of the truck. No part of your
body should extend beyond the
tailgate, which means no sitting
on the tailgate or on the sides
of the truck.
The beach isnt generally a
treacherous place, but there are
a few sea animals that can make
things unpleasant if you dont
watch out.
A stingray can deliver a
painful sting by slapping a victim
with its long tail and puncturing
the flesh with its barb.
Stingrays sting when they
feel threatened, such as when a
wader accidentally steps on one.
Avoid this by shuffling your feet
while wading.
Dr. Bruce Russell, of Port
Aransas, said anyone hit by a
stingray should immediately
get to a doctor. If the stingrays
barb remains in the wound, the
doctor will need to get it out
and clean the wound. A tetanus
shot and an antibiotic might be
required, Russell said.
Man-of-war jellyfish also
can deliver stings with their
tentacles. Pouring fresh water
and then vinegar on a man-of-
40 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Cart or car, rules the same

Golf carts have become highly
popular in Port Aransas, with
many dozens of them chugging
along the towns streets on
almost any given day.
But lets do it right. Various
laws apply to golf cart use.
Carts must have up-to-date
registrations with the City of
Port Aransas. City hall issues
license plates. Registration costs
$50 each year for residents and
$100 for non-residents.
In December last year, the
Port Aransas City Council
passed an ordinance designed
to make more golf cart drivers
comply with traffic laws.
The ordinance includes
language requiring that stickers
listing major rules of the road
be prominently posted on golf
carts.
The ordinance also creates
a definition of golf cart rental
businesses and included
businesses that provide golf
carts as part of a short-term
lodging rental deal.
The ordinance requires that
all golf cart rental businesses
provide a written contract that
is signed by customers and that
major rules of the road are
included on the contract.
While golf cart rental
businesses already provide such
forms, some short-term rental
agencies dont, and the city is
seeking to make sure they start
doing that as a way to see to it
that more golf cart drivers are
aware of the rules of the road.
In addition to not being
allowed to drive on State Hwy.
361 south of Avenue G, golf
cart operators like drivers of
regular vehicles are prohibited
from drinking and driving.
Its illegal to drive carts on
public sidewalks, pedestrian Theyre cute and fun, but golf carts are viewed just as any licensed vehicle and the same rules apply.
walkways, playgrounds, public
parks and school grounds. between the wooden bollards pull to one side of the road, if Only people with drivers
Carts are allowed on the and head down to the waters it can be done safely, if theyre licenses may legally operate golf
beach roadway, but its against edge. holding up traffic, according to carts on city streets. That means
a city ordinance to drive them Slow-moving golf carts should police. no kids behind the wheel.

Explore a Palette of Possibilities

Fishing, museums, birding, history plus

nature walks, aquarium, art and shopping.
1-800-242-0071. www.rockport-fulton.org
@ visitrockportfulton
1-800-242-0071 Photo by Maria Nesbit
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 41

Surfs up year-round
With air and water
temperatures warming up, spring
is a great time of year to go
surfing in Port Aransas.
Waters during the spring
often take on a beautiful emerald
green color, and periodic
northerly winds are known to
sculpt waves into just the shapes
that surfers like.
Several beach-oriented
businesses in Port Aransas offer
surfboards for rent and for sale.
Surfing lessons also are available,
for a fee.
When the wind is blowing
hard, kite surfers and windsurfers
favor the area between the south
jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier. Surfers and stand-up paddleboarders take to the the waves in the
Some words of caution for Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Port Aransas year round.
beginners:
Always wear a surf leash surfers far from shore. (If you or get into collisions with the
a plastic cord that tethers a get caught in one, swim parallel experienced surfers who ride
surfboard to a surfers ankle. to shore until you get free from there.
For safety, beginners should the current. Dont try to swim All surfers should exercise
consider renting surfboards with directly against a rip tide.) extreme caution when the surf
soft foam exteriors rather than Consider surfing a distance is big. Beginners should consider
hard boards made of fiberglass from Horace Caldwell Pier. not entering the water at all.
or plastic. You might accidentally run into
Watch out for rip tides the piers concrete pilings, get
that can carry swimmers and tangled in an anglers fishing line

Ferries run 24/7

365 days a year
The Port Aransas ferry
system is building a new ferry
and planning new traffic stacking
lanes on Mustang Island.
The ferry fleet consists of
eight vessels, six of which carry
up to 20 vehicles. Two of the
ferries carry up to 28 vehicles.
A new 28-car ferry is under
construction.Work on the $8.99
million vessel has begun, and
total construction time has been
estimated at 18 to 24 months.
In addition, engineers are in
the process of putting plans
together for new stacking lanes
where vehicles will wait for
ferries on the Mustang Island
side of the Corpus Christi
Ship Channel. Theres been no
word on when the lanes will be
finished.
The ferry system, which
charges no fee to cross, operates
24 hours a day, every day. No
vehicles carrying hazardous
waste are allowed on the vessels,
however.
Wait times for ferries are
displayed on electronic message
boards on Harbor Island and on
The Island Road. The times are
updated approximately every
three minutes.
You also can check the length
of time waiting for ferries by
going to www.portasouthjetty.
com and clicking on ferry wait
times.
Motorists can call the ferry
operations center at (361) 749-
2850.
42 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Art rises from beach at SandFest

More than 100,000 visitors
will converge on the beach for
the 20th annual Texas SandFest
on Friday through Sunday, April
29 through May 1.
In addition to soaking up the
sun, visitors will watch master
sand sculptors from all around
the world create giant sand
sculptures on the beach in Port
Aransas.
Masters will begin on Friday,
April 29, and have three days to
complete their sculpture in solo
or duo divisions.
In addition, hundreds of
amateurs of all age groups are
invited to compete on Saturday.
The festival is family oriented
and there are a number of
activities to keep everyone
entertained.
Demo Mountain, a mountain
of sand piled high for the event
will be sculpted on Thursday
as a warm-up for the master
sculptors. The sculpture will
offer a unique view from all sides.
Lesson Mountain, where free
sand sculpting lessons will be
offered for anyone with a desire
to learn the art of sand sculpting,
will be on the beach. Instruction
from professional sculptors will
be available all three days of the
event.
In addition, more than 100
vendors will sell food and a
variety of merchandise. Live
music also will be performed
throughout the event.
Admission to SandFest is $5
per person for the entire three-
day event.
For more information or
to enter the event visit www.
texasandfest.com.
Watch the weekly editions
of the South Jetty newspaper
for more information about
SandFest and everything else
that goes on in Port Aransas.
Budding sand sculptors can
get free lessons on site in
the amateur area during
the three-day SandFest,
scheduled this year fro April
29 through May 1.

Master sculptors work for days creating the demo mountain with logos of SandFest sponsors.

Master sculptor Bill Dow of Billings, Mont., works on his sculpture

during the solo competition of the 2015 SandFest. Demo mountain,
with logos of festival sponsors is in the background.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 43

Celebrate art in May

May brings a celebration of
art and music to Port Aransas.
The Port Aransas Art Center
hosts the month of events
beginning on Friday, May 6, with
the First Friday Reception.
The Arte de Mayo group
show is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at
the art center, 323 N. Alister St.
A fundraising dinner and
auction, the 9th annual Fiesta de
Mayo, is set for Friday, May 13.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
at the Civic Center, 700 W. Ave.
A.
Watch weekly editions of the Art afficionados stroll the grounds of the 2015 ArtFest at Roberts
South Jetty to find out when Point Park. This years event is May 14 and 15.
tickets go on sale for the event.
The 11th annual ArtFest also The open-air market is jointly Showcase outdoor concert is
is held that same weekend. sponsored with the Port Aransas co-sponsored by the art center
The celebration of fine Chamber of Commerce-Tourist and the chamber. The time and
arts and crafts will be held on Bureau. Artists from all over location of the event have yet to
Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and the United States and beyond, be determined.
15. offering a variety of items in Watch weekly editions of the
Vendors booths will fill various mediums for sale, will be South Jetty for more information
Roberts Point Park. On Saturday spotlighted at the event. on these events.
the event will run from 10 a.m. Music lovers are not forgotten Each event benefits the art
until 5 p.m., and Sunday it runs in the months festivities. center, which is a 501(c)(3) non-
10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The 33rd annual Songwriters profit corporation.
44 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Course open to public

Fore!
Located south of Beach
Access Road 1A along State
Hwy. 361, the golf course at
Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf
Club is open to the public 364
days a year, closed only on
Christmas Day.
Its an Arnold Palmer
Signature course. That means
the pro golf legend kept an
eye on the project throughout
design and construction.
A clubhouse and restaurant
opened on the grounds in 2014.
Construction of new homes
along the course is ongoing.
The course has a Scottish
links-style design featuring
rolling fairways, deep stacked-
wall bunkers, tightly mowed The Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club is a links-style Arnold
approaches and quick-rolling Palmer Signature golf course, the design of which was overseen by
greens. The par 71 course the professional golf great.
measures approximately 7,000
yards from the back tees and a are connected to the remaining offers several levels of green fees
more modest 6,500 from the 15 holes on the east side of the from standard to senior, junior,
regular mens tees. highway by a golf cart bridge. military and twilight rates.
The first three holes, on the The course, open to the public, Call (361) 749-4653.
west side of State Hwy. 361,

3BR/3BA at Lost Colony

Accurate online booking

24/7 customer support
Competitive rates Enjoy the Gulf breeze and the challenge of the links-style Palmilla
4BR/3.5BA Boardwalk to Beach Beach Resort and Golf Club that opened in Port Aransas in 2008.
No security deposits
Digital lock check-in
Informative guest app
3BR/3BA at Cinnamon Shores

Port As Premier Vacation Rental Service

Offering the best collection of fully furnished homes, condos & duplexes

Visit us online to view our properties and make reservations

TurnKeyVR.com | 888-512-0498
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 45

Walking trails criss-cross the Nature Preserve at Charlies Pasture that abuts the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

Walk on the wild side

If youre hearing the call of Its crisscrossed by trails and The preserve has no entry fee,
the wild, its probably coming boardwalks. It also has shade but city officials ask that visitors
from the Port Aransas Nature structures and observation observe certain city ordinances
Preserve at Charlies Pasture. towers. to keep the preserve unspoiled.
The 1,271-acre nature The main access point is at Among those rules: Motorcycles
preserve lies between the the foot of Port Street. Another and ATVs are not allowed.
Corpus Christi Ship Channel, entry point is at the foot of an Camping and shooting also are
Port Aransas Community unnamed road that branches illegal. No dogs are allowed past
Park, State Hwy. 361 and Piper off State Hwy 361, across the certain marked points, and all
Channel. highway from the Island Hotel. pets must remain on leashes.

Island history is on tour

The Port Aransas Museum
offers visitors a chance to see a
bit of history with an outing to the
Chapel on the Dunes the first and
third Saturday of each month.
Located in the sand dunes 26
feet above sea level, the one-room
chapel is the oldest consecrated
church on Mustang Island.
The family of Aline Carter, then
poet-laureate of Texas, built the
chapel in the 1930s.
Carter shared non-
denominational Bible stories
and ice cream with Port Aransas
children.
Permission was granted to the
museum to conduct the tours due
to the generosity of Frank Carter
and Aubrey and the late David The tour directors ask that and an interview with Cobb
Carter. Frank and David are the guests arrive at the museum by is available for viewing at the
sons of Aline Carter. David Carter 9:15 a.m. to take the tour. museum.
died in 2013. Chapel docents will tell stories Visit the chapel website www.
The popular tours are limited to
10 people each, and reservations
about the chapel history.
Visitors also will see frescoes
chapelonthedunes.com for more
information. Books Posters Fishing Maps
are required.
Visit the Port Aransas Museum
that cover the interior walls
and ceiling of the chapel. Austin
The Port Aransas Museum, 101
E. Brundrett St., is open Thursday
& Lots More Cool Stuff
or call 749-3800 at least one day in
advance to make your reservation.
artist John Cobb painted the
frescoes, depicting the history of
through Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information about the 141 W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas
Leave a name and telephone Christianity. museum, visit portaransasmuseum. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
number to get on the tour list. A video of the chapel history org.
46 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 47
48 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Whooping crane festival is all

about birds and conservation
Birders and nature lovers will Other ongoing festival events For more information, visit
descend on Port Aransas for the include a nature-related trade the festival website at www.
20th annual Whooping Crane show and daily boat trips to San whoopingcranefestival.org or
Festival, scheduled for Thursday Jose Island. call the chamber (361) 749-5919.
through Sunday, Feb. 25 through
28.
Originally named the
Celebration of Whooping
Cranes and Other Birds, the
A volunteer participates in the Adopt-a-Beach cleanup in 2015. festival sponsored by the
Port Aransas Chamber of
Commerce-Tourist Bureau
celebrates its 20th year with the
traditional activities everyone
has come to enjoy and some
special events.
The festival, headquartered
at the Port Aransas Civic
Center, 700 W. Ave. A, benefits
the conservation of whooping
cranes.
Special guest speakers, guided
walking tours, van and boat
tours, photography field trips Birding trips, boat tours, photography workshops, speakers and
and various workshops are more fill the three-day schedule of the Whooping Crane Festival. The
scheduled for the four days of annual event is hosted by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-
the festival. Tourist Bureau.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 49
50 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Tour, learn at Wetlands Education Center
The wetlands play an
important role in Texas
Coastal Bend wildlife and
conservation.
At the Wetlands Education
Center (WEC), visitors can
see 3.5 acres of wetlands and
also have the chance to learn
about them.
The WEC is located near
the University of Texas
at Austin Marine Science
Institutes Visitor Center,
located off of Cotter Avenue,
near the beach, and is open
Monday through Friday, from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays
and Thursdays, weather
permitting, free guided tours
are available at 10 a.m. and
start at the entrance. Self-
guided tours also are available,
and the center is handicapped-
accessible.
The wetlands are man-
made and are located next to
sand dunes that help protect
the island from storm surges,
and are part of the 185,000-
Folks can take a guided tour of the Wetlands Education Center every
Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. The WEC is located off Cotter
Avenue next to the UTMSI Vistor Center.
acre Mission-Aransas National
Estuarine Research Reserve.
The Corpus Christi Ship
Channel helps nourish the
marsh and sea grasses planted
around the WEC.
The WECs habitat is a good
spot to observe birds including
gulls, terns, herons, hawks and
pelicans. Green sea turtles,
fish and crabs can sometimes
be seen from the bridge.
The interior boardwalks are
closed to the public, but can
be accessed on a guided tour.
Guests and visitors are asked
to stay on the surrounding
boardwalk.
Several kiosks in the WEC
have displays describing the
plants and wildlife youll see
in the area. Look for the
geodetic marker on your right
when you enter the wetlands.
Keep up with
whats going on in
Port Aransas
Subscribe to the
South Jetty in Print,
Online or Both
www.portasouthjetty.com
or (361) 749-5131
The marker provides distances
to other National Estuarine
Research Reserves throughout
the United States.
For questions about the
guided tours, contact Carolyn
GettingAround
BY WATER
Ferryboats run 24 hours a
day, seven days a week all year
long crossing the Corpus Christi
Ship Channel to and from Port
Aransas and Harbor Island. Free.
(Story Pg 41.)
Jetty Boat transports
fishermen and beachcombers
to St. Josephs Island from
Fishermans Wharf, $12 adults, $6
children under 12. 900 N. Tarpon
St., 749-5448. (Ad Pg. 91.)
BY LAND
A shuttle makes a 60-minute
circular route from the Pioneer
RV Resort on the south side of
town through Roberts Point
Park on the north end of town
including the University of Texas
Marine Science Institute, Horace
Caldwell Pier and the Leonabelle
Turnbull Birding Center. Riders
may flag down the shuttle
anywhere along the route, which
is marked by colorful signs.
The Regional Transportation
Authority charges a 25-cent fare
for the shuttle. (Story Pg. 29.)
Maps are available at the
Chamber of Commerce-Tourist
Bureau and City Hall. Daily
service 10 a.m.-5:52 p.m.
Call the city at 749-4111 for
current times and stops.
Flexi-B, operated by the City
of Port Aransas in conjunction
with the Regional Transportation
Authority, provides medical,
shopping and sightseeing trips
to Corpus Christi. Call City Hall,
749-4111, for route information.
Gulf Coast Taxi, 749-
0850. Offers 24-hour service
in town and to airport; grocery,
medication deliveries. (Ad Pg. 64)
City Cab, 749-5858, will
deliver folks and food from local
establishments 24 hours a day.
Ash Cart Rental,
2700 S. 11th St., (361) 244-
1020.
Beachya Kart Rentals, 721
State Hwy. 361, (361) 443-6566.
Big Shell Bike Shop, 403 N.
Alister, 749-8479. Sales, Rentals,
repairs.
Brons Beach Carts, 314
E. Ave. G, (361) 290-7143.
Rose, (361) 749-5153.
For more information
on the Wetlands Education
Center, contact Nicole Pringle
at (361) 749-3153 or email,
npringle@austin.utexas.edu.
facebook.com/beachcarts, www.
bronsbeachcarts.com. (See Ad
Pgs. 26-27.)
Cars & Carts, 325 E. Ave.
G, 749-1655. Street legal beach
buggies with large sand tires and
lifts.
Coastal Eds Coastal
Cruisers & More, 513 N. Alister
St., 749-7001, www.portagolfcar.
com. (Ad Pgs. 46-47.)
Deep Sea Headquarters,
440 W. Cotter Ave. 739-8292 or
749-5597. (Ad Pg. 17.)
Island Surf Rentals, 124 E.
Ave G, 749-0822. Beach carts,
kayaks, surfboards, bikes. (Ad Pg.
87.)
Paradise Cart Rentals, 428
S. Alister St., 749-3003. (Ad Pg.
39.)
Port A Beach Buggies, 1115
Hwy 361, Ste. D. 749-2066. Rent
buggies or scooters hourly, 1/2
day or full day rentals. (Ad Pg. 43.)
Texas Red Golf Carts &
More, 311 Sea Isle Drive, 749-
5400. Featuring all new EZGO
gas golf carts.
The Cart Store, 107 Cut
Off Road, 749-5560, (888) 411-
2278. (See Ad Pgs. 52-53.)
The Saltwater Line, 2131
State Hwy. 361, 749-0070.
To the Beach Kartz, W
Ave. G, 749-0778.
BY AIR
Mustang Beach Airport,
across SH 361 from Beach
Access Road 1A. The 3,500
x 5-foot lighted airstrip is
under the jurisdiction of the
City of Port Aransas. Call
749-4008 weekday mornings.
Self-service fuel available with
credit card. Automated Weather
Observation Service (AWOS),
call 749-0537. (See story Pg. 69.)
International Airport,
Corpus Christi. Rent a car or
take a taxi or airport limousine to
Port Aransas. About a 40-minute
ride from the airport to Port
Aransas.
Stokes Aviation, Air taxi/
shuttle service from Mustang
Beach Airport to Corpus Christi
International Airport and to all
points in Texas. (281) 808-1515.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 51
Tennis: Pick up a
game just for fun
Tennis players can have their
fill of the game in Port Aransas
on recently resurfaced tennis
courts, four of which will be
illuminated by new lights.
An informal group plays
casual tennis matches five times
a week at no charge at the
tennis courts across from Port
Aransas High School on Station
Street. In addition to the four
lighted courts, there are four
unlighted courts.
Tennis players meet Monday,
Wednesday and Friday
mornings as well as Monday and
Wednesday evenings for pick-
up games of doubles. Visitors
always are welcome to join
them.
Tennis players will find no
court fees, no league fees and
lots of tennis. Just bring water,
your racket and some tennis
balls.
Knowledge of the game and
the ability to keep the ball in
play are the only requirements.
Players gather for mens,
womens and/or mixed doubles
(it depends on who shows up)
at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. Evening matches
are played on Monday and
Wednesday at 7 oclock. You Pick up a game of tennis at
dont even need a partner as the Port Aransas High School
players are randomly paired and courts.
usually switch throughout the
matches.
Another project of the tennis
group is the annual Winter Old-
Lympics Tennis Tournament in
February. The tournament pairs
local residents with Winter
Texans whose combined ages
add up to 100 or more. Its
a two-day tournament with
mixed, mens and womens
brackets and an awards pot-luck
dinner when its all over.
For updates, watch the weekly
editions of the South Jetty, and
for more information, call Murray
Judson at (361) 749-4861.
52 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

The Cart Store in Port Aransas

CELEBRATING
The
Cart Store

.
in Rockport
NEW & USED
SALES SERVICE
4211 HWY. 35 S., ROCKPORT

(361) 727-1500
Factory Authorized Dealer For MON - FRI 8AM - 6PM
SAT 10AM - 5PM

www.TheCartStoreRockport.com More CARTS!

NEW 2016 GAS CARTS More Super
SPECIALS!
STARTING AT $4,995.00
4 YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY

HUGE SELECTION MORE PARTS AND ACCESSORS

OF USED GAS CARTS
STARTING AT $3,995.00 THAN EVER BEFORE
CUSTOM CARTS .
If you can dream it, we can create it!
CUSTOM PAINT . . . SEATS LIFTS BACK SEATS
FINANCING
AVAILABLE
 2016 Spring Visitors Guide 53

s
G our move MOVING
to our new location SALE!
with more space and inventory!
The
OVER 300 CARTS Cart Store
to CHOOSE from
starting at $4,995
in

.
Port Aransas
.
ACCESSORIES SALES
SERVICE PARTS
MOVING TO OUR NEW LOCATION
445 W. COTTER, PORT ARANSAS
8AM -9PM
(888) 411 C-A-R-T 7 DAYS A WEEK
Factory Authorized Dealer For

(361) 749-5560
www.TheCartStorePortAransas.com

THE ONLY FACTORY AUTHORIZED

CART DEALER AROUND!

Dont buy an OLD, BEAT UP golf cart

thats been RENTED & WRECKED!
Buy a new or completely refurbished cart from the Cart Store!
54 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Newcomer? Heres some help
If you have just moved to
Port Aransas, the following list
of utilities and city services and
contact information will be helpful
to get settled into life on the island.
Water:
Port Aransas gets its water
through the Nueces County Water
Control and Improvement District
No. 4 (NCWCID #4). The office is
on Ninth Street, which is east of
Alister Street between Avenue C
and Avenue G. The phone number
is 749-5201. Sewer service also is
handled on the same bill with your
water.
Just go by, or give them a call,
to find out the amount of deposit
required, and the monthly billing
procedures. Information may also
be found on the website www.
ncwcid4.org.
When you sign up for water
service, you are automatically
put on the list for city sanitation
service.
Garbage:
The City of Port Aransas
contracts with a private garbage
collection service, Republic
Services, for residential garbage
collection. Republic provides
residents with 95-gallon toters. Call
city hall, at 749-4111, to determine
Building or the collection days for your
neighborhood and if you have toter
questions. The cost of pickup for a
Remodeling?
single toter is $31.90 per month
or a senior rate of $29.90 for
customers ages 65 plus.Verification
of age is required via driver license.
Think
Senior rate is not applicable
for rental property. Toters are
designed for household garbage
and lawn trimmings. Materials such
Natural Gas as hazardous waste arent allowed
in them.
The city also participates in
a residential recycling program.
Plastic, aluminum, tin cans, non-
Clean , Safe , Efficient corrugated cardboard boxes and
newspapers (no glass) are picked
up on Mondays. Stop by city
& hall, 710 W. Ave. A, to pick up a
recycling bin and a brochure that
Most Economical explains what is acceptable.
Condominium residents may
recycle plastic, aluminum, tin, paper
and cardboard by taking them to
For More Information Call: the city garbage collection station,
1430 Ross Ave., from 8 a.m. to
noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday
City of Port Aransas Gas Dept. through Saturday, and from 10 a.m.
(361) 749-4111
to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The city also contracts Republic
Services to pick up brush and bulky
items, if limbs are properly cut and
stacked at the curb. Brush and
These smiling folks will help you find your way and answer your
questions. Stop in at city hall or call them at 749-4111.
bulky items must be separated for
pick up, scheduled on Monday and
Tuesday. Do not stack items under
power lines; this causes a safety
issue with the automated trucks.
Port Aransas residents may use
the citys garbage collection station
free of charge twice a month,
for residential garbage only, by
presenting a city garbage bill.
For more information about
garbage disposal and recycling,
go to the city website www.
cityofportaransas.org/Utilities.cfm.
Gas:
Natural gas is provided by
the city. Stop by city hall to make
arrangements.
For more information on
gas services and an application,
go to the city website www.
cityofportaransas.org/gas.cfm.
Electricity:
For electrical service, you may
call the provider of your choice.
Telephone:
CenturyLink provides local
telephone service. To order new
service, call (800) 201-4099. Check
listings in the phone book for other
telephone or Internet services.
Schools:
Port Aransas also offers a
full-curriculum school district.
Instruction begins at pre-
kindergarten for children who are
age 4 by Sept. 1, and continues
through grade 12. The district is
classified as a 2A school, and rated
Recognized by the Texas Education
Agency.
Students from area districts
may apply for admission to PAISD.
The school administration office
can be reached at 749-1200 for
information about enrolling.
Port Aransas residents also
are eligible for enrollment in
Seashore Learning Center and
Middle Academy, charter schools
on North Padre Island serving
grades one through eight. For more
information visit www.seashore.
esc2.net.
The University of Texas Marine
Science Institute was established
in 1941. UTMSI is Texas first
permanent marine laboratory. The
Institute is part of The University of
Texas at Austin, College of Natural
Sciences. It is an international
research facility with undergraduate
and graduate programs for marine
science located in Port Aransas.
EMS:
Emergency medical care is
available through the city-operated
Emergency Medical Service by
dialing 911. The city provides a
24-hour staffed service, with a
second ambulance available. The
department employs three full-
time paramedics, three full-time
EMT-basic, a billing clerk, contract
and volunteer paramedics and
EMTs.
Police:
Port Aransas is served by a city
police department (749-6241 for
non-emergency calls) The police
department can be reached in an
emergency by dialing 911.
Fire:
The citys fire department is
staffed by volunteers and equipped
with nine trucks. The fire station
is located on Avenue C, between
Ninth and 10th streets. Dial 911
to reach the fire department in an
emergency.
Newspaper:
Port Aransas also is served by a
weekly newspaper, the South Jetty.
It is locally owned and operated.
The South Jetty is a member of
regional, state and national press
associations. Published each
Thursday, the South Jetty covers
news of Port Aransas and Mustang
Island and is available by mail or
online with a paid subscription,
or from newsstands throughout
town and on North Padre Island.
To subscribe to the South Jetty
call (361) 749-5131 or go to www.
portasouthjetty.com.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 55

Marvel at Eight Wonders of Port Aransas

The Eight Wonders of Port
Aransas were established by the
Port Aransas Preservation and
Historical Association several
years ago in conjunction with
the non-profit organizations
Old Town Festival. The self-
guided tour, which showcases
some of the most remarkable
structures and institutions in
town, has become a PAPHA
staple.
Here they are: Farley Boat Works
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Built in the 1850s, the tower
has a long history that includes Contact the Port Aransas
Preservation and Historical Tarpon Inn
hurricane strikes and an attack
by Confederate soldiers during Association at 749-3800
Little Chapel on the Dunes
the Civil War.
Located on Harbor Island
and accessible only by boat, the
property is owned by Charles
Butt, owner of the H-E-B
grocery store chain. It is not
open to the public.
The jetties
It took five separate efforts
over nearly 50 years to build L:ast boat
the north and south jetties
well enough to stand up to
the natural forces of the Gulf
of Mexico. The attempts took
place between 1862 and 1910.
The Tarpon Inn
No other building in Port
Aransas has survived for so
long. First built in 1886, the Port Aransas Museum Lydia Ann Lighthouse
hotel has been heavily damaged
by fire and hurricanes, but
its still doing business today UTMSIs emblem
on Cotter Avenue between
Station and Alister streets. Built in 1937 by Aline Carter,
The University of Texas the poet laureate of Texas, this
Marine Science Institute tiny structure has remained
Founded in 1941, UTMSI has atop a high sand dune near the
grown from a one-room shack intersection of 11th Street and
on a dock to a multi-million- Avenue B for more than 80
dollar complex of laboratories. years.
Research by scientists at the In the 1970s, artist John Cobb
institute has extended around painted Biblical scenes all over
the world over the years, the ceiling in an effort that took
resulting in groundbreaking three years.
discoveries. Many graduate The Last Boat
students have earned their The last boat ever built at
doctoral degrees at UTMSI. Farley Boat Works in the early
The Port Aransas Museum North, south jetties 1970s now is the roof of a Port
The building that houses Aransas building.
the museum in the 400 block towns Life Saving Station (now The Farley family built their Avenue C near Cut-Off Road The boat owner turned the
of North Alister Street was the U.S. Coast Guard) and later iconic boats in Port Aransas a few years ago and restored hull upside down and attached it
brought to Mustang Island as became a home to a number of from 1915 to 1970. the building. Today, Farley Boat to the top of a shop building.
a kit house just after the 1916 families over a period of more PAPHA resurrected Farley Works personnel will help you Its next to a residence at
hurricane struck. It replaced than eight decades. Boat Works when it purchased build your own wooden boat. 1301 Ninth St., near the rear of
the structure that housed the Farley Boat Works a former Farley Boat site on Little Chapel on the Dunes the post office.
56 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Boat works is building history

About 100 years ago in Port Preservation and Historical Farley Boats arent the only
Aransas, Charles Frederick Fred Association acquired the old boats the boat works is crafting.
Farley found himself blessed Farley Boat Works building on The non-profit organization
with the capacity to supply the Avenue C and renovated it. also is working to build a
circumstance of the demand to The operation has been revived, schooner on a lot adjacent to
create a successful business. The and Farley boats once again are the boat works that is leased
business was boat building. rolling out the front door. This from the city.
Soon after the turn of the provides the opportunity for The schooner is to be a replica
century, Farley, a skilled wood local youths to participate in a of one of the kinds of ships that
craftsman and boat builder living craft of their forefathers.The new sailed in Port Aransas 100 years
in Alabama, received a message boat works also turns out skiffs ago. PAPHA officials have talked
from a brother in Port Aransas.
He described Port Aransas as a
sport-fishing village that lacked a
powerboat for tarpon fishing in
the choppy sea conditions of the
Aransas Pass. Freds brother said
a boat builder could make a living
providing marine products to the
local boatmen (as fishing guides
are called).
So, Fred moved to Port
Aransas. In 1915, he opened the
Farley Boat Works. Little did this
master boat-builder know that he
was also opening a new chapter
in the history of this community.
The all-wood boats that Farley
and his sons, Jim and Fred Jr.,
produced became legendary
the icon of the grand tarpon
era. Many a VIP fished aboard
Farley boats, from the author of
the definitive tarpon book of the
day to an American president,
Franklin D. Roosevelt. Freds
other son, Don, was one of the
boatmen distinguished by guiding
the President on the famous
1937 tarpon trip.
The boatmen wanted a fishing
machine that had relatively low
sides to facilitate landing the
hard-fighting tarpon: Farley boats (rowboats) characteristic of the about putting the tall ship in
had low gunwales. They also watercraft the boatmen first used the citys marina and allowing
wanted a product that could during the tarpon era. visitors to get on board and go
handle choppy water: Farley Farley Boat Works is open on PAPHA-led sailing trips.
boats smoothed out rough water Tuesday through Saturday from A historical group out of
with a hard chine (angular vs. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anahuac called the Scow
rounded hull design) having an The boat works also offers Schooner Project donated the
afterward center of gravity. boat building workshops and hull to PAPHA. The Anahuac
Other than marine motors, classes throughout the year, group tried to build a whole
Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler according to Frank Coletta, schooner that would be a
automobile engines (often Farley Boat Works manager. historical replica, but only got
provided by the customer for When you see a Farley the hull built before calling it
cost savings) powered Farley launched in the next few years, quits due to a lack of funds.
boats. Farley Boat Works had know that you are watching The museum also hosts
locations southeast of the Coast the revival of a piece of history Second Saturday parties at
Guard station, just off Mercer near and dear to the fishing Farley Boat Works with food and
Street, and on Avenue C. The segment of Port Aransas -- and music among the boats. Watch
works ceased operations circa Aransas Pass, and Ingleside, and the weekly editions of the South
1975. Rockport, and Corpus Christi, Jetty for updates on the second
In 2011, the Port Aransas and San Antonio. Saturday of the month event.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 57

Fishing? Dont get caught without a license

Port Aransas waters offer some
great fishing.
But lets do it right.
New fishing and hunting
licenses are required each year
by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. Such licenses (except
for the year-to-date fishing license)
expire every Aug. 31.
Licenses may be purchased
at Port Aransas locations,
including charter-fishing agencies,
convenience stores and the Family
Center IGA. Licenses also may
be purchased online through the
TPWD website (http://www.
tpwd.state.tx.us/) or by calling
(800) 895-4248. A $5 convenience
fee is charged for either option,
and a major credit card is required.
Call center hours for license
sales are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday. The online
transaction system is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
A license confirmation number
is issued at the time of purchase
for online and phone orders,
and the physical license is mailed
separately. Confirmation numbers
will verify that a license has been
purchased, which is sufficient for
dove hunting, but will not allow
hunters to take fish or wildlife that
require a tag.
A one-day fishing license costs
$11 for residents and $16 for
non-residents. One-day licenses
dont have to be purchased on
the date of intended use. They
can be bought ahead of time but
would be good only for the date
specified on the license.
Anglers may purchase as many
one-day licenses as they wish. No
additional freshwater or saltwater
stamp endorsements are required
with the one-day licenses. One
Bonus Red Drum Tag will be
available for free with the purchase
of the first one-day license.
Also available is the senior
resident hunting license and the
youth hunting license, each of
which may be purchased for a
$7 fee. Both resident and non-
Lots of folks enjoy surf fishing. Just make sure that you have your
fishing license along as part of your equipment.
resident youths under 17 qualify
for the youth hunting license.
Senior Resident Fishing License
Packages allow resident senior
definition of senior citizen and
waived.
citizens to fish in freshwater for
$12, saltwater for $17 or any
Texas public waters for $22. The
TPWD website at www.tpwd.
state.tx.us/publications/annual/
general/fish_licenses/ provides a
other details on getting fishing
licenses.
The Special Resident Fishing
License, which costs $7, is available
only to individuals who are legally
blind. Freshwater stamp and
saltwater stamp requirements are
In addition to a hunting license,
all wing shooters need to purchase
a game bird stamp and receive
Harvest Information Program
(HIP) certification. Duck hunters
need to purchase a Federal
Duck Stamp and receive HIP
certification, which will be printed
on the license at the time of sale
only after the purchaser answers a
few brief migratory bird questions.
Lifetime license holders must also
be HIP-certified and purchase
the Federal Duck Stamp to hunt
migratory birds. All other state
stamp endorsements are included
with a lifetime license.

Light Up Your Life!

Colorful neon signs starting at $50.00
Custom Neon signs
Neon for your patio, man cave or bar.
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Neon lights are the perfect souvenir of
your Port A stay!
Kids love our LED light up toys for safe
nighttime fun on the beach!
Remote control cars that light up.
LED Flashing Dog collars/leashes
LED t-shirts that light up
CANDLES, JEWELRY AND GIFTS

315 S. ALISTER #109, PORT ARANSAS

(ACROSS FROM IGA AND NEXT TO LOVETTS BAR)
PORTALIGHTHOUSE.COM
(806) 535-0558 Find us on facebook
58 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Take a trip to the botanical gardens, nature center
Take a trip into Corpus
Christi and visit the 182-
acre South Texas Botanical
Gardens and Nature Center
located at 8545 S. Staples St.
Part of Corpus Christis
growing Oso Creek
Greenbelt system, botanical
gardens, a nature preserve,
a stop on the Great Texas
Coastal Birding Trail and a
Texas Watchable Wildlife
Program site all are offered
in one location.
When visiting, one can see16
floral exhibits and gardens,
greenhouses, demonstration
gardens, trails and viewing
platforms.
Birders will enjoy the
venues designed to observe
the migratory and resident
birds at the nature preserve.
The Botanical Gardens
and Nature Center offers a
variety of horticultural and
environmental educational
events, classes and
workshops for both children
In April, the botanical gardens hosts the Big Bloom Plant Sale. It is a spring garden festival that offers the
only plant sale of the year. Vendors, kids activities, ladybug and butterfly releases and more take place. This
year the event is on April 2.
and adults.
For more information
about the classes, workshops
and events at the gardens,
visit the website www.stxbot.
org.
Each April, Big Bloom, the
spring garden festival is held,
offering the only plant sale
of the year. In addition there
are kids activities, vendors,
butterfly and ladybug releases,
reptile shows and more.
Also, on Mothers Day
weekend in May, all moms get
free admission to the gardens.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO
361.749.0692
320 WEST AVENUE G, PORT ARANSAS
Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day.
Admission is $7 for ages
13 to 59; $6 for seniors over
60, active military and college
students and $3 for children
ages 3-12. Children under 3
are admitted free. The entry
fee is payable by cash, check,
MasterCard or Visa.
Visit the website to find
out the latest information on
upcoming events and to sign
up for free monthly e-calendar
reminders or call (361) 852-
2100.
See the ractions list
on page 9 and
Visitors may stop by the Joan
Batman Natures Boutique Things to Do
in the Visitors Center, which on Pages 84-90 for
offers a variety of unique
merchandise year-round.
more activities and
The botanical gardens places to go while
operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 visiting Port Aransas.
p.m. daily except Thanksgiving,
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 59
60 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Get online at Computer Center
Staying connected on the
island is easy at the Port Aransas
Computer Center. Here you can
surf the web and keep up with
everyone online.
There are 21 computers
available to guests, with Internet,
Monday through Thursday from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Friday and
open again Saturday from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
The computer center is located
at 430 N. Alister St. and has two
scanners, a copier, a black and white
laser printer, a color printer and
photo card readers. CDs, DVDs,
jewel cases and floppy disks are
available for $1. Headphones can
be purchased with a donation of
$5, or borrowed for a $3 deposit.
One-on-one instruction for
guests led by computer center
volunteers, is available upon
request for a donation of $10.
Visitors can download programs
and games to the computers,
send email, shop online, work
with photos, make reservations,
write resumes, scan documents
and photos, print mailing labels,
take online classes, achieve TABC
certification, print boarding passes,
use a flash drive and much more.
The center also has a converter
that allows guests to bring in their
VHS tapes and convert them to a
DVD disc.
The center was started by Don
Rose, the late Bus Cheatham, Pete
Brum, the late Jack Boyer, Pam Robb
and other members of the Port
Aransas Computer Club more
than 15 years ago. Lucille Taylor was
its first president, the late Jeff Korth
and Al Whitty were instrumental
in the start-up of the computer
center and Joe Ripple and Bruce
Campbell did the work required to
create a nonprofit corporation and
a 501 (c) (3) status. The center is
financed by donations, which help
upgrade equipment and provide
supplies and licenses for software.
For more information or to
schedule a one-on-one session, call
(361) 749-4011.
Kayakers find trails
perfect for paddling
Slow down, sit back and take
in the natural beauty through the
kayaking trails in Port Aransas.
Four trails provide kayakers
with an adventure they cant find
anywhere else.
Paddling enthusiasts can
cruise along the Lighthouse
Lakes Paddling trails towards
the South Bay side of the Lydia
Ann Channel.
The trails are accessible along
State Hwy. 361 with markers
placed by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department (TPWD)
to help guide kayakers.
The Redfish Loop trail is
the longest trail, at 6.8 miles,
followed by South Bay Loop at
6.7 miles, Cutters Loop Trail at
5 and Electric Lake Loop at 1.25
miles.
Kayakers can travel
through the black mangrove
estuary behind the Lydia Ann
Lighthouse, which is not only
ideal for kayaking, but also for
fishing, observing wildlife and
bird watching.
Another trail to visit is the
Mustang Island Paddle Trail,
which twists along the bay side
of Mustang Island, north of
Mustang Island State Park and
ends near the Port Aransas city
limits. On the trail, youll see
some of the best wildlife habitat
in the Coastal Bend and a
roadmap for excellent saltwater
fishing.
The North Trail is 8.5 miles
long and runs from Island
Moorings to Wilsons Cut
fishing spot; Shamrock Loop is
5.24 miles and travels around
Wilsons Cut; and the Ashum
Trail, at 6.8 miles, flows from
Wilsons Cut to the state park.
Waterproof wade fishing
maps and satellite photomaps
of all the trails that include GPS
coordinates are available for sale
at the South Jetty newspaper
office, 141 W. Cotter Ave.
For safety, the TPWD
recommends all kayakers wear
lifejackets and bring plenty of
insect repellant, sunscreen and
water. And as always, check
the tides and watch for severe
weather.
For more information about
kayak rentals, shuttles, guide
services or to download a map
of the trails, visit http://www.
tpwd.state.tx.us/.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 61
Learn about the town at
exhibit in Civic Center
A recently updated video
profiling the University of Texas
Marine Science Institute (UTMSI)
is among features at Discover
Port Aransas in the Port Aransas
Civic Centers foyer.
Displays in the foyer include
photos, video and written
material describing various
organizations in town. In addition
to UTMSI, those organizations
include the Port Aransas
Independent School District,
the Port Aransas Museum and
the Port Aransas Chamber of
Commerce-Tourist Bureau.
Also in the foyer is the
Lynn Gavit Memorial Marsh
Bird exhibit, featuring animals
indigenous to this area.
The civic center is part of the
city hall complex, 710 W. Avenue
A. The foyer is open Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
except during the noon hour,
when its closed for lunch.
Take a Farley Boat Planter tour
If youve wondered about the
colorful boat-shaped planters all
around Port Aransas, you can learn
more about them by taking the
Farley Boat Planter tour.
It is a combination of historical
significance and eco-tourism
showing off the native plants that
can be grown on Mustang Island.
In 2002, the Port Aransas
Garden Club commissioned an
artist to create a mold of the
historic Farley boats to be used as
planters that keep the history of
Port Aransas in the forefront. The
planters chosen for the tour can be
seen in front of businesses. All are
decorated in some manner, some
more flamboyantly than others.
The planters are about 6.5 feet
long and 2.5 feet wide, and they
weigh about 1,800 pounds. The
outside has a textured wood grain
look.The Farley boat name appears
on both sides, and Port Aransas,
Texas, is on the stern.
More than 700 species of
flowering plants grow on Texas
beaches and islands. The Farley
Boat tour only touches the surface,
but with 25 planters on the tour, an
amazing variety of native plants are
shown. Native plants are essential
to our ecosystems survival and for
many butterflies, birds and insects
to live. The tour is best taken
between April and November,
but Mother Nature can never
be predicted, so other months
may be good for the tour as well.
A description of each planter is
provided in a pamphlet at the Port
Aransas Chamber of Commerce-
Tourist Bureau and other locations
in Port Aransas.
Enjoy this tour by walking,
bicycling, golf carting or driving.
Please remember to keep safe by
watching for traffic at each stop,
wear helmets while biking and
buckle up in golf carts.
Some of the planters offer
several photo ops where you can
climb in them. These are noted in
the pamphlet. Visitors are asked
not to climb in planters where
there are plants. The planters
are privately owned property so
visitors are asked to be considerate
and leave them in good condition
so they can be viewed by others.
More information can be
found on the Port Aransas
Garden Club website www.
portaransasgardenclub.org and
Facebook page by clicking on the
Farley Boat Planter Tour link. At
the end of the tour, stop by the
Farley Boat Works, sign the guest
book and learn more about the
legendry boat.
62 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
The art center has plans to move to a larger, more versatile facility.
The center has been working to raise the funds to build the building.
Want to buy or sell real estate in
San Antonio?
Let me help you.
Sara Libby
Judson
REALTOR, SRES, GRI
210.913.0377
Libby@exquisitesa.com
www.Libby.ExquisiteSA.com
www.Facebook.com/LibbyJudsonRealtor
13526 George Rd. #106,
San Antonio, TX 78230
Salesperson License #630958
Art center is home to a gallery,
classes, workshops and more
Port Aransas is home to a
thriving art community, the
center of which is the Port
Aransas Art Center, located at
323 N. Alister St.
The art center has been a
community of artists for more
than 20 years and is home
to a gallery, gift shop, classes,
workshops and kids camps.
Open seven days a week,
Monday through Saturday from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays
from noon to 4 p.m., the gallery
is filled with visual arts in a
variety of mediums both on
display and for sale.
First Friday receptions
showcasing featured artists
and shows are held at the art
center every month year round.
Free and open to the public, the
receptions are held on the first Folks enjoy a glass of wine while viewing the artwork on display at a
Friday of each month. First Friday reception in the art center.
Works in the shows remain
on display and for sale for the The art center is a nonprofit
remainder of the month, coming to register for events, call
501 (3)(C) organization, serving
down in time to make way for 749-7334, e-mail artcenter@
Mustang and Padre islands. centurytel.net or visit www.
the next exhibit. For more information or
The center also sponsors art portaransasartcenter.org.
festivals and events throughout
the year. Schedules may be found
at the center and in weekly
editions of the South Jetty in
First Friday Schedule
the art center calendar and in Spring 2016
stories about the events. March 4 April 1 May 6
In May, the art center
sponsors a month of art and 5:30-7:30 p.m. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Annual Tiddle Caylor Gals of the Gulf Arte de Mayo Group
music activities. See the related All Member Show. Sponsor is A Mano. Show. Sponsor is Port
story in this issue. Sponsor is Family Aransas Chamber of
Corporate sponsors help fund
the art center on a monthly basis.
Sponsorships, at $1,000 per
Center IGA. Commerce-Tourist
Bureau.
Art, wine, food, music, fellowship and fun
month, may be shouldered by an
individual or business or shared
by two or more individuals or
Port Aransas Art Center
businesses.
323 N. Alister St.
The art centers vision for the
future is to expand, enhance with
a larger more versatile building, Keep up with whats
provide more classroom space
and to attract nationally known
artists in a space able to
going on in Port Aransas
accommodate larger audiences.
As a result, the art center has
Subscribe to the South Jetty
been working to raise funds to in Print, Online or Both
build a building on the property
that it owns on Alister Street www.portasouthjetty.com
where the Sportsmens Lodge or (361) 749-5131
now resides.
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 63
64 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Books, more available at library

Its a small-town library
thats big on its mission to keep
people reading.
Located at 700 W. Ave. A,
here in Port Aransas, the Bill
Ellis Memorial Library has
more than 25,000 items in its
collection. That includes adult,
junior and childrens books,
large-print section, audio books
on cassette and CD, VHS tapes,
DVDs and numerous magazine
and newspaper subscriptions.

Books for all ages are available at the library. The library also offers a
childrens summer reading program as well as a adult book club that
meets monthly. the Friends of the Ellis Memorial Library host events
and fundraisers to benefit the library fund.

E-books and audio books can
be downloaded if patrons have
library cards and PIN numbers.
(See http://southtexas.lib.
overdrive.com.)
The institutions history
collection includes a variety of
volumes on Port Aransas.
Library cards are free to all
Texas residents.
An online resource
available at the library is
LearningExpressLibrary.com.
The website offers patrons real
test-taking experiences, instant
scoring and other features.
Practice tests include STAAR,
ACT, GED, SAT and more.
The library has five Internet
computers. Wireless Internet
is available for patrons who
bring in their laptops.
The library is supported by
library volunteers, book sale
volunteers and the Friends of
the Library.
The library is open
Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m. A meeting room is
available for use by non-profit
organizations.
For more information call
(361) 749-4116 or email eml@
cityofportaransas.org.

Yellow Box
#1 in Buyers Sales in Port Aransas! Shoes
T-Shirts
Let me help you sell your property TODAY! Gifts
Island Apparel
CYNTHIA Formerly Absolutely Everything
Hats
FRANK Souvenirs
GRADUATE REALTOR Beach
CERTIFIED Accessories
ACCREDITED SELLERS
AND BUYERS AGENT
314 E. Ave. G
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE 749-4738
portaransasbeachhomes.com IN FINANCE
Open Daily
361-749-2600 (office) 307 Sea Isle, Port Aransas, TX 78373 Specializing in
Missy & Plus Sizes
Checks Accepted
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 65

Visit the museum

Want to know more about
the history of Port Aransas? Dont Dream
Visit the Port Aransas Museum
located at 408 N. Alister St., next the Dream, Live the
to the Community Center. The
museum is open from 1 p.m. to 5 Dream in Port Aransas!
p.m., Thursday through Saturday,
and is in a historic house that
was built in 1910. Danny LaBruzzo 361-727-6507
Moved three times around Broker labruzzodanny@aol.com
Mustang Island, the house the
museum is in originated as a kit
house that was shipped to Port
Aransas in the 1900s.
The house was donated to the
Port Aransas Preservation and
Historical Association in 2007
and was moved from Oleander
Street to its current location at
the intersection of Alister and
Brundrett streets in 2008. the towns name changed from 9:30 a.m. and must be reserved at
Along with artifacts from Tarpon to Port Aransas, Texas. least a day in advance by phone
around Port Aransas, a new The museum leads tours the or by visiting the museum.
exhibit about the jetties in first and third Saturday of each The museum also has a gift
Port Aransas is on display that month of the Chapel on the shop with items for sale that are
goes over their construction, Dunes that are described by distinctive to the city.
which spanned 50 years and the museum as fun, informative, For more information about
their completion in 1910 when and quite popular. Tours start at the museum, call (361) 749-3800.

Free yoga classes offered

Get out to the beach early the
second Saturday of each month
and take part in a free yoga class.
The class, sponsored by the
City of Port Aransas Parks and
Recreation Department, is a
time to relax and meditate while
listening to the waves and the
shorebirds.
Nancy Meyers instructs the
class beginning at 8 a.m. at the
end of Beach Street by Horace
Caldwell Pier and next to a
purple flag.
The class is geared toward
all ages and fitness levels and
features basic yoga moves.
Participants should bring a
mat or towel suitable for the
beach to the class.
In the case of inclement
weather, meet at the pier to be
advised of an alternate indoor
location.
In addition to the beach yoga,
some weekly yoga classes are
offered at various times and
locations.
Watch weekly editions of the
South Jetty for exact days of the
various yoga classes.
Call the parks and recreation
department at 749-4158 for
more information, and for the
beach yoga class location in case
of inclement weather.
66 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Fishing town becomes tourist mecca
Bustling with construction of At the northern tip of Mustang
new developments and single- Island, Port Aransas is on one of a
family homes, Port Aransas has string of barrier sand reefs off the
come a long way from the days coast of Texas that stretches from
when it was known as Tarpon, Galveston to Mexico.
Texas. Today, the town bears little The first residents were the
resemblance to the wide-open Karankawa Indians, a tribe of
island punctuated by sand dunes fierce nomad hunters rumored
and sea oats. to be cannibals. They roamed the
The Port Aransas of Gulf coast until Anglo settlers
today features multi-story spelled their doom, making them
condominiums, three national- extinct by 1860.
brand hotels as well as several European explorers are known
independent motels, restaurants to have visited the area as early as
and retail shops, canal-front the mid-1500s, but no permanent
subdivisions, a network of paved settlement existed until the
streets and sidewalks, an airport 1800s.
and a golf course all this and Recent research has
more where Karankawa Indians discounted previously held beliefs
once roamed and cattle grazed. about the monikers under which
Initially an isolated camp town Port Aransas has existed.
where only fishermen came to Port Aransas historian John
reap the bounty of the plentiful Guthrie Ford learned from an
waters, Port Aransas has become expert on the U.S. Postal Service
a popular coastal destination for that Port Aransas was known
tourists from throughout the first as Ropesville, according
United States and the world. to records by then-postmaster
Celebrating Our Boat Building Heritage
Wooden Boat Building School
Annual Wooden Boat Show
Classes and Lectures
Open Tues thru Sat 8:305:00 pm
716 W Ave C
409-356-5065
www.portaransasmuseum.org/farley-boat-works/
Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association
An aerial photograph of Port Aransas circa 1940. The streets were
made of seashells. Alister Street is on the left of the photograph.
William R. Roberts, who recorded
the towns name on July 12, 1888.
According to Fords research,
the town became Tarpon on
July 17, 1896, according to the
postmaster at the time, Emma A.
Roberts. Roberts also recorded
the last name Port Aransas
on Dec. 23, 1910. The city was
incorporated effective Nov. 25,
1911.
The old Aransas Pass
Lighthouse, now called the Lydia
Ann Lighthouse, was the first
permanent structure in the area.
It was built in 1855 to guide
ships through the treacherous
natural pass between San Jose
and Mustang islands to Corpus
Christi Bay. The first lighthouse
keeper was appointed in 1856.
The lighthouse went back into
operation in July 1987.
After lying in darkness for
35 years, the lighthouse was re-
commissioned on July 4, 1988, as
an operating lighthouse. It is still
privately owned by Charles Butt
and is maintained by a lighthouse
keeper.
During the turbulent years
of the Texas Revolution and the
Civil War, Mustang Island was
used as a base for pirate raids and
military expeditions.
Legend has it that the most
famous buccaneer of the Texas
Gulf Coast, Jean Lafitte, had
camps on Mustang and San Jose
islands where, it is said, there is
buried treasure.
The pass from the Gulf has
long been a key tactical route
from a military standpoint
and played critical roles in the
strategy of war.
When Mexico threatened
to invade the new State of
Texas in 1845, the United States
responded. Gen. Zachary Taylor,
with an armada of ships and
soldiers, sailed through the pass
and anchored at what is now
Corpus Christi. A small fort was
built on Mustang Island to guard
the pass while Taylor and his men
marched to the Rio Grande.
Several skirmishes took place
during the Civil War in the vicinity
of the pass. Once, Union troops
attempted to seize the lighthouse
in order to guide federal ships
through the pass. However,
Confederate men, under orders
to destroy the lighthouse to foil
Union troops, removed the lens.
The disposition of it is unclear,
according to Fords research.
The lens on display at the Port
Aransas Museum, circa 1867, is
the second lens installed at the
lighthouse.
The first settler to build a
home in Port Aransas was Robert
Ainsworth Mercer, an immigrant
from England via Alabama who
arrived on the island to raise
cattle in 1855.
Within 10 years, the Mercers
had been joined by about 50
other settlers who also ranched
on the island, and the roots of
todays Port Aransas were firmly
established.
During the late 1800s several
meat packeries were in operation
on the island to treat and render
the cattle products that resulted
from ranching. Deep draft
steamships began plying the pass,
bringing with them a new era of
commerce for island residents.
Federal efforts to stabilize
the pass in 1860, 1879 and 1884
failed for a variety of reasons.
But in 1888, a stone jetty (called
the Mansfield Jetty) on the south
side of the pass was successfully
erected.
The present-day jetties,
composed of huge pink granite
blocks quarried from Granite
Mountain near Marble Falls in
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 67
the Texas Hill Country, were
constructed beginning in 1885
with the north jetty, according to
Fords research.
The north jetty was nearing
completion in 1907 and
construction of the south jetty
was authorized.
Both jetties were completed
by 1919.
The need for a lifesaving
station in Port Aransas was
evident. Thanks to the presence
of a station in Corpus Christi, a
lifesaving station was established
in Port Aransas on June 18, 1878
by an act of Congress.In January
of 1915, the modern-day Coast
Guard was formed and the life-
saving station in Port Aransas
became Coast Guard Station
Port Aransas.That new Coast
Guard station included a house
for the officer in charge and his
family. It remained occupied until
1976, when the current station
was built. Additionally, the officer
in charges house was moved
by truck down to Channelview
Drive where it is still today.
One of the earliest structures
on the island was the original
Tarpon Inn, built in 1886. It was
A tarpon angler circa 1940. The sport fishing industry became the
primary economy for the town.
destroyed by fire in 1900, but it
was soon rebuilt using lumber
salvaged from the first inn.
The islands delicate position
at the edge of the Gulf has been
tested by storms often over the
centuries, and hurricanes in 1916
and 1919 did much damage to
Port Aransas. However, island
residents rebuilt their community
including the venerable Tarpon
Inn, after each storm, up to and
including Hurricane Celia in 1970.
Despite the hardships and
often harsh weather, Port Aransas
residents knew that the island
town would be an ideal tourist
haven.
To that end, the sport fishing
industry was cultivated and
touted throughout the country.
In the mid-1920s, people
who had heard of the bountiful
fishing and long, clean beaches
of Port Aransas began asking for
automobile access to the island.A
car-train system was developed
to bring cars on a flatbed railroad
car from Aransas Pass to Harbor
Island, and from there to Port
Aransas via ferryboat.
The first Port Aransas ferry,
the Mitzi, carried six cars per
crossing.
By 1931, a roadway connected
Aransas Pass to the ferry crossing
and causeways connected Flour
Bluff to North Padre Island and
North Padre Island to Mustang
Island.
One of the milestones in Port
Aransas history came in 1932
when longtime islander Barney
Farley organized the first Tarpon
Rodeo. The Tarpon Rodeo,
which evolved into what is now
known as the Deep Sea Roundup,
became one of the most popular
fishing tournaments on the Texas
Gulf Coast and firmly established
Port Aransas as the center of the
states sport fishing industry.
The most famous of all sport
fishing tourists to visit Port
Aransas in 1937 was President
Franklin D. Roosevelt, who caught
a tarpon during an excursion to
the waters off the coast of Port
Aransas. A souvenir from that
visit, a tarpon scale signed by
Roosevelt, hangs today in a place
of honor in the lobby of the
Tarpon Inn.
This story and others are
recounted by Farley in his book,
Fishing Yesterdays Gulf Coast,
published posthumously in the
fall of 2002.
By 1940, the population of
Port Aransas had grown to about
500, a number that was doubled
by military personnel stationed
on the island during World War II.
Reports of German U-boats off
the Texas coast led the military
in 1942-44 to build two gunnery
emplacements, each on a high
sand dune overlooking the Gulf.
The remains of the bunker are still
visible today near the University
of Texas Marine Science Institute.
The institute was founded
after the UT Board of Regents
reported in 1892 to Texas Gov.
Jim Hogg that the Gulf coast was
a prime location for a marine
station.
As a result, in May of 1900,
Continued on Page 68

In Print. Online. OnCALL

the Go.
Your News, Your Way. 361-749-5131
TODAY

One Year Newspaper

Keep up with news, sports, Subscription
fishing news, kids activities, $29.50 per year in Nueces County
events, new businesses, $34.00 per year elsewhere
politics, job openings,
shopping deals, real estate,
Prefer Paperless News?
garage sales, services, Enjoy online, tablet and mobile
access with an e-subscription!
cars for sale and much,
much more with the
www.portasouthjetty.com
Port Aransas South Jetty Online Only $29.50
newspaper! Add Online to Print $10.00
141 W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas, TX 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
68 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 67
regents appropriated $300 for a
marine laboratory at Galveston,
and the first class of five students
began to study littoral and
shallow water fauna. When the
hurricane of 1900 struck, the
laboratorys research vessel was
heavily damaged, and it was 15
years before re-establishment of
the lab was attempted.
Before that effort got off the
ground, another tropical storm
caused such damage that the new
research vessel was sold and the
effort was abandoned.
A massive fish kill in Port
Aransas in 1935 brought Dr.
E.J. Lund, a zoologist from The
University of Texas, to investigate.
Lund managed to rekindle
interest in marine science at the
university after seeing the Port
Aransas environment. In 1941,
the MSI was formally founded,
and Lund was its first director.
A permanent marine
laboratory was established
by 1946. A pier laboratory
was added in 1948, and major
expansions were constructed in
the 1970s.
MSI began leasing the National
the old lighthouse was
decommissioned in 1952. In
addition, a road connecting Port
Aransas with the Padre Island
Causeway was completed in
1954, providing direct vehicular
access. Today, in addition to the
road connecting Port Aransas
to Padre Island and what is
now called the John F. Kennedy
Causeway, Port Aransas is served
by six 20-car ferries and two
28-car ferries that bring more
than one million vehicles to the
island each year. Another 28-car
ferry is under construction that
will replace one of the 20-car
ferries sometime in 2017. A new
Wilsons Grill operated from the 1930s until Hurricane Carla ferry headquarters building was
destroyed the building in 1961.
completed in March 2015, and
Marine Fisheries Service a headquarters building on the on the horizon are ferry stacking
Laboratory in the late 70s and the campus. lanes in the area of Port Street
facility was formally transferred Port Aransas was a booming that will change the approaches
to MSI in 1987. A new library and mecca for booze, girls and coming to and leaving Port
Visitors Center was built in 1982. gambling in the late 1940s and 50s. Aransas.
In August, 2008, the Wetlands Isolated from the authorities, the Port Aransas has continued its
Education Center was opened, illicit activities went unchecked growth as a tourism center.
further expanding the MSIs until Hurricane Carla swept over Although the tarpon
marine education program. the island in 1961. Most of the population dwindled drastically
The MSI is also headquarters illegal joints were destroyed by in the mid-1900s, the popularity
for the Mission-Aransas National the storm and never rebuilt. of sport fishing continued
Estuarine Research Reserve, and With the advent of new to grow in the 1960s. There
ground was broken in 2009 for transportation technology, are now fishing tournaments,
targeting species other than
tarpon nearly every weekend
during the summer and a few
scattered through the fall.
Condominium development
began in 1965 with the
completion of Sea Isle Village,
and the condominium business
boomed through the 1970s and
early 80s.
Tourism reached a peak in
the 1970s and into the 80s with
summer holidays, weekends and
the annual spring pilgrimage of
thousands of students boosting
the islands reputation as a top
vacation spot. In addition, the
annual migration of Winter
Texans from northern states has
brought yet another season of
tourism to the island.
The oil bust of the mid-to
latter-1980s put a temporary
cap on the development of the
tourism industry in Port Aransas.
The Texas economy began
a rebound in the 1990s that
continues today, although the
pace is tempered by a recent
downturn in the oil industry.
Port Aransas population after
the 2010 census was 3,480,
and the community has nearly
as many voters because many
property owners who are part-
time residents register to vote
here.
Eco-tourism, including bird
watching, began drawing greater
interest as the 21st Century
dawned, and Port Aransas in
the late 1990s took on the
Celebration of Whooping
Cranes and Other Birds (now
called the Whooping Crane
Festival) as an annual event
drawing birders from across
the nation. The city has placed
emphasis on its birding centers,
particularly the Leonabelle
Turnbull Birding Center on Ross
Avenue, and the Joan and Scott
Holt Paradise Pond Birding
Center off Cut-off Road.
The city has focused on
infrastructure to accommodate
the growth in tourism, and began
a program of improvements that
included reconstruction and/
or surfacing of streets, curbs,
gutters, sidewalks and drainage.
Voters approved bond issues to
fund some of these projects.
In December 2009, the city
opened the first phase of a
nature preserve in an area
known as Charlies Pasture on
the east side of the island.
In the past 30 years, the
growth of Port Aransas has
seen construction of a new
public library and public safety
building, a community park with
a swimming pool, ball parks,
jogging trails and more; city
services expanded to include
recycling, a computer center, a
revitalized parks and recreation
department, reconstruction of
streets with curbs and gutters,
expansion of the city marina
to include floating docks and
bulkheading along the Corpus
Christi Ship Channel to curb
erosion.
One doctor and a national
chain pharmacy serve the
community, as do expanded
retail operations that cater not
only to tourists, but full-time
residents as well.
Port Aransas also is home to
the official Texas Sand Sculpture
Festival, called SandFest. Each
spring it draws thousands of
visitors to watch and participate
in the competition that includes
master sculptors from across
the country and Canada.
Volunteers are plentiful
enough, and audiences are
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 69
regular enough to have
supported the construction
of a new building for the Port
Aransas Community Theatre.
PACT offers productions year
round, but enjoys its most
enthusiastic audiences when the
Winter Texans are here.
Port Aransas also is home of
the thriving Port Aransas Art
Center, created by artists from
Mustang and Padre islands. The
non-profit center offers classes
and seminars and sells art by
its member artists. First Friday
receptions honor artists of the
month whose work is featured
for the month. Corporate
sponsors help sustain the center.
The art center is in the
process of purchasing land and
raising funds to construct a new
center at the site of Sportsmans
Lodge at the corner of Alister
Street and Avenue A.
Also, the citys first 18-
hole golf course opened in
September 2008. The privately
owned Palmilla Beach Resort &
Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer
Signature course operated by
Troon, the worlds largest golf
course management company.
Construction is underway on
several homes at the golf course
where a full-service hotel is
expected in the not-too-distant
future.
In addition to the Palmilla
project, Cinnamon Shore in
January announced an expansion
to its subdivision on State Hwy.
361 that brings 1,000 more
housing units over the next 15
years and is estimated to be a $1
billion project.
Thanks to the Port Aransas
Preservation and Historical
Association (PAPHA), formed in
November 2002, the history of
Port Aransas is being preserved.
The Port Aransas Museum,
a historical museum, opened in
December 2008. It is housed in
a home known as the Mercer
house, and now rests adjacent
to the Community Center on
Alister Street. Port Aransas
historic memorabilia, photos and
more are displayed there.
The museum serves as a
beacon to remind all who pass
through that the history and
ambiance of what once was
a small fishing village will be
preserved.
In October 2010, the
community held a celebration to
mark the centennial. It featured
activities and a picnic at Roberts
Point Park, and the unveiling
Airport upgrades continue
of a historic plaque at the The City of Port Aransas is in
Community Center museum the midst of a years-long effort to
complex, as well as story-telling make a variety of improvements to
by old-timers. Old Town Festival its airport.
continues on an annual basis The work at Mustang Beach
each October. Airport is being done with a grant
The efforts of the Port Aransas of about $5 million that the city
received in 2011.
Chamber of Commerce-Tourist The city has resurfaced a taxiway,
Bureau to bring nature tourism built fencing and replaced the
and families to the community airports entire electrical system,
are reaping benefits, and the including runway lights.
amenities mentioned previously The city still is planning to make
are among the results of those improvements to smooth the
efforts. runway surface and build a run-
The story of Port Aransas is up that would be a sort of cul-de-
told on a weekly basis by the sac at the west end of the existing
communitys weekly newspaper, taxiway. gets started on the runway safety expected.
the Port Aransas South Jetty. Also planned is a 680-foot area and run-up. The airport is located on Piper
The newspaper, which has won runway safety area to be added Also planned is construction of a Boulevard, off State Hwy, 361.
awards on the regional, state to the end of the existing 3,450- taxiway that will jut into a currently Overnight parking costs $5 per
and national levels, has moved foot runway.The runway safety area undeveloped area that the city has night for single-engine aircraft and
into the digital age. The South isnt considered to be an extension leased from the Texas General $10 for twin-engine planes.
Jetty hosts an online edition that of the runway, but it can be used by Land Office. The acreage lies just Long-term vehicle parking costs
is a replica of its print edition, a plane for taxiing purposes or if a north of the developed part of the $100 per year. Self-serve fuel
and has a Facebook page and plane overshoots the runway. airport, along State Hwy. 361. usually is around $4 per gallon.
Surveying and environmental Parsons said the taxiway could For more information, call
Twitter account, so no matter work is ongoing. City Manager airport manager Randy Hansen at
where you are in the world, you be built about 300 feet long, leading
Dave Parsons said it most likely through an area where various (361) 749-4008 or on his cell at
can connect with Port Aransas wont be until 2017 before work (361) 331-0532.
airport-related construction is
via the South Jetty.
Also in 2014, the city
approved a zoning ordinance to
prohibit heavy industrial activity
on Harbor Island to preserve
the ambiance of one of the two
ways of entering Port Aransas.
Most of the land is owned by
the Port Authority of Corpus
Christi.
The city also approved a
limit on how large a single
retail business could be in an
effort to keep big box stores
out of Port Aransas and to
support independently owned
businesses.
With record numbers of
visitors flocking to the city, city
officials are pondering how to
deal with the increased traffic,
and to balance serving the needs
of visitors while preserving and
enhancing the quality of life for
permanent residents.
The increase in tourism
has made home prices out of
reach for the many employees
who are the engines that drive
restaurants, retail businesses,
entertainment venues and
lodging facilities. It is a challenge
for which the city and the
school district are working to
find solutions.
70 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Listings are printed FREE of charge. Management is responsible for updatinig information. To make changes, Call 749-5131
or e-mail editor@portasouthjetty.com. To Advertise call 749-5131. Deadline for Summer Visitors Guide is April 21.

B/C=Beach/Channel View CB=Comp. Breakfast I/Wi=Internet & or Wireless OTR=On Trolley Route R=Restaurant
BtB=Boardwalk to Beach FC=Fish Cleaning K=Kitchen P=Pool T=Tennis
BP=Boat Parking FP=Fishing Pier OB=On Beach POK*= Restrictions WTB-Walk to Beach
BBQ=Barbecue facilities FR=Fitness Room OT=Old Town POK=Pets OK WV=Water View

A Laughing Horse Lodge Captains Quarters Motel Gibbs Cottages Mustang Island Beach Club Sandpiper Condos
BP, BBQ, FC, K, POK BP, CB, P K, OT K, FC, OB, P Ad Pg. 13
503 E. Ave. G 235 W. Cotter Ave. 340 N. Alister St. 6275 State Hwy. 361 FC, K, OB, P, T
749-5513, 877-734-9219 749-6005, 888-272-6727 749-5452 749-5446 6745 State Hwy. 361
www.portalodging.com www.mustangislandbeachclub.com 749-6251
www.alaughinghorselodge.com Grand Caribbean Condos www.portaransas-texas.com
Alister Square Inn Casa on the Beach Condos OB, P Mustang Isle Condos
K, OTR, P Ad Page 13 5495 State Hwy. 361 FC, K, POK*, WtB Sea Breeze Suites Hotel
122 S. Alister St. I/Wi, K, OB, P 749-1974 2025 S. 11th St. Ad Pg. 33
749-3000, 800-749-3003 4903 State Hwy. 361 www.dunecrest.com 361-349-4900 B/C, K, P, WtB
749-6942, 866-408-9952 www.mustangislecondos.com
www.portaransas-texas.com
www.portaransas-texas.com Gulf Beach Cottages 407 Beach St.
Amelias Landing BBQ, FC, K, P, POK,WtB Mustang Towers Condos 749-1500, 888-545-1422
Ad Page 49
Channel View Condos 502 E. Ave. G Ad Pg. 13 www.seabreezeporta.com

BBQ, CB, I/Wi, K, OTR, P, POK* Ad Pg. 4 749-4294

www.gulfbeachcottages.com
BBQ, K, OB, P,T Sea & Sand Cottages
105 N. Alister St. B/C, BP, BBQ, FP, FC, I/Wi, K, P 6109 State Hwy. 361 BP, FC, I/Wi, K, POK, WtB
749-5572 631 Channelview Dr. Gulf Shores Condos 749-6212, 800-343-2772 221 E. Ave. E
www.ameliaslanding.com
749-6649, 800-234-8110 www.portaransas-texas.com (800) 620-8879
www.channelviewcondos.com
Ad Pg. 13 www.seaandsandcottages.com
Americas Best Value Inn K, FC, BQ, OB, P,T, I/Wi Nixon Courts
FC, K, P Clines Landing 6021 Hwy. 361 FC, K, POK Sea Gull Condos
306 S. Alister St. B/C, BP, FC, P,T 749-6257, 800-654-3938 221 E. Ave. F Ad Pg. 13
1000 N. Station St. www.gulfshorescondo.com 749-6585 I/Wi, K, OB, P, T
749-5450
749-5274
www.portaransasbestvalueinn.com
www.clines-landing.com
Hampton Inn Pelican Condos/Beach House 6649 State Hwy. 361
749-4191
Aransas Harbors Condos Coral Cay Condos
CB, FR, I/Wi, OTR, P
2208 State Hwy. 361
Ad Page 7 www.seagullcondos.com
Ad Pg. 13 FC, K, OB, P
K, P,T Ad Pg. 42 (361) 749-8888 1107 S. 11th St. Sea Isle Village Condos
FC, K, OB, P,T www.portaransassuites.hamptoninn.com 749-6226 Ad Pg. 29
230 S. Cut-off Road
1419 S. 11th St.
749-4122
www.portaransas-texas.com
749-5111 Holiday Inn Express www.thepelicancondos.com OB, FC, K, I/Wi, P
1129 S. 11th St.
www.coralcay.com
BP, CB, FC, I/Wi, P, I/Wi, WtB Plantation Suites 749-6281
Aransas Princess Condos Costa del Ray
727 S. 11 St.
749-5222, 800-holiday
CB, FC, I/Wi, P, POK www.seaislevillage.com
Ad Pg. 13 1909 State Hwy. 361
www.hiexpress.com
K, OB, P
K, WtB
1726 S. 11th St.
749-3866 Sea Sands Condos
720 Beach Access Rd. 1A 749-7345 Island Dunes Condos www.plantationsuites.com K, P, OB
1421 S. 11th St.
749-5118, 800-531-9225
www.portaransas-texas.com
www.costadelray.com Ad Pg. 68 Port Aransas Beach Club 749-6246
K, P, WtB BBQ, I/Wi, K, OTR, P, WtB
Bay Tree Condominiums Courtyard Condos 715 Access Rd. 1A 622 Ave. G Seashell Village
BBQ, FC, K, WtB 749-4923 749-2300
Ad Pg. 60 622 Access Rd. 1A www.island-dunes.com
Ad Pg. 16
www.portaransasbeachclub.com BBQ, I/Wi, K, P, WtB
B/C,BBQ,FC,FP,P,T, I/Wi, K, P, WtB, WV 749-5243, 800-749-1315
900 N. Station St. www.courtyrd.com Island Hotel Port Aransas Port Aransas Inn 502 E. Ave. G
749-5859 I/Wi, K, POK 749-4294
Dancing Dunes Ad Pg. 84 www.seashellvillage.com
www.portaransastxcondos.com 2607 State Hwy. 361 K, OTR, P, WtB
K, POK*, WtB 749-8200, 877-278-2499
Beachcomber Motel & Condos 1607 S. 11th St. www.myislandhotel.com
1500 S. 11th St. Seaside Motel & Condos
BBQ, FC, I/Wi, K, P, POK, WtB, WV 749-5937, 800-241-8871 BBQ, BP, OB, P, POK
749-3029
539 12th St. www.5dancingdunes.com Island Retreat Condos www.portaransasinn.com 841 Sandcastle Dr. at beach
749-4105
749-6191
www.beachcomberportaransas.com Days Inn Ad Pg. 13 Port Royal Resort Condos www.portaransasmotel.com
BBQ, FC, K, OB, P,T I/Wi, K, OB, P, R,T
BBQ,CB,I/W,K,OR,P
Beachgate Condo Suites/Hotel 3595 State Hwy. 361
700 Island Retreat Rd.
749-6222, 866-802-7522
6317 State Hwy. 361 Shark Reef Resort
Ads Pages 38, 54 749-5011, 800-242-1034 Ad Pg. 61
749-2324 www.islandret.com www.port-royal.com
FC, K, OB, P, POK*,T www.daysinn.com/portaransas 314 Cut-off Rd
2000 On the beach
Double Barr Cottages King Fish Courts Rock Cottages 749-6993, 888-294-2028
749-5900, 866-749-2565 BP, POK, Wt, FC, K, POK, WtB, www.sharkreefresort.com
beachgate.com BP, K, FC, OTR, POK 1600 S. 11th St. 603 E. Ave. G
415 Ave. G 361-749-5527 749-6360, 866-749-6372 Spanish Village
Beachhead Condominiums 749-5582 www.kingfishcourts.com www.rock-cottages.com
P, POK*
FC, K,T, OB, P www.portagetaway.com 134 N. Alister St.
1319 S. 11th St.
Dunes Condos La Mirage Condos Sand & Surf Condos 749-2001
749-6261, 800-688-1217 Ad Pg. 13 BBQ, K, OB, P www.portavillage.com
www.beacheadcondos.com Ad Pg. 12 K, OB, P 810 Banyon Beach Rd.
FC, K, OB, P,T 5973 State Hwy. 361 749-6001 Sportsmans Lodge
Beach Lodge 1000 Lantana Dr. & the beach 749-6030 www.SandAndSurf.net
104 N. Alister St.
K, OB, P, R 749-5155, 800-288-DUNE 749-5552
www.lamirage-portaransas.com
2016 On The Beach www.thedunescondos.com Sandcastle Condos sportsmanslodge-portaransas.com
749-5713
El Cortez Villas Lost Colony Ad Pg. 13 Tarpon Inn
www.beachlodge.us K, OB,T FC, K, OB, P,T
Ad Pg. 13 6877 State Hwy. 361 Ad Pg. 82
Belles by the Sea FC, K, P, T 749-6266
800 Sandcastle Dr. & the beach
749-6201, 800-727-6201 200 E. Cotter Ave.
BtB, BP, BBQ, K, P, POK 4901 State Hwy. 361 749-5555, 800-365-6784
www.rentalmgmt.com www.portaransas-texas.com
630 Banyon Beach Rd. 749-6206 www.thetarponinn.com
749-6138 www.portaransas-texas.com Malibu Motel & Cabanas Sandollar Sity Teal Harbor
www.bellespa.com I/Wi, K K, OB
Best Western Ocean Villa Executive Keys 901 S. 9th St. 3038 on the Beach 200 W. Cotter Ave.
Ad Pg. 41 749-3052 749-5000 749-4131
BP, I/Wi, P, WtB www.tealharbor.com
FC, I/Wi, K, OB, P www.venturastreet.com www.sandollarsity.com
400 E. Ave. G (at Station)
749-3010, 877-472-7666 800 Access Rd. 1A & beach
749-6272, 800-556-6999 Mayan Princess Third Coast Inn
www.bestwestern.com/oceanvilla
Ad Pg. 13 718 Station St.
www.execkeys.com
749-5032
Capt. Dan Motel K, OB, P,T
7537 State Hwy. 361 www.3rdcoastinn.com
K, FC, POK
523 S. Station St. 749-5183
749-6577 www.themayanprincess.com
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 71

Condos/Motels continued Vacation Homes**

BP=Boat Parking P=Pool
Travelodge BBQ=Barbecue facilities POK=Pets OK
300 W. Ave. G NS = Nonsmoking WB-Walk to
749-6427 Beach
www.travelodge.com

Tropic Island Motel/Apts. Beachcomber Vacation Rentals

BBQ, NS, P, POK, WTB
Ad This Page 600 Cut-off Road
315 Cut-off Rd. 749-STAY (7829)
749-6128, 888-221-7179 www.stayinporta.com
www.tropicislandresort.com
Bee Gees Coastal Quarters
BBQ, WtB
RV Parks/Resorts 719 LaJuana Ct.
(361) 332-8212
Island RV Resort www.beegeescoastalquarters.com
700 6th St.
749-5600 TurnKey Vacation Rentals
www.islandrvresort.com See Ad Pg. 44
2106 State Hwy. 361 Suite E
I.B. Magee Beach Park 1-888-512-0498
Story Page 38 www.TurnKeyVR.com
On the beach, end of Cotter St.
water-sewer Coastal Breeze Cottages
749-6117 213 Brown St., 213-215 Oaks
www.nuecesbeachparks.com (361) 229-3083
www.coastalbreezecottages.com
Gulf Waters RV Resort D & D Property Rentals
B/C, BtB, BBQ,
5601 State Hwy. 361 Amenties vary

Located In The Heart Of PORT ARANSAS

(361) 749-4978 P.O. Box 1043
749-0984
Marina Beach & R.V. Resort www.d-dproperties.com

Near All the Things You Want To Do!!!

241 W. Cotter Ave.
749-7823 Life in Paradise
www.mbrvresort.com Ad This Page
424 W. Ave. C
Mustang Island State Park
Walk to the City Parks, Birding Center, Great Restaurants,
749-7206 1-800-204-2781
OB, POK, WSE www.lifeinparadise.net
On the beach at State Hwy. 361
749-5246 Miss Kittys Fishing Getaways
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/
mustang_island
Ad Pg. 44
445 W. Cotter Ave.
Excellent Shopping, Piers, Commercial Fishing Docks, Post Office
and Grocery Store. Less than a mile to the beach.
(361) 727-0312
Mustang RV Resort www.portaransashomerentals.com
300 E. Cotter Ave.
749-5343 1 of a Kind Beach Houses
BP, BBQ, FC, NS, P, POK, WtB
Oceanside RV Resort 221 E. Ave. E
701 Oceanside Dr. @ 11th 1-800-620-8879
749-6956 www.1ofakindbeachhouses.com
On the Beach RV Park Port A Escapes
907 Access Rd. 1A & the beach POK*
749-4909 1900 State Hwy 361
www.onthebeachrv.com 749-2300
Pioneer RV www.portaescapes.com

Ad Pg. 89 Starkey Properties

120 Gulfwind Dr. Amenties vary
749-6248 1115 S. SH 361, Suite D
www.campingfriend.com/pioneerrvresort 749-3591 888-951-6381
www.starkeyproperties.com
Surfside RV & Resort
1820 11th St. The Enclave Guest Houses
749-2208
www.surfsiderv.com

Tropic Island RV Park

NS
717 9th St.
749-3304
Enjoy Our Great Amenities
Ad This Page
315 Cut-off Rd.
www.theenclaveporta.com

The Commons
Cable TV, Phones,
749-6128
www.tropicislandresort.com
BBQ,P,I/Wi,POK, Satellite Dish TV, WTB
2120 S. 11th St., Fully Equipped Kitchens, Large Swimming Pool,
(361) 288-2519
www.commonsporta.com
Fish Cleaning Facility, Boat Parking,
Rec Room, & LP Gas
**Not all amenities apply to all vacation homes
represented by property management companies.

Pets allowed in
RV park only
No pets allowed
in all the rooms
No pets
over 20 pounds
315 S. Cut-Off Road-1/4 mi. from the ferry
Port Aransas, Texas 78373 www.tropicislandresort.com
361-749-6128 TOLL FREE 1-888-221-7179
72 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

Texas State Saltwater Fish Records

Amberjack, Greater: 121
lbs.; Length 64.9; 8/20/05; Gulf
of Mexico; John Stout; jig/cigar
minnow
Angelfish, Blue: 2.9 lbs.; Length
14.75; 6/13/07; Gulf of Mexico;
Beverly Stapleton; squid
Angelfish, French: 8.7 lbs.;
Length 18.5; 9/11/94; Gulf of
Mexico; Dennis Daye
Barbier, Red: 1.81 lbs.; Length
16.5; 7/8/86; Gulf of Mexico; Ricky
Preddy
Barracuda, Great: 52.81 lbs.;
Length 63.43; 9/4/93; Gulf of
Mexico; Kim Calzada
Bass, Hybrid Striped: 8.75 lbs.;
Length 25; 4/14/93; San Antonio
Bay; James Potts
Bass, Longtail: 4.3 lbs.; Length
22.5; 8/2/08; Gulf of Mexico; Mike
Bednar; mackerel
Bass, Striped: 28 lbs.; Length
33.5; 1/26/91; Galveston Bay; Calvin
Hinderman Jr.
Beardfish: 8.9 lbs.; Length 25;
9/17/09; Gulf of Mexico; Steve
Roberts; cut bait
Bigeye: 2.4 lbs.; Length 17.25;
3/20/89; Gulf of Mexico; Suzannah

Nice amberjack such as this are prized by anglers for the fight they
put up as well as how good they taste when grilled or fried.
ALL MAJOR CREDIT
CARDS ACCEPTED Creech Chub, Bermuda: 8.97 lbs.; Length
Bigeye, Short: 1 lbs.; Length 11; 23.5; 6/20/07; Gulf of Mexico; John
10/16/91; Gulf of Mexico; Luis A. Godfrey; squid/mix
749-2800 Gomez Chub, Yellow: 8.97 lbs.; Length
Bluefish: 16.62 lbs.; Length 24; 6/26/94; Gulf of Mexico;
36.63; 1/11/87; Gulf of Mexico; Alex Christopher McSwain

COMPLETE FISHING GUIDE SERVICE

Koumonduros
Boarfish, Deepbody: 0.63 lbs.;
Length 7.91; 8/14/09; Gulf of
Bay or Offshore Mexico; John Hanson; squid
One boat or 50! Live and fresh bait First class facilities Bonefish: 3.75 lbs.; Length 23.25; 8/2/08; Gulf of Mexico; Robert
11/19/77; Gulf of Mexico; C. W.
Rod, reel, bait & tackle furnished Experienced, knowledgeable guides Morris
Bonito, Atlantic: 27 lbs.; Length
0; 7/1/69; Gulf of Mexico; Eddie
Groth
Bonnethead: 24.3 lbs.; Length
50.12; 8/18/04; Gulf of Mexico;
Pamela Joseph
Bream, Sea: 1.11 lbs.; Length
12.5; 11/17/96; Galveston Bay; John
Edel; ling
Brotula, Bearded: 17.01 lbs.;
Length 37; 7/13/12; Gulf of Mexico;
Richard C. Greer; live bait
Burrfish, Striped: 1.62 lbs.;
Length 12; 3/11/14; Gulf of Mexico;
Trent Lake; shrimp
Carp, Grass: 8.16 lbs.; Length
26.42; 11/14/92; Galveston Bay;
Andrew Anthony
Catfish, Blue: 42.78 lbs.; Length
42.5; 5/12/05; Sabine Lake; Bobby
Hutchinson; cut mullet
Catfish, Channel: 1.9 lbs.; Length
16.5; 7/17/07; Galveston Bay; Ryan
McKewen; night crawler
Catfish, Flathead: 23.32 lbs.;
THE MUSTANG Bay fishing aboard the Length 38.5; 9/6/04; Sabine Lake;
All New 100 Passenger Island Queen II. Bobby Hutchinson; live mullet
Dolphin watch Nature Tour 4-hour trips available Catfish, Gafftopsail: 13.33
749-6969 Redfish Drum Trout Flounder lbs.; Length 34; 12/13/81; Gulf of
Mexico; Herman Koehne Jr.
Catfish, Hardhead: 4.06 lbs.;
On the Harbor 136 W. Cotter Port Aransas, Texas (361) 749-5252 Length 23; 7/14/03; Corpus Christi
visit our website www.gulfcoastfishing.com or e-mail us at: woodyssportscenter@gmail.com Bay; Federico Garcia; sand trout
Cobia: 108.44 lbs.; Length 71;
5/9/98; Gulf of Mexico; Michael
Albanese
Coney: 4.7 lbs.; Length 21.25;
Fouse
Conger, Yellow: 21 lbs.; Length
71; 6/17/96; Gulf of Mexico; Bradley
Poulsen
Cottonwick: 2.3 lbs.; Length 16;
3/22/98; Gulf of Mexico; Travis
McNeil
Creole-fish: 1.56 lbs.; Length 14;
3/21/04; Gulf of Mexico; Robby
Gillis
Croaker, Atlantic: 5.47 lbs.;
Length 29; 4/24/02; Gulf of Mexico;
Paul Straw; squid
Cubbyu: 1 lbs.; Length 11.13;
4/16/87; Gulf of Mexico; Steve
Qualia
Cutlassfish, Atlantic: 4.7 lbs.;
Length 50; 3/31/09; Corpus Christi
Bay; Travis Colley; bass assassin
Doctorfish: 1.26 lbs.; Length
11.62; 4/14/97; Gulf of Mexico;
Jerry McCullin
Dogfish, Cuban: 4.63 lbs.; Length
30.5; 8/20/11; Gulf of Mexico;
Trevin Eckersley; squid
Dogfish, Smooth: 26.5 lbs.;
Length 50.88; 3/2/98; Gulf of
Mexico; George Flores
Dogfish, Spiny: 21 lbs.; Length
50.75; 10/26/86; Gulf of Mexico;
Vicki Kusey
Dolphin: 65.7 lbs.; Length 67;
6/21/08; Gulf of Mexico; Ryan
Continued on Page 73
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 73
Continued from Page 21
Foster; moldcraft/balyhoo
Dolphin, Pompano: 4.1 lbs.;
Length 25.88; 8/3/90; Gulf of
Mexico; Tommy Gueldner
Driftfish, Black: 25.37 lbs.; Length
35.37; 7/10/10; Gulf of Mexico;
Darrell Bezecny; squid
Drum, Black: 81 lbs.; Length
51.18; 6/19/88; Gulf of Mexico;
Wally Escobar Jr.
Drum, Freshwater: 33.62 lbs.;
Length 33; 2/20/95; Sabine Lake;
Michael McKinney
Drum, Red: 59.5 lbs.; Length
54.25; 1/30/00; Gulf of Mexico;
Artie Longron
Durgon, Black: 2.38 lbs.; Length
14; 6/20/86; Gulf of Mexico; Adolf
Schulz
Eel, Shrimp: .69 lbs.; Length 24.5;
8/3/90; Gulf of Mexico; Megan
Gower
Eel, Snapper: 16.80 lbs.; Length
67; 8/28/04; Gulf of Mexico; Taylor
Walker; dead mullet
Escolar: 33.9 lbs.; Length 47.5;
10/9/10; Gulf of Mexico; Justin
Justice
Escolar, Roudi: 5.38 lbs.; Length
32; 7/22/07; Gulf of Mexico; Eric
Ozolins; squid
Filefish, Scrawled: 4.66 lbs.;
Length 23; 5/2/10; Gulf of Mexico;
Jason Harries; squid
Filefish, Unicorn: 5 lbs.; Length
21.63; 9/25/87; Gulf of Mexico;
Eugene Foreman Jr.
Flounder, Ocellated: 2.63 lbs.;
Length 16.63; 12/6/01; Galveston
Bay; Mark Bond; mullet
Flounder, Other: 4.3 lbs.; Length
20.75; 8/22/00; Lower Laguna
Madre; Skipper Ray; Fly Rod
Flounder, Southern: 13 lbs.;
Length 28; 2/18/76; Sabine Lake;
Herbert Endicott
Flyingfishes, Margined: 0.79
lbs.; Length 14.5; 6/21/86; Gulf of
Mexico; Adolf Schulz
Gag: 69.4 lbs.; Length 51;
10/5/03; Gulf of Mexico; Tommy
Angel; Live Blue Runner
Gar, Alligator: 186.19 lbs.; Length
96.25; 10/14/95; Galveston Bay;
Johnny Gilbert
Graysby: 2.31 lbs.; Length 14.75;
3/2/98; Gulf of Mexico; George
Flores
Grouper, Black: 124 lbs.; Length
63; 1/11/03; Gulf of Mexico; Tim
Oestreich II
Grouper, Comb: 6.6 lbs.; Length
26; 2/1/14; Gulf of Mexico; James A.
Burton; sardine
Grouper, Goliath: 551 lbs.;
Length 0; 6/29/37; Gulf of Mexico;
Gus Pangarakis
Grouper, Marbled: 37.6 lbs.;
Length 39; 10/22/12; Gulf of
Mexico; Shawn T. Ahl; cut bait
Big redfish like these will take
an anglers well-baited line in
near-shore waters.
Grouper, Misty: 5.69 lbs.; Length
22; 8/28/09; Gulf of Mexico; Mike
Luchak; jig
Grouper, Red: 6.3 lbs.; Length
24; 3/18/15; Gulf of Mexico; John R.
Veale; sardine
Grouper, Snowy: 49.81 lbs.;
Length 43.25; 9/10/93; Gulf of
Mexico; Steve Cole
Grouper, Warsaw: 302.7 lbs.;
Length 75; 10/18/06; Gulf of
Mexico; Raul Reyes
Grouper, Yellowedge: 34.25
lbs.; Length 41.88; 8/7/10; Gulf of
Mexico; Elmer Lang III; live bait
Grouper, Yellowfin: 40.75 lbs.;
Length 38.5; 11/15/95; Gulf of
Mexico; Karl Loessin
Grouper, Yellowmouth: 24.5
lbs.; Length 39.75; 3/31/04; Gulf of
Mexico; Diane Howe; squid
Grunt, Barred: 1.24 lbs.; Length
13.25; 7/27/04; Gulf of Mexico;
Ronald Lovett
Grunt, White: 3.75 lbs.; Length
18; 7/5/97; Gulf of Mexico; Dan
Schmidt
Guaguanche: 4.83 lbs.; Length
31.75; 11/25/95; Gulf of Mexico;
Ewalt Schneider
Guitarfish, Atlantic: 4.44 lbs.;
Length 31.5; 5/25/98; Gulf of
Mexico; Byron Noles Jr.
Hake, Carolina: 1.6 lbs.; Length
16; 1/31/96; Gulf of Mexico; Tony
Langston
Hake, Gulf: 6.7 lbs.; Length 28.5;
12/4/10; Gulf of Mexico; Michael
Anzalone
Hake, Spotted: 1.68 lbs.; Length
18; 4/26/96; Gulf of Mexico;
Leonard Maartens Jr.
Hammerhead, Great: 871 lbs.;
Length 163.8; 7/4/80; Gulf of
Mexico; Mark Johnson
Hammerhead, Scalloped: 253
lbs.; Length 115; 6/5/04; Gulf of
Mexico; Davey Wright; bonita
Hammerhead, Smalleye: 151
lbs.; Length 95; 10/26/86; Gulf of
Mexico; Louis Kusey III
Herring, Skipjack: 3.34 lbs.;
Length 26.5; 10/11/01; Gulf of
Mexico; Frank Budd; Fly Rod,
clouser
Hind, Red: 8.96 lbs.; Length
24.25; 7/22/87; Gulf of Mexico;
Adolf Schulz
Hind, Rock: 4.5 lbs.; Length
19.75; 7/29/08; Gulf of Mexico;
Phillip Goza; sardine
Hind, Speckled: 28.13 lbs.;
Length 37.5; 5/7/13; Gulf of Mexico;
Mike Rizzuto; squid
Hogfish, Spanish: 2.25 lbs.;
Length 15.88; 3/25/00; Gulf of
Mexico; Casey Cundieff
Hogfish, Spotfin: 1.07 lbs.;
Length 12.5; 6/24/99; Gulf of
Mexico; Jim Vuichard
Houndfish: 4.5 lbs.; Length 37.4;
11/15/13; Gulf of Mexico; Gary
Long; Maguroni lure
Jack, Almaco: 50.3 lbs.; Length
49; 7/5/96; Gulf of Mexico; Billy
Winkler
Jack, Black: 21.57 lbs.; Length
32; 9/21/04; Gulf of Mexico; Roy
Aimone; mullet
Jack, Cottonmouth: 1.25 lbs.;
Length 12.5; 7/14/84; Gulf of
Mexico; Frank Fuller
Jack, Crevalle: 50.25 lbs.; Length
52.25; 6/26/76; Gulf of Mexico;
Francis Lyon
Jack, Horse-eye: 32 lbs.; Length
Continued on Page 74
74 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 73 128.5; 5/4/86; Gulf of Mexico;
Donald Ewing
43.13; 9/8/12; Gulf of Mexico; Terry Mako, Shortfin: 707.5 lbs.; Length
Lee Ramsey; blue runner 128; 1/27/02; Gulf of Mexico; Jeff
Jack, Yellow: 15.98 lbs.; Length Shindle
35.75; 6/6/09; Gulf of Mexico; Greg Margate, Black: 12.8 lbs.; Length
Cummings; diamond jig 27; 6/24/00; Gulf of Mexico; Charles
Kingfish, Gulf: 2.38 lbs.; Length Botello; squid
19.5; 3/18/95; Gulf of Mexico; Marlin, Blue: 972.7 lbs.; Length
James Mulhern 132.25; 7/11/14; Gulf of Mexico;
Kingfish, Southern: 3.62 lbs.; Richard Richardson Jr.; live bait
Length 22; 3/7/92; Gulf of Mexico; Marlin, White: 111.5 lbs.; Length
Gilbert Perez 93; 8/5/79; Gulf of Mexico; Geo
Ladyfish: 5.7 lbs.; Length 28.75; Taggart
9/5/08; Aransas Bay; Sharon Menhaden, Finescale: 0.98 lbs.;
Podraza; live shrimp Length 13.63; 7/30/05; Sabine
Lizardfish, Inshore: 1.85 lbs.; Lake; Richard Constantine Jr.; live
Length 20; 10/20/91; Gulf of mullet
Mexico; Winnie Poff Midshipman, Atlantic: 0.88
Lizardfish, Largescale: 1.31 lbs.; lbs.; Length 33.75; 12/2/99; Upper
Length 16; 8/7/09; Gulf of Mexico; Laguna Madre; Thomas Sheehan;
Richard La Bouliere; squid Fly Rod, chartruese/white clse dp
Lookdown: 4.2 lbs.; Length 21; Mojarras: 0.88 lbs.; Length 12.25;
3/31/12; Gulf of Mexico; Fayez 8/1/81; Lower Laguna Madre;
Nahhas Natalie Woods
Mackerel, King: 79 lbs.; Length Moonfish, Atlantic: 1.2 lbs.;
58.5; 8/20/06; Gulf of Mexico; Length 14.5; 10/20/15; Gulf of
Mervin Leppo; ribbon fish Mexico; Robert Bennett; mirrodine
Mackerel, Snake: 1.88 lbs.; 27
Length 35.5; 6/6/07; Gulf of Mexico; Moray, Blackedged: 3.1 lbs.;
Peter Letts; chrome jig Length 39; 5/30/99; Gulf of Mexico;
Mackerel, Spanish: 8.74 lbs.; Ronnie Vaughn
Length 34.5; 8/15/76; Gulf of Moray, Blacktail: 2.42 lbs.;
Mexico; Bobby Tarter Length 36; 3/24/98; Gulf of Mexico;
Mako, Longfin: 664 lbs.; Length George Flores
"Federally permitted boat for
"WE Snapper, grouper & pelagic fish."
Fish Port Aransas
Catch
Top Captains with Great Catch Records
Memories" Come see us at
GULF or BAY Woody's Sports Center
Call today and book a trip with:
Bill Busters Sportfishing
(361) 749-5223
www.billbustersfishing.com
Red snapper like these are the bounty of state and federal waters
of the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing for the tasty fish in federal waters is
limited periodically as a conservation measure, but state waters are
open year round.
Moray, Green: 7.7 lbs.; Length
48; 8/1/98; Gulf of Mexico; George
Flores
Moray, Spotted: 8.5 lbs.; Length
50; 3/5/94; Gulf of Mexico; Louis
Kusey III
Mullet, Striped: 10.38 lbs.;
Length 29.25; 3/13/09; Upper
Laguna Madre; Scott Lindner; bass
assassin
Needlefish, Atlantic: 1.25 lbs.;
Length 29.75; 6/1/15; Lower Laguna
Madre; Hayden Mathews; live
shrimp
Needlefish, Flat: 2.75 lbs.; Length
38.94; 7/3/94; Gulf of Mexico; Robin
Dunn
Oilfish: 61.38 lbs.; Length 60.75;
3/18/95; Gulf of Mexico; Keith
Johnson
Palometa: 1.5 lbs.; Length 15.81;
6/12/06; Gulf of Mexico; Henry
Flores Jr.; squid
Perch, Sand: 0.59 lbs.; Length
10.67; 12/31/93; Gulf of Mexico;
Robert Lathrop
Permit: 1.5 lbs.; Length 14.75;
8/30/93; Gulf of Mexico; Jared
Guinn
Pigfish: 1.04 lbs.; Length 12.5;
12/18/98; Galveston Bay; Scott
Moss; plastic clear shrimp tail
Pinfish: 2.88 lbs.; Length 17.75;
7/1/12; Gulf of Mexico; Lucky
Rabago
Pomfret, Bigscale: 11.11 lbs.;
Length 32; 8/15/15; Gulf of Mexico;
Doug Johnson; jig
Pompano, African: 43.1 lbs.;
Length 52; 2/1/03; Gulf of Mexico;
Hank Cram
Pompano, Florida: 6.41 lbs.;
Length 24.63; 6/18/06; Lower
Laguna Madre; Juan Carrillo III; live
shrimp
Pompano, Irish: 1 lbs.; Length
12.88; 9/6/04; Gulf of Mexico;
Johnny French; Fishbites Fishn
Strip
Porgy, Jolthead: 1.62 lbs.; Length
13.63; 8/9/08; Gulf of Mexico;
Derek York; squid
Porgy, Knobbed: 5.8 lbs.; Length
19.75; 2/21/00; Gulf of Mexico;
Stanley Sweet
Porgy, Red: 8.18 lbs.; Length
25.23; 7/4/09; Gulf of Mexico;
Johnny White; cigar minnow
Porgy, Whitebone: 4.48 lbs.;
Length 18.75; 3/12/96; Gulf of
Mexico; Stan Oftelie
Puddingwife: 4.29 lbs.; Length
19.5; 9/6/96; Gulf of Mexico; Adolf
Schulz
Puffer, Smooth: 10.75 lbs.;
Length 30; 4/8/01; Gulf of Mexico;
Daniel Nassiff
Ray, Cownose: 50.5 lbs.; Length
52; 5/27/86; Gulf of Mexico;
Freeman Gage Jr.
Ray, Lesser Electric: 0.88 lbs.;
Length 13; 10/12/98; Gulf of
Mexico; Byron Noles Jr.; cut mullet
Ray, Smooth Butterfly: 15.42
lbs.; Length 28.5; 7/3/04; Lower
Laguna Madre; Tom Aubrey
Ray, Spotted Eagle: 273.5 lbs.;
Length 82; 6/2/12; Galveston Bay;
Jimmy Anderson; cut bait
Remora: 3.7 lbs.; Length 27.5;
7/23/12; Gulf of Mexico; Fayez
Nahhas
Rosefish, Blackbelly: 3.04 lbs.;
Length 17.5; 6/22/13; Gulf of
Mexico; Nicholas Pawliskowski
Runner, Blue: 9.57 lbs.; Length
28.38; 10/3/01; Gulf of Mexico;
Patrick L. Lemire
Runner, Rainbow: 28.1 lbs.;
Length 47.94; 4/7/04; Gulf of
Mexico; Keith Banks
Sailfish: 95 lbs.; Length 97.5;
7/12/72; Gulf of Mexico; Morton
Cohn
Sawfish, Largetooth: 736 lbs.;
Length 0; 1/1/39; Gulf of Mexico;
Gus Pangarakis
Scamp: 26.37 lbs.; Length 38;
8/10/07; Gulf of Mexico; Odis
Graham Jr.; blue runner
Scorpionfish, Spinycheek: 3.1
lbs.; Length 17.5; 7/2/11; Gulf of
Mexico; John Shin
Scorpionfish, Spotted: 3.25 lbs.;
Length 16.5; 5/5/12; Gulf of Mexico;
Allen Lain Schulle; cut bait
Sea Bass, Rock: 0.5 lbs.; Length
13.63; 4/2/11; Gulf of Mexico;
Kenny Flake; squid
Searobin, Bighead: 1.14 lbs.;
Length 13.25; 8/5/87; Corpus Christi
Bay; Wade Kilpatrick
Searobin, Blackwing: 0.58 lbs.;
Length 10.75; 1/16/95; Gulf of
Mexico; Robert Pope
Seatrout, Sand: 6.25 lbs.; Length
23.5; 2/26/72; Galveston Bay;
Dennis Herrick
Seatrout, Silver: 6.91 lbs.; Length
24; 2/28/92; Gulf of Mexico; Gerry
L. Tompkins
Seatrout, Spotted: 15.6 lbs.;
Length 37.25; 5/23/02; Lower
Laguna Madre; Carl Rowland; Fly
Rod
Shark, Atlantic Sharpnose: 17.14
lbs.; Length 43.5; 4/5/00; Gulf of
Mexico; Debra Windsor
Shark, Bigeye Sixgill: 8.36 lbs.;
Length 40; 4/17/96; Gulf of Mexico;
Christopher Gonzales Jr.
Shark, Blacknose: 45 lbs.; Length
57; 4/29/93; Gulf of Mexico; Charles
Gillispie
Shark, Blacktip: 190 lbs.; Length
97; 5/31/03; Gulf of Mexico; Davey
Wright; whole bonita
Shark, Bull: 515 lbs.; Length
108; 5/18/07; Aransas Bay; Randall
Rickerson; mullet
Continued on Page 75
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 75
Continued from Page 74
Shark, Dusky: 530 lbs.; Length
129; 3/1/75; Gulf of Mexico;
Raymond Hein
Shark, Finetooth: 100.5 lbs.;
Length 80.25; 6/3/79; Gulf of
Mexico; Richard Hensley
Shark, Lemon: 470 lbs.; Length
122; 8/28/87; Gulf of Mexico; Jim
Blackburn
Shark, Nurse: 83.88 lbs.; Length
74; 9/10/97; Gulf of Mexico; Hans
Hodell
Shark, Oceanic Whitetip: 200
lbs.; Length 95.75; 7/25/14; Gulf of
Mexico; Blake Oestreich; bonito
Shark, Sandbar: 226 lbs.; Length
92; 3/21/75; Gulf of Mexico; James
Wilson
Shark, Silky: 556 lbs.; Length 140;
7/23/73; Gulf of Mexico; Wolfgang
Bushang
Shark, Spinner: 212.6 lbs.; Length
89.75; 4/29/00; Gulf of Mexico;
Howell Kines
Shark, Thresher: 333 lbs.; Length
158.5; 5/2/02; Gulf of Mexico;
Robert Robinson; bonita
Shark, Tiger: 1,129.00 lbs.; Length
162; 5/24/92; Gulf of Mexico; Chap
Cain III
Sharksucker: 4.5 lbs.; Length
30.5; 8/8/04; Gulf of Mexico;
Mariechen Spivey; perch
Sheepshead: 15.25 lbs.; Length
26.5; 10/17/02; Lower Laguna
Madre; Wayne Gilstrap; live shrimp
Sleeper, Bigmouth: 1.88 lbs.;
Length 16.75; 8/18/96; Lower
Laguna Madre; Ben Cowan
Snake Eel, King: 52 lbs.; Length
86.5; 2/11/97; Gulf of Mexico;
Patrick L. Lemire
Snapper, Black: 11.1 lbs.; Length
26.5; 7/27/87; Gulf of Mexico; Adolf
Schulz
Snapper, Blackfin: 9 lbs.; Length
23.75; 9/3/06; Gulf of Mexico;
Dwayne Whitten
Snapper, Cubera: 131 lbs.; Length
56; 8/8/83; Gulf of Mexico; Ricky
Preddy; 15 mi north Port Mansfiel
Snapper, Dog: 14.4 lbs.; Length
26; 7/17/04; Gulf of Mexico; Alton
Berg; live pinfish
Snapper, Gray: 18.67 lbs.; Length
28.5; 5/31/98; Gulf of Mexico; Steve
Pumilia
Snapper, Lane: 8.2 lbs.; Length
25; 8/17/04; Gulf of Mexico; Rickey
Ramirez; live pinfish
Snapper, Mutton: 18 lbs.; Length
32; 11/9/04; Gulf of Mexico; Roy
OBrian; cut bait
Snapper, Queen: 12 lbs.; Length
34.75; 6/14/13; Gulf of Mexico;
Robert Kirschner; squid
Snapper, Red: 38.75 lbs.; Length
40; 6/1/14; Gulf of Mexico; Joseph L
Beaver; squid
Snapper, Silk: 9.09 lbs.; Length
Big redfish such as this, often called bull reds, can be snagged offshore.
Anglers may keep redfish over 28 inches if they have a tagged issued
when they get their fishing licenses. Only one oversize red per angler
is allowed.
25.5; 9/7/14; Gulf of Mexico; Patrick
Martin; squid
Snapper, Vermilion: 5.71 lbs.;
Length 23; 5/28/15; Gulf of Mexico;
Tim Oestreich II
Snapper, Yellowtail: 9.87 lbs.;
Length 29.5; 10/10/92; Gulf of
Mexico; Steve Kinzel
Snook, common: 57.5 lbs.;
Length 0; 1/1/37; Gulf of Mexico;
Louis Rawalt
Spadefish, Atlantic: 12.94 lbs.;
Length 22.5; 8/17/02; Gulf of
Mexico; Edgar Artecona
Spearfish, Longbill: 60 lbs.;
Length 86.5; 8/10/90; Gulf of
Mexico; Kari Ann Alberthal
Spot: 1.13 lbs.; Length 12.5;
11/15/14; Upper Laguna Madre;
Casimir I. Vital Sr.; white fish bite
shrimp
Squirrelfish: 1.16 lbs.; Length
14.9; 3/2/13; Gulf of Mexico; Audie
Wilburn; squid
Stargazer, Southern: 3.3 lbs.;
Length 15.75; 1/29/93; Gulf of
Mexico; Julian Sanchez
Stingray, Atlantic: 10.75 lbs.;
Length 41.5; 7/3/94; Galveston Bay;
David Lee Anderson
Stingray, Bluntnose: 36.66 lbs.;
Length 0; 5/26/03; Galveston Bay;
Richard Olszak Jr.; squid
Stingray, Roughtail: 241 lbs.;
Length 84; 9/2/91; Gulf of Mexico;
Rick A. Jansky
Stingray, Southern: 246 lbs.;
Length 96; 6/30/98; Galveston Bay;
Carissa Egger; mullet
Swordfish: 493 lbs.; Length
145.75; 6/14/13; Gulf of Mexico;
Brian K. Barclay; squid
Tarpon: 210.7 lbs.; Length 91;
10/4/06; Gulf of Mexico; Jeremy
Ebert; menhaden
Tiger, Sand: 520 lbs.; Length
119; 4/4/76; Gulf of Mexico; Joey
Vermuelem
Tilefish: 31.3 lbs.; Length 40.35;
6/6/15; Gulf of Mexico; Jordan Silva;
squid
Tilefish, Blueline: 8.63 lbs.;
Length 27.5; 8/19/11; Gulf of
Mexico; Trevin Eckersley; squid
tipped jig
Tilefish, Goldface: 4.5 lbs.; Length
21.25; 8/6/10; Gulf of Mexico; Bruce
Slaven; squid
Tilefish, Sand: 2 lbs.; Length 21.5;
7/3/14; Gulf of Mexico; Ronald
Wright; squid
Toadfish, Gulf: 3 lbs.; Length
15.88; 6/17/89; Gulf of Mexico; Gay
Landry
Toadfish, Leopard: 3.13 lbs.;
Length 16.31; 7/16/91; Aransas Bay;
Tanya Page Fain
Tomtate: 2.03 lbs.; Length 15.75;
3/3/90; Gulf of Mexico; Donald
McCarty
Triggerfish, Gray: 12.46 lbs.;
Length 27.5; 6/19/96; Gulf of
Mexico; Jason Waligura
Triggerfish, Ocean: 11.2 lbs.;
Length 25.5; 6/12/11; Gulf of
Mexico; Billy Sheridan
Triggerfish, Queen: 10.49 lbs.;
Length 24.5; 7/15/89; Gulf of
Mexico; Bruce F. Goates
Tripletail: 33.5 lbs.; Length 34;
6/29/84; Matagorda Bay; Edie Pruitt
Trunkfish, Smooth: 0.76 lbs.;
Length 9; 3/22/98; Gulf of Mexico;
Alan Miller; squid
Tuna, Blackfin: 38.89 lbs.; Length Tuna, Yellowfin: 216.2 lbs.;
41.75; 6/23/88; Gulf of Mexico; Length 80; 10/11/98; Gulf of
John Alvarez Jr. Mexico; Jim Dickson
Tuna, Bluefin: 808 lbs.; Length Tunny, Little: 15.44 lbs.; Length
103; 5/4/85; Gulf of Mexico; Trina 32.50; 7/14/13; Gulf of Mexico;
Isaacs Robert Wilson; zukers
Tuna, Skipjack: 28.25 lbs.; Length Wahoo: 124 lbs.; Length 73.5;
33.88; 6/20/81; Gulf of Mexico; 7/5/87; Gulf of Mexico; Terry Crider
Jimmy Welder
Keep up with what anglers are catching
in the weekly editions of the
as well as at
www.pportasouthjetty.com
and on our Facebook Page!
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Fish Bag, Possession, Size Limits
Amberjack, Greater 1 34 No limit
Catfish, flathead 5 18 No limit
Catfish, gafftopsail No limit 14 No limit
Cobia 2 37 No limit
Drum, black 5 14 30 a
Drum, red b 3 20 28 b
Flounder: all species,hybrids and subspecies c
(in any combination) 5/2 14-No limit
Grouper, goliath 0 Catch and release only
Mackerel, king 2 27 No limit
Mackerel, Spanish 15 14 No limit
Marlin, blue No limit 131 No limit
Marlin, white No limit 86 No limit
Mullet: all species, their hybrids
and subspecies No limit No limit 12 d
(during Oct., Nov., Dec. & Jan.)
Sailfish No limit 84 No limit
Seatrout, spotted 10 e 15 25 f
Shark: all species, hybrids
and subspecies 1 24 No limit
Sheepshead 5 15 No limit
Snapper, lane No limit 8 No limit
Snapper, red 4 15 No limit
Snapper, vermilion No limit 10 No limit
Snook 1 24 28
Tarpon 1 85 no limit
Tripletail 3 17 no limit
a Black Drum: No more than one over 52 inches retained per person
per day and counts as part of the daily bag and possession limit.
b Red drum special regulation: During a license year, one over the maximum
length limit may be retained with a completed Red Drum Tag and one rover
the maximum length limit may be retained with a completed Bonus Red Drum
Tag. Any fish retained with a Red Drum Tag or Bonus Red Drum Tag may be
retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit.
c Flounder: No gigging in November when bag limit is 2.
d Mullet: May not take from public waters, or possess on board a boat, mullet
over 12 inches from October through January. No limits apply during other
months.
e Spotted Seatrout Special Regulation for Lower Laguna Madre: Daily bag and
possession limit is 5 in all inside waters south of marker 21 inside the Land Cut.
f Spotted Seatrout: No more than one over the maximum length may be
retained per person per day and counts as part of the daily bag and possession
limit.
76 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 77

Restaurant listings are free, and are not published in consideration for advertising. Restaurant management is chicken served daily in a nautical www.coffeewaves.com. Coffees,
responsible for notifying the South Jetty of changes or updates by calling (361) 749-5131 or e-mail atmosphere. Childrens menu. espresso, panini sandwiches,
news@portasouthjetty.com. To advertise, contact Jackie Linn at (361) 749-5131 Open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Full Italian gelato, muffins, pastries
or 361-537-5777, or e-mail her at ads@portasouthjetty.com
Prices represent a typical meal for one person exclusive of drinks, tax and tip. bar. Inexpensive to moderate. H, and more. Free WiFi. Live music
Inexpensive (under$7), moderate ($7 to $17) expensive ($17-$30) NS, all major credit cards. on weekends. Open daily at 7
H= Handicap access; NS=Nonsmoking section available. C Bar Caf at Cinnamon
Hours subject to change; call to confirm. Shore, 225 Grand Blvd. 749-
0422, cinnamonshore.com/
Averys Kitchen, 200 W. Ave. 905 State Hwy. 361, 749-2664, Castaways Seafood & dining. Pool side caf and bar.
G., 749-0650. Serving sandwiches, behringerslanding.com. Opening Grill, 320 N. Alister St., 749- Open daily during peak season.
burgers, steak, chicken, seafood spring 2016 for lunch and dinner. Club 361 at Port
and a full breakfast menu. Dine Serving USDA prime, choice Royal Ocean Resort and
outside, inside or carryout. Bring and black angus steaks, wild- Conference Center, 6317
your own alcoholic beverages. caught American seafood; pasta, State Hwy. 361, 749-5011, port-
Serving breakfast, lunch and burgers and pizza. Lunch and royal.com/restaurant-bistro-bar/
dinner. See the chalkboard out dinner. Full bar. Call for hours. restaurant-361. View of the Gulf a.m. Inexpensive. H, NS indoors,
front for the daily specials. Call Moderate. H, NS with outdoor of Mexico, pools on one side and all major credit cards. (See ad
for hours or see chalkboard in patio where smoking is allowed. Corpus Christi Bay on the other. Page 34.)
front. Inexpensive to moderate. All major credit cards. Breakfast, seafood, selections of Crazy Cajun, corner of
H, NS, all major credit cards. Bernies Beach House, steaks, quail, hamburgers, salads, Station and Beach streets.
730 Trout St., 749-4440, www. appetizers. Call for hours. Full 749-5069. Cajun style seafood,
berniesbeachhouse.net. Open bar. Moderate to expensive. H, gumbo, red beans and rice,
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; NS, all major credit cards. dirty rice, shrimp, stone crab
Sunday, noon-2 a.m. Sandwiches, 5394, www.castawaysporta.com. Coffee Waves, 1007 State
salads, soups, baked potatoes, Seafood, steaks, burgers and Hwy. 361, (361) 749-0825, Continued on Page 78
Frito pies. Inexpensive to
moderate. H, all major credit
cards. (See ad Page 31.)
Black Marlin Bar and Grill
at Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf
Club, 258 Snapdragon, 749-4653,
Ext. 4., blackmarlinbarandgrill.
com. Open daily for lunch 11
a.m.-3 p.m. Open for dinner
Friday, Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Upstairs bar with Gulf views.
Moderate to expensive, all credit
Beach & Station St. Grill, cards.
235 E. Beach St., 749-2303, Brons Shaved Ice and
beachandstationstreetgrill.com. To Go Bar, 314 E. Ave. G,
Open TuesdaySaturday for bronsbeachcarts.com/brons-
lunch and dinner. Call for hours. shaved-ice. Shaved ribbons of
Seafood. Beer, wine. Family ice covered with one of more
atmosphere. Moderate. H. than 33 gourmet flavors. Enjoy
Beach Lodge, at Marker 9 margaritas, strawberry daiquiris,
on the beach, 749-5713, www. pia coladas, wine and cold beer
thebeachlodge.net. Serving on the patio or take them to go.
breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inexpensive. Major credit cards.
Appetizers, burgers. fresh fish, (See ad Page 22.)
shrimp and oysters, homemade Cancun Grill and Cantina,
hushpuppies and more. Indoor, 1023 State Hwy. 361 Ste. E.,
outdoor restaurant and bar 200 749-5596. South of the border
feet from the Gulf of Mexico. cuisine for breakfast, lunch and
Beer, wine and soft drinks. Daily dinner. Beer, wine and mixed
specials. Kitchen open 8 a.m.-10 drinks. Open daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
p.m., seven days a week. Bar open Drive-through window in back.
late. Inexpensive to moderate. H, Inexpensive to moderate. NS,
NS, all major credit cards. H, all major credit cards. (See ad
Behringers Landing, Page 24.)
78 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 77
claws, crawfish and baby-back
ribs. Served on butcher paper,
family style. Live entertainment
on weekends, beer garden.
Open Monday-Friday 5-9 p.m.;
Saturday, 12-10 p.m.; Sunday,
12-9 p.m. Moderate- expensive.
H, NS, all major credit cards. (See
ad Page 34.)
Dairy Queen, 307 W. Cotter
Ave. 749-3339. Burgers, tacos,
steak fingers, Blizzards, ice
cream, desserts and more. Open
daily for lunch and dinner, 10
a.m.-10 p.m. Inexpensive. H, NS,
All major credit cards.
Desserted Island Ice
Cream Shop, 100 E. White
Ave. 749-0097. facebook.com/
DessertedIslandIceCream. Ice
cream with many toppings, milk
shakes, malts, floats, sundaes,
banana splits, frozen coffees, pie
and cheesecakes. Call for hours.
Inexpensive. Cash only. H, NS.
Donut Palace, watch for
opening of new location on
Alister Street.
Drop Anchor Bar &
Grill, 118 Cut-Off Road,
(361) 945-9595. www.
dropanchorbarandgrill.com.
Lunch and dinner. Seafood,
steaks, burgers and tacos. Full
bar. Open deck seating upstairs
and downstairs with views of
the ship channel. Two full service
bars. Call for hours. Inexpensive
to moderate. Major credit cards.
(See ad Page 81.)
Eats Port A, 112 E. White
Ave., 749-4BUN (4286) www.
eats-porta.com. Now serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8
p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-
10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fresh baked goods, coffee, lattes,
smoothies and more. Group
orders. Cakery/bakery inside.
Inexpensive to moderate. NS, H,
cash,V, MC, D only.
El Paraiso, 347 W. Cotter
Ave., 749-1925. www.facebook.
com/elparaisoporta. Breakfast
tacos, tacos, nachos, chalupas,
snow cones, freezes, frescas and
more. Call for hours.
Family Center Deli-
Bakery, 418 S. Alister St. (inside
Family Center IGA). 749-6665
or 749-6233. familycenteriga.
com. A wide variety of ready-
to-eat take-out foods, including
breakfast biscuits and tacos,
fried chicken, tenders and wings,
fried chicken livers and gizzards,
ribs, corn dogs, burritos, sliced-
to-order deli meats and cheeses,
fresh breads, cakes and pastries.
Deli trays. Open daily 6 a.m.-
10 p.m. Extended hours during
Spring Break. Inexpensive. H, all
major credit cards. (See ad Page
92.)
Fins Grill and Icehouse,
420 W. Cotter Ave., 749-
TOGO (8646) www.
finsgrillandicehouse.com.
Waterfront dining inside and
on the deck. Seafood, burgers,
sandwiches, desserts, beer, wine,
full bar, big kids menu. Bring
your fish to have cooked (even
to go). Open daily, 11 a.m.- 9
p.m. Moderate. H, NS, all major
credit cards. (See ad Page 17).
Frankies Kitchen, 717
Tarpon St. 749-1909. Homemade
country breakfast featuring
blueberry pancakes, omelets,
French toast and more. Daily
specials served at lunch. Open
Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. 3 p.m.
Inexpensive to moderate. Cash
only. NS.
Giggitys, 722 Tarpon St., 749-
3663. giggitys.com. Restaurant
and bar open seven days a week.
Take out available. 11 a.m.-1
a.m. (Bar closes at 2 a.m.) Beer,
wine, liquor. Live music. H, S, All
major credit cards. Moderate to
expensive. (See ad Page 30).
Harbour Lights Catering
and Grill at Woodys Sports
Center, 136 W. Cotter Ave.,
749-0771. Nachos, burgers,
seafood, soups and more. Dine
in or carry out. Open Sunday-
Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11
p.m. (See ad Page 81.)
Hog Island Taco Co.,
314 Cut-off Road, 749-0799.
Serving breakfast and lunch to
go. Breakfast tacos, pancakes,
cinnamon rolls, pulled pork
sandwiches, tuna tacos and
appetizers. Open daily, 7 a.m.-2
p.m.
Hot Dog Lady, call (361)
947-Dogg (3644) for the
location of the day, look for
the cart at Beach and Station
streets. All-beef one-fourth-
pound hot dogs with fixings.
Catering available. Major credit
cards. (See ad Page 82.)
IGA Sandwich Shop,
418 S. Alister St., (inside the
Family Center IGA), 749-
6665. familycenteriga.com.
Featuring Boars Head meats
and cheeses in a variety of deli-
style sandwiches ranging from
Continued on Page 79
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 79
Continued from Page 78
a veggie to a Dagwood Special.
Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily with
extended hours at peak seasons
and holidays. Inexpensive. H, all
major credit cards. (See ad Page
92.)
Iries Island Food, 503
N. Alister St., 749-2310.
iriesislandfood.com. Open
TuesdaySaturday, 11 a.m.-2:30
p.m., 5-9 p.m. Appetizers, salads,
shrimp, tacos, sandwiches, hot
dogs and desserts. Order at the
counter, small dining area or to
go. Inexpensive to moderate. H,
NS, all major credit cards. (See
ad Page 83.)
International Buffet, 305
W. Cotter Ave., (361) 416-1164.
Open daily. Sunday-Thursday, 10
a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10
a.m.-11 p.m. American, Japanese,
Chinese. All you can eat buffet,
sushi, hibachi grill. Eat in or
take out. Party room available.
Inexpensive to moderate. Major
credit cards.
Island Cafe, 301 S. Alister St.,
749-1741. facebook.com/pages/
Island-Cafe-and-Smokehouse.
Old island establishment. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
8226.
appetizers. Open from 11 a.m.-
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday
and Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Tuesday. Full breakfast
menu, seafood, steaks and
Mexican dishes. Evening specials.
Inexpensive to moderate.
Catering available. H, NS, all
major credit cards.
Keepers at Horace
Caldwell Pier, 230 N. On
The Beach Drive at the Horace
Caldwell Pier, 749-5333.
keepersportaransasfishingpier.
com. Full kitchen serving
hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp
and more. Beer. Open 12-5 p.m.
Closed Thursday. Carry-out
available. Inexpensive. H, NS,
cash only, ATM on site. (See ad
Page 34.)
Kodys Restaurant and
Bar, 2034 State Hwy 361, 749-
kodysrestaurant.com.
Casual dining, steaks, seafood,
burgers, sandwiches, salads and
2 a.m. Food served until 1 a.m.
Moderate. H, all major credit
cards. (See ad Page 78.)
La Barataria Restaurant
and Wine Bar, 3500 Island
Moorings Parkway, 749-2212.
w w w. i s l a n d m o o r i n g s . c o m /
restaurant. Open Monday,
Wednesday-Sunday, 4-9:30 p.m.
Sunday brunch 11 a.m. Closed
Tuesday. Serving American
cuisine with French and Cajun
influences. Specialties include
fresh seafood from the Gulf.
Full bar, beer and wine. Dining
with views of the bay. Moderate
to expensive. H, NS, smoking
allowed outside only, all major
credit cards. (See ad Page 76.)
La Playa Mexican Grille,
222. E. Beach St., 749-0022.
Continued on Page 80

La Table
de Mimi

Private Chef - Pascal Sapparrart

Pascal Sapparrart is from the South of France and has
years of cooking and entertaining experience. We are
thrilled to share his intuitive cuisine and classic french
dining traditions with you. We prepare and serve in
your home, a customized four course dinner, including
Mise en Bouche, Plat Principal, Salade, Cheese Board
or Dessert, replete with wine pairings.
Find our menu suggestions on Facebook at La Table de Mimi
For further information or reservations, call 361 533.3793
80 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 79
facebook.com/pages/La-Playa-
Mexican-Grill-Port-Aransas-
TX. Open for dinner Sunday,
Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.;
Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.;
closed Monday. Savor traditional
Tex-Mex favorites and creative
south of the border creations,
including fresh seafood. Catering
available. Beer, wine, margaritas
and more than 75 tequilas.
Moderate-expensive. H, NS, cash
and checks only, ATM available.
(See ad Page 34.)
Liberty Hall Inferno, 106
E. Cotter Ave., 749-4888. Open
Wednesday-Saturday at 5:30
p.m. Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner includes seafood, steaks
and more. No reservations, no Moby Dicks Restaurant,
parties larger than six. Moderate- 517 S. Alister St., 749-9447.
Expensive. H, smoking outside
only, Master Card and Visa.
Lisabellas, 165 Social Circle
in Cinnamon Shore, 749-4222.
cinnamonshore .com/dining.
Call for reservations. Open for
dinner Tuesday-Saturday at 5:30
p.m. Seafood, duck, steaks, pizza
and appetizers. Full bar, beer,
wine. Expensive. All major credit
cards. NS, H.
MacDaddys Family
Kitchen, 118 Beach Street,
749-2271. Open daily, 11 a.m.-
10 p.m. Barbecue, fried chicken
served family style. Seating for
large parties. Beer and Wine.
Take out available. Inexpensive mobydicksporta.com. Old
to moderate. NS, major credit island eclectic restaurant. Dine
cards. (See ad Page 83.) inside, under the palapa, or take
Miss Ks Bistro and out. Grilled and fried seafood,
Catering in Tower Center, sandwiches, burgers, aged Angus
1726 State Hwy. 361, Ste. 1, steaks, salads, sides, kids meals,
749-7776. www.facebook.com/ breakfast tacos and more. Daily
Miss-K-Bistro-and-Catering. lunch and dinner specials. Beer
Open MondayFriday, 11 a.m.- and wine available. Tuesday
5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.- Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday
3 p.m. Closed Sunday. Gourmet 8 a.m.3 p.m. Closed Monday.
food to go and catering available. Inexpensive to moderate. H, NS
Moderate. H, NS, MC,V, D.
Continued on Page 81
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 81
Continued from Page 80
inside, MC,V, D. (See ad Page 78.)
Mustang Island Food
Company, 315 W. Cotter
Ave. (361) 749-MIFC (6432)
See the menu options at www.
mu s t a n g i s l a n d fo o d c o. c o m .
Gourmet food to go. Entrees
by the pound, appetizers, sides,
desserts. Beer and wine. Open
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-
5:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday and
Monday. Delivery available.
Moderate. All major credit cards.
Oceans of Seafood, 165 W.
Cotter Ave., 749-4994. Look for
the bright orange building. Call
for hours. Shrimp, oysters, fish
and combo plates; u-peel-em
shrimp, seafood hoagies, stone
crab claws, stuffed crab, stuffed
jalapenos and French fries.
Moderate. MC,V, AE.
Pizza Hut, 2200 State Hwy.
361, Ste. B, (361) 226-4555. www.
pizzahut.com. Order online for
delivery or pickup. Pizza, bread
sticks, pasta, wings and desserts.
Gluten free pizza available. Order
online or by phone. Delivery
SundayThursday 11 a.m.- 10
p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.
11 p.m.; Carry out or dine in
SundayThursday 11 a.m. 10
p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.
11 p.m. (See ad Page 36.)
Port A Pizzeria, 407 E. Ave.
G at Station St., 749-5226. www.
portapizzeria.com. Dine in, carry
out or delivery. Serving a buffet
11 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a
week. Free delivery in town.
Traditional and gourmet pizzas,
calzones, spaghetti, homemade
lasagna, chicken Alfredo,
sandwiches, buffalo wings, salad
bar, dessert pizzas. Gluten free
items available. Inexpensive. H,
NS, all major credit cards. (See
ad Page 77.)
Roosevelts at the Tarpon
Inn, in the courtyard of the
historic Tarpon Inn, 200 E.
Cotter Ave., 749-1540. www.
rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com.
Fresh seafood and steaks. Call for
hours. Reservations accepted.
Expensive. H, NS, smoking in
outdoor courtyard only. MC, V,
AE. (See ad Page 82.)
Seafood and Spaghetti
Works, 901 State
Hwy. 749-5666. www.
seafoodandspaghettiworks.com.
Opens at 11 a.m. Lunch and
dinner served daily. Seafood,
steaks, Italian food, pizza, soup
and salad bar. Full bar. Moderate
to expensive. H, NS, all major
credit cards.
DINE DOCKSIDE,
Seaside Caf at
Cinnamon Shore, 749-0422,
cinnamonshore.com/dining. Bar
and caf. Breakfast served all day.
Sandwiches, pizzas and salads. 9
AT THE BACK PORCH BAR
a.m.-6 p.m. daily. OR CARRY-OUT!
Shells Pasta and Seafood,
corner of Avenue G and
11th Street, 749-7621. www. www.facebook.com/Har- FRESH
GULF FISH
bor-Lights-Catering-and-
eatatshells.com. Specializing Grill-590536064344378/
in pasta, seafood and grilled & SHRIMP!
hand-cut meats. Enjoy salads,
sandwiches, soups, fresh-baked LET US
breads and desserts. Dine in
or call for take out. Open for COOK
lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and YOUR
dinner is served from 5-9 p.m.
Closed Tuesday. Beer and wine.
CATCH!
Moderate to expensive. H, NS,
MC,V.
Slice of Chicago, 2217
State Hwy. 361, 749-1530, www.
portaransaspizza.com. Chicago
style pizza and pan pizza with
homemade dough and sauces.
Serving beer and wine. Dine in,
carry out or free delivery. Call
for hours. Moderate. H, NS, V,
MC, D. (See ad Page 82.)
Snappy Foods 19, 2200 361-749-0771
State Hwy. 361, 749-2833.
Burgers, fries, corn dogs, burritos, 11AM-9 PM SUN-THURS
11AM - 11PM FRI & SAT
Continued on Page 82
82 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 81
breakfast sandwiches and more.
Open 24/7. Inexpensive. Beer
and wine available. H, NS, all
major credit cards.
Stingrays Taphouse and
Grill, 401 Beach St., 749-BATS
(2287) www.stingraystaphouse.
com. Brick oven pizza, steaks,
seafood, wings. Daily specials.
Sports bar with over 20 TVs
and sports networks. Live music,
pool tables, shuffleboard and
darts. Pet friendly patio. Banquet
and party room. Open Sunday,
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,
11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-
12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Closed Tuesday. Happy hour
drink specials. Smoking on patio.
NS, H, all major credit cards.
Inexpensive to moderate. (See
ad Page 80.)
Stripes, five locations in Port
Aransas. Breakfast sandwiches
and breakfast tacos, hot dogs and
more. Hours vary. Inexpensive.
Beer and wine available. H, NS,
all major credit cards.
Subway, 605 N. Alister St.,
749-5650 and new location at
1115 State Hwy. 361 Ste. D.
Enjoy deli sandwiches and subs
on fresh-baked bread or wheat
Relax, Drink, & Dine... Island Style!
ONLY STEPS AWAY FROM EACH OTHER
tortilla wraps, soups and salads
to eat in or take out. Now
serving breakfast. Party subs
and party platters also available.
Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-9
p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and
Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Inexpensive.
San Juan Restaurant,
410 Cut-Off Road, 749-6521.
sanjuanrestaurant.net. South-
of-the-border entrees and
seafood with consideration for
the hamburger crowd. Breakfast
menu. Open daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Drive through window. Weekday
specials and orders to go. Full
bar. Inexpensive to moderate.
H, S and NS, V, MC, D, cash and
checks.
The Brewery, 429 N. Alister
St., 749-BREW (2739.) Pub
food, pizza and fish. Full bar.
Microbrewery serving a variety
of house brews. Covered deck.
Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Inexpensive to moderate. H, NS,
all major credit cards. (See ad
page 83.)
The Gaff, 323 E. Beach
St., 749-5970. facebook.com/
pages/The-Gaff. Specialty of the
house is fresh-made pizza with
toppings to your order. Beer,
wine, and set ups. Open daily.
Weekdays 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday
and Saturday 8 a.m. to midnight,
Sunday 12 p.m.-11 p.m. Outdoor
beer garden. Inexpensive to
moderate. Major credit cards. S
The Phoenix Restaurant
and Bar, 337 N. Alister St., 749-
9277. facebook.com/pages/The-
Phoenix-Restaurant-and-Bar.
Casual outdoor dining on the
deck, table or bar service during
the day. Fine dining featuring Chef
Tiana Worsham. Wednesday-
Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for
lunch; 5-9 p.m. for fine dining.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Reservations recommended.
Moderate to expensive. Major
credit cards.
The Tarpon Bar and Grill,
224 Cotter Ave. 749-1947. www.
thetarponbarandgrill.com. Open
Continued on Page 83
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 83
Continued from Page 82
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10
p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-10
p.m. Serving lunch and dinner,
family style dining, serving
upstairs, downstairs and on the
deck. Inexpensive to moderate.
Major credit cards. (See ad Page
82.)
Tropical Sno Shave Ice, 501
S. Alister. Shave ice with many
popular flavors including vanilla
cream and ice cream. Open daily.
Inexpensive. Cash only. H. (See
ad Page 80.)
Trout Street Bar & Grill,
104 Cotter Ave., 749-7800. tsbag.
com. Casual, on the boardwalk
overlooking boats and the
harbor. Fresh seafood and steaks
served indoors or out. Sunday-
Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday
and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Full
bar. Moderate, H, NS, all major
credit cards.
Venetian Hot Plate, 232
Beach St. at Station St., 749-7617,
www.venetianhotplate.com. Fine
Italian cuisine. Fresh seafood,
prime cuts, veal and pasta
selections. Daily specials featured.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9
p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
NOW
OPEN
118 Beach Street, Port Aransas
(361) 749-BBQ1
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Wines at cellar temperatures.
Call for reservations. Moderate
to expensive. H, MC,V, D.
Virginias on the Bay,
815 Trout St., 749-4088, www.
virginiasportaransas.com. On
the harbor overlooking the
marina and ship channel. Two-
story open-air restaurant
with a panoramic view of the
waterfront. Specializing in Gulf
seafood, steaks and chicken.
Full bar and coastal appetizers.
Large selection of ice-cold
Mexican and American beer.
Daily lunch specials. Open daily.
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Moderate- expensive. H, NS, all
major credit cards.
Whataburger, 729 State
Hwy. 361, 749-0681. Serving
breakfast, burgers and more,
dine-in, to go or drive-through.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. Inexpensive. H, NS, all
major credit cards.
Wild Horse Saloon &
Grill, 212 Beach St., 749-0105.
Home of the Jack Daniels burger.
Serving certified Angus burgers,
wings, chicken sandwiches,
and a variety of appetizers.
Dinner specials. Full bar and
outdoor deck. Occasional live
music Thursday-Saturday. Big
screen TVs. Open daily. Sunday-
Thursday, 11 a.m. until midnight;
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Kitchen open until 10 p.m.
weekdays, midnight on Friday
and Saturday. Inexpensive. S, H,
all major credit cards.
Check ads in the weekly editions
of the South Jetty for current
restaurant listings or call the
individual establishments.
H: Handicap access; NS
Nonsmoking; S: Smoking
84 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Fishing/ Charters
Deep Sea Headquarters, 416
W. Cotter Ave., 749-5597. www.
deepseaheadquarters.com. 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 17.)
Dolphin Dock, 300 W. Cotter
Ave., 749-4188. dolphindocks.com.
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.
Fishermans Wharf, 900 N.
Tarpon St., 749-5448. wharfcat.
com. 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 91.)
Island Moorings Marina, 3500
Island Moorings Parkway, (888)
749-9030. www.islandmoorings.
com. Marina with state-of-the-
art concrete floating dock system,
ships store, restaurant, yacht sales
office, swimming pool, bathhouse
and laundromat. Located across
the bay from Corpus Christi on
Port Aransas Mustang Island, only
minutes from deep-water fishing.
Stock up with fuel, beer, wine, ice,
bait, tackle and more at the ship
store. www.islandmoorings.com.
Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc.,
city marina. www.paboatmen.
org. This is an association of local
guides who rent dock space at the
city marina. Just walk the dock,
If its Spring Break, its party
time on the beach! The big
week of Spring Break this year
is March 14-18. Weekends
on either end of that week are
expected to be busy.
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.
Woodys Sports Center, 114
W. Cotter Ave., 749-5252. woodys-
pa.com. Complete fishing guide
service, charters for one to six
people for bay or Gulf fishing. Bay
fishing aboard the Island Queen II,
749-6969, four-hour trips available.
Bait, tackle, ice provided. Bring food
and drink. www.gulfcoastfishing.com.
(See ad Page 72.)
On your own
South/north jetties, marking
the entrance to the Aransas Pass and
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 Fishermans Wharf to get
to the north jetty where there are
no amenities youre on your own.
Bring your trash back with you and
deposit in a trashcan at the jetty
boat dock or at Fishermans 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. Please
dont litter.
Charlies Pasture Pier, at the
end of Port Street on a spot of
land locally referred to as Charlies
Pasture. Fish the ship channel for
reds, trout, drum, flounder. Free, no
amenities. Please take your trash
with you, dont 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. Restroom facilities.
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. Please dont liter.
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.
Trashcans are available at intervals
along the beach. Please use them;
dont litter.
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 the
South Jetty Gift Shop. Keep trash on
board and deposit properly when
returning to shore.
Bird Watching
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding
Center, located at the south end
of 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 and at the South Jetty Gift
Shop. (See story Page 27.)
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.
(See story Page 27.)
Joan and Scott Holt Paradise
Pond Birding Center, Cut-Off
Road, behind San Juan Restaurant.
More than 100 species of birds
frequent this one-acre tract. (See
story Page 27.)
Wetland Overlook, about
one-quarter mile south of Avenue
G on State Hwy. 361. A boardwalk
and observation gazebo, indigenous
landscaping. Part of the Great Texas
Coastal Birding Trail. (See story Page
27.)
The south jetty/ I.B. Magee
Beach Park, located on the
northern-most part of Mustang
Island. Excellent viewing area for
observing all variety of sea and
shore birds (See story Page 27.)
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. (See story
Page 61.)
Science & Nature
Beach Walk Adventures,
guided beach walks on the fourth
Friday of the month. Free. Meet at 9
a.m. on the beach at the purple flag
next to Horace Caldwell Pier. Wear
appropriate shoes; bring water,
sunscreen and a container for your
finds. Call 749-4158 by 8:30 a.m. if
weather is questionable. Sponsored
by the City of Port Aransas Parks
and Recreation Department. (See
story Page 35.)
University of Texas Marine
Science Institute Visitor
Center, on Cotter Avenue, near
the beach. Free self-guided tours
Continued on Page 86
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 85

HOW IT WORKS
Pick Your Piece
Choose Your Paint
Relax & Have Fun
You Paint It! & We Fire It!
Next Day Pick-Up Available
All Inclusive Pricing
No Sitting Fee
Come Meet Boomer !
No Time to Fire?
We Also Offer Make & Take Paint
Paint & Take Today!

210 N. Alister 361.749.7967 www.fireitceramics.com

86 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 84
of exhibits including aquaria with
Texas coastal species and habitats,
photos and research projects
past and present. Now open is
the Estuary Explorium, which
provides visitors with a unique
opportunity to learn about the
local estuaries. Open Mon.- Fri.
8 a.m. 5 p.m. Call for extended
weekend hours. Ocean Emporium
Gift Shop is inside the Visitor
Center. (See story Page 34.)
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. Private tours
for groups of 10 or more available
by calling Nicole Pringle at (361)
749-3153 or npringle@austin.
utexas.edu. (See story Page 50.)
Winter Walking Tours, a free
docents led walk at The Nature
Preserve at Charlies Pasture.
Fridays through March 31, from
3 to 4 p.m. Meet at Phase 1 of
the Nature Preserve at Charlies
Pasture on Port Street. For more
information, contact Nicole Pringle
at (361) 749-3153 or npringle@
austin.utexas.edu.
Marine Science Education
Film and Discussion Series, at
the UTMSI auditorium every Tuesday
and Thursday at 3 p.m. through
Thursday, March 10. Film times range
from 10 to 45 minutes followed by a
15 to 20 minute facilitator-led group
discussion. Movie schedule may be
viewed at utmsi.utexas.edu/visit/
public-programs or watch for the
titles in weekly editions of the South
Jettys Island Agenda on page 2A.
Winter Public Lectures, at the
UTMSI auditorium January through
March 10, generally on Thursdays.
Free public lectures by scientists
covering a variety of environmental
subjects. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
and the lectures begin at 7 p.m.
Watch issues of the South Jetty for
information about the lectures. For
more information, contact Linda
Fuiman at (361) 749-6806 or 749-
6805 or email her at linda.fuiman@
utexas.edu.
Port Aransas Nature
Preserve at Charlies Pasture,
located on Port Street. The 1,217-
acre preserve lies on land in an area
long known as Charlies Pasture.
Golfers enjoy the Palmilla
Beach and Golf Resorts, an
Arnold Palmer signature links-
style course between the
beach and State Hwy. 361.
Covered seating sites along the trails
provide birders with good viewing
areas. A viewing tower overlooks
the wetland areas around Salt Island.
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.
Restrooms are at the entrance. (See
story Page 45.)
Museums
Port Aransas Museum, 101
E. Brundrett St. at Alister St., (361)
749-3800, portaransasmuseum.org.
Open 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. (See story Page 65 and ad
Page 9.) Free tours of the Little
Chapel on the Dunes are offered
through the museum on the first
and third Saturday of each month.
Call to reserve a space on the tour.
(See story Page 65, ad Page 9.)
Farley Boat Works,
716 Ave. C, (409) 356-5065,
portaransasmuseum.org click on
Farley Boat Works. Open Tuesday-
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed for
holidays. The first Farley boat was
produced in 1915 especially for Port
Aransas tarpon fishing. The Farley
Boat Works has been restored
and now is a living museum with a
functional boat building shop. The
boat works celebrated 100 years
of wooden boat building in 2015.
Join the crew for a Second Saturday
party each month. See weekly issues
of the South Jetty for information
about events and classes at the boat
works. (See story Page 56, ad Page
66.)
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 for experienced
surfers is just south of the Horace
Caldwell Pier. (See story Page 41.)
Texas Surf Camps, (361) 749-
6956 www.texassurfcamps.com.
Winter surf camps, year-round
lessons, group events and parties.
(See ad Page 65.)
Boating/Tours
Scenic, sunset and nature cruises
are offered from Fishermans
Wharf (749-5448), Deep Sea
Headquarters (749-5597) and
Woodys Sports Center (749-
6969). Call for times, fees and other
information.
Anna B Sailing Charters,
3500 Island Moorings Parkway
at the Marina, (936) 524-3920.
Private sailboat charters aboard a
41-foot catamaran for sightseeing,
bird and dolphin watching. Sunset
cruises for up to six people. www.
anaabsailingcharters.com.
Jetty Boat, ride to San Jose
Island. Departs from Fishermans
Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon St., 749-5448.
Fishing, beachcombing, no amenities,
its uninhabited. $12 for adults and
$6 for children under 12. Call for
times. (See ad Page 91.)
Chute em Up Parasail,
136 W. Cotter Ave., at Woodys
Sports Center, 749-4600, www.
chuteemupparasail.com. Parasailing.
Take off and land on the back of the
boat and never get wet. Observer
rides available. Operates daily by
reservation only, 8 a.m. to dark. (See
ad Page 59.)
Kohootz Boat Tours, (361)
779-3188, www.kohootz.com.
Dolphin encounters, lighthouse
and shorebird boat tours. Call for
schedule. (See ad Page 11.)
Neptune Jet Ski Rentals, 136
W. Cotter Ave., on the dock at
Woodys Sports Center, 749-5440.
Rentals seven days a week. Call for
hours.
Pirates of the Lydia Ann, 749-
6969, at Woodys 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, but minimum occupancy
required for boat to embark. www.
piratesofthelydiaann.com. (See ad
Page 8.)
Red Dragon Pirate Cruises,
749-AHOY (2469), 440 W. Cotter
Ave., reddragonpiratecruises.com.
Pirate ship cruises daily at Deep Sea
Headquarters. Interactive two-hour
inshore cruises aboard the Red
Dragon. Three trips daily. Private
charters/entertainment cruises. Call
for information and reservations.
(See ad Page 17.)
San Jose Island, an uninhabited
island accessible only by boat.
Across the Corpus Christi Ship
Channel from Port Aransas. Take the
Jetty Boat from Fishermans Wharf.
No amenities. Please dont litter,
bring your trash back with you.
Scarlet Lady Dolphin
Adventures, 416 W. Cotter Ave.,
749-5597. Dolphin watch and
scenic cruise around the Lydia Ann
Channel.Three trips daily, seven days
a week. Boat holds 50 people. Private
charters available (See ad Page 17.)
Shamrock Kayak Charters, 749-
7716, 625 Tarrant Ave.
Splash Sea-Doo Rentals,
(361) 947-0749, 440 W. Cotter Ave.
www.portaransasjetskirentals.
com. Open Memorial Day weekend
through Labor Day. Reservations
recommended.
Stray Cat Sailing
Adventures, at Island Moorings
Marina, (361) 416-0054, www.
straycatsailingadventures.com.
Private charters. Sunset cruises,
dolphin and bird watching, party
cruises, pet friendly BYOB.
Continued on Page 87
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 87
In addition to watching master
sculptors carve magnificent
sculptures out of sand, visitors
to SandFest can enjoy all
manner of food, including
turkey legs.
Continued from Page 86
Beach activities
Board House Surf and Skate
Shop, 509 N. Alister St., 749-3100,
www.boardhousesurfshop.com.
Surfboard rentals. Surfboards and
skateboards from traditional to
progressive. (See ad Page 64.)
Fly It Port A! Kite Shop,
405 Cut-Off Rd., 749-4190, www.
facebook.com/Fly-It-Port-A-Kite-
Shop. Kites of every description.
(See ad Page 7.)
Island Surf Rentals, 124 E. Ave
G, 749-0822, www.islandsurfrentals.
com. Golf carts, scooters, kayaks,
surfboards, bikes. (See ad Page 87.)
Port A H2O, (361) 332-9031. 416
Chloes Way, portaransaswatertime.
com. Kite boarding, kite surfing,
stand up paddle board, surfing,
rentals and lessons, all ages.
Third Coast Kitesurfing,
(361) 563-4640, www.
thirdcoastkitesurfing.com. Kite
boarding lessons, beginner to
advanced.
Sand sculpture lessons, by
Build a Better Sand Castle. Call Mark
Landrum, (361) 290-0414, www.
sandrum.com. One-on-one, group
lessons, family plan. (See ad Page 7.)
Sandcastling with Ken, Call or
text for lessons, (361) 548-7316.
Golf
Palmilla Beach Resort and
Golf Club on State Hwy. 361, south
of Beach Access Rd. 1A. 749-4653,
www.playpalmilla.com. 18 hole,
links-style, par 71, Arnold Palmer
signature course. Open to the
public. (See story Page 5.)
Sinton Municipal Golf Course,
(361) 364-9013. About a 45-minute
drive from Port Aransas, three miles
north of Sinton on Highway 181. 18
holes, pro shop. Call for hours.
Rockport Country
Club, (361) 729-8324, www.
rockportcountryclub.net. 40
Continued on Page 88
88 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 87
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).
Padre Isles Country
Club, (361) 949-8006. 14353
Commodore, A 20-minute drive
down State Hwy. 361 from Port
Aransas to a 9-hole golf course.
Gabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center,
(361) 883-3696, lozanogolfcenter.
com. A 45-minute drive from Port
Aransas, at 4401 Old Brownsville
Road in Corpus Christi. 18 holes.
Oso Beach Municipal Golf
Course, (361) 991-8765.35,
osobeachgolf.com. 30 minutes from
Port Aransas, 5601 S. Alameda in
Corpus Christi. 18 holes.
Northshore Country Club,
(361) 643-1546 ext. 235, www.
northshoretx.com. 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
About the only thing more beautiful than a sunset in Port Aransas is a
sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas. Folks just love them!
Port Aransas High School tennis
courts on Station Street. Free. See
Service Clubs
Animal Friends of
South Jetty for updates. For more
Port Aransas (AFPA),
information, call (361) 749-4861.
Also, many of the condominiums animalfriendsofportaransas.org.
have tennis courts for use by their Meets the second Monday of every
guests. (See story Page 51.) month, 5:30 p.m., at Holiday Inn
Express 727 S. 11th St. A non-profit
501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to
providing care, humane treatment
and re-homing for the Port Aransas
rescue animals.
Chamber of Commerce-
Tourist Bureau, 403 W. Cotter
Ave., 749-5919, www.portaransas.
org. Open to public. Check weekly
issues of the South Jetty for events.
(See story Page 11.)
Keep Port Aransas Beautiful
(KPAB) www.kpab.org. Meets last
Tuesday of every month, August
through May, 6 p.m., at the Ellis
Memorial Public Library. A 501(c)
(3) organization that focuses on
litter reduction, beautification,
environmental education and
community improvement. See
weekly issues of the South Jetty.
Kiwanis Club, www.
portaransaskiwanis.org. Meets at
noon every Wednesday at Stingrays
Taphouse and Grill, 401 Beach St.
Parrot Heads of Port Aransas
(PHoPA) portaransasparrotheads.
com. Meets monthly to socialize and
plan activities to help community
environmental and social programs.
749-5141.
Port Aransas Education
Foundation (PAEF)
paisdfoundation.org. 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 (PAGC) www.
portaransasgardenclub.org. Meets
monthly at 10 a.m. at the Community
Center. A 501(c)(3) organization
founded in 1964 to encourage
interest in the beautification of
the city. See weekly issues of the
South Jetty for information on the
scheduled events.
Port Aransas Preservation
and Historical Association
(PAPHA) 749-3800, www.
portaransasmuseum.org. Check
weekly issues of the South Jetty. (See
story Page 65.)
Rotary Club, rotaryporta.
com. Meets at noon on Thursdays,
Stingrays Taphouse and Grill, 401
Beach St. See weekly editions of the
South Jetty for reports on programs
and upcoming speakers.
VFW Post 8967, 311 N. Alister
St., (361) 749-6534. Meetings 11
a.m., the third Wednesday of every
month. Auxiliary to the VFW
Post 8967, meetings 11 a.m. third
Tuesday of every month.
Theater
Port Aransas Community
Theatre (PACT) 2327 State
Hwy. 361, (361) 749-6036,
portaransascommunitytheatre.com.
A nonprofit group of volunteer
actors, producers, directors,
stagehands, etc. who present
productions year round. Watch
issues of the South Jetty for current
information year-round. (See story
Page 23.)
Art
Port Aransas Art Center,
323 N. Alister St., 749-7334, www.
portaransasartcenter.org. Nonprofit
art center of Mustang and Padre
islands. Gallery with art exhibits,
working studio, classroom and gift
shop. First Friday artist receptions
held monthly. See South Jetty
newspaper for current information.
(See story Page 62, ad Page 62.)
A Mano, 1726 S. Hwy. 361, 749-
1828, amano-mexico.com. Folk art
and handmade art from colonial
Mexico. Talavera ceramics. (See ad
Page 23.)
Art on Tarpon, 722 Tarpon St.
Suite K, (512) 619-5259. A working
artists studio, local handmade art,
crafts and gifts.
Cita Resort Interiors, 129 N.
Alister, 749-2711, www.facebook.
com/Cita-Resort-Interiors. Eclectic
art, home furnishings, clothing and
Continued on Page 89
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 89
Continued from Page 88
jewelry from all over the world.
Chillas, 2119 State Hwy 361,
(361) 749-2653, www.chillasporta.
com. Handmade jewelry, metal art,
talavera ceramics and more. (See
ad Page 3.)
Coffee Waves Art, 1007 S.
Hwy. 361, 749-0825, http://www.
coffeewaves.com. Rotating exhibits
of various artists and mediums. (See
ad Page 79.)
Deirdrea Lyon Studio, 318
W. Cotter Ave. #10, figurative clay
works and paintings.
Donna Van Baalen Studio,
303 N. Station St., 749-7012.
Working studio, paintings in oil of all
sizes and subjects.
Felder Gallery, 1726 State Hwy.
361, #5 Tower Center, 749-2388,
www.feldergallery.com. 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, fireitceramics.
com. Paint it yourself ceramic studio
where you can pick a piece, pick a
paint and get creative. (See ad Page
85.)
Funky Fish Art Studio, 613
Sandollar Circle, (361) 446-0496,
www.facebook.com/Funky-Fish-
Made-Ar t-A-Working-Ar tists- Potters on Cotter 413 E. paintings are on display at Lisa Mayo
Studio. A working artists studio Cotter Ave. St., 749-7712, www. Design Studio on Cut-Off Road
with art in a variety of mediums. facebook.com/PottersOnCotter. and Seventh Street and LisaBellas
Mustang Island Gallery, Studio and gallery; local Restaurant at Cinnamon Shore.
2222 State Hwy. 361, 749-2200, photography; handcrafted wheel- Tim Burdick Photography
mu s t a n g i s l a n d a r t g a l l e r y. c o m . thrown stoneware pottery; raku and Gallery, 524 E. White Ave.
Original art by nationally and and more. (361) 813-1963,
internationally known artists - Saltwater Gypsies, 345 N. www.facebook.com/
oil paintings, watercolors and Alister, Suite E2, (936) 443-6836, timburdickphotography.
sculptures. www.facebook.com/SWGypsies. Professional photography, video
Port A Glass Studio and Art Locally made handcrafted items. service, fine art prints on glass,
Gallery, 600 Cut-Off Road #7, Sara Searight, 411 E. White metal and canvas.
749-MELT (6358), www.portaglass. Ave. www.sarahsearight.com/
com. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., later on aboutsarah.php. Sarah splits her Swim/Fitness
weekends. Working glass studio: time between Austin and Port Port Aransas Community
Dichroic glass, acrylic glass, jewelry, Aransas and North Carolina. Her
Park, 700 Clark Parkway, 749-
handmade artwork and adult and subjects are the beach, surf, dunes,
childrens classes. (See ad Page 88.) birds and wetlands. Her larger Continued on Page 90
Dont forget your furry friends
when you visit Port Aransas.
Besides the beach, Port
Aransas boats a dog park.
Keep in mind, Port Aransas
does have a leash law.
Art-Gallery. Cherith Fenton takes
taxidermy fish mounts and paints
them vibrant colors with intricate
designs. Jewelry, acrylic paintings
and furniture restoration projects
also available at the home studio.
Island Made Art Studios, 345
N. Alister St., suite F1, (512) 619-
5259, www.facebook.com/Island-
90 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Continued from Page 89
2416. Heated public swimming
pool, fitness trail, skate park, lighted
Senior League ball field and lighted
Little League field, sport court and
bird watching 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. Water
exercise, water aquasize and deep-
water aerobics classes, $2 each visit.
Check issues of the South Jetty for
swim times and special events. (See
story Page 16.)
Youngsters get in on the action
at SandFest by entering the
guppy amateur division.
Aerobics (low impact) classes,
113 N. Alister St., Call 749-5319
for updates. Monday, Wednesday
and Friday mornings, at the
Pollock Center, behind Community
Presbyterian Church. Times subject
to change.
Balinese Wellness Spa, 121
Cut-Off Road, 749-0003.Yoga. www.
balinesespaporta.com.
Fit By Choice, (361) 438-2693,
group classes in yoga and strength.
Personal training by appointment.
www.portafitbychoice.com for
schedule.
Interval Training, 408 N. Alister
St. at the Civic Center, 700 W. Ave.
A. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
at 7 a.m., noon and Monday and
Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. Personal
trainer Karen Decker leads the
class for all ages and fitness levels.
$3 per session, $30 for 15 sessions.
Sponsored by the City of Port
Aransas Parks and Recreation
Department, 749-4158.Watch issues
of the South Jetty for information
about class location.
One Love Vibration Fitness
Center, 315 S. Alister St., (361) 413-
5121.Yoga classes.
Yoga on the Beach, 749-
4158, 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. The parks
and recreation department offers
other yoga classes. See the Stuff to
Do calendar in weekly issues of the
South Jetty for more information.
(See story Page 65.)
Tootling Around
Ash Cart Rental, 2700 S. 11 St.,
(361) 244-1020, www.ashcartrental.
com
Beach Ya Kart Rentals,
721 State Hwy., 749-7409. www.
beachyakartrentals@yahoo.com.
Big Shell Bike Shop, 403 N.
Alister, 749-8479. Sales, Rentals,
repairs.
Brons Beach Carts, 314 E. Ave.
G, (361) 290-7143, bronsbeachcarts.
com. (See ad Pages 26, 27.)
Cars & Carts, 325 E. Ave G,
749-1655, www.carsandcarts.com.
Coastal Eds, 513 N. Alister St.,
749-7001, www.coastaleds.com.
(See ad Pages 46, 47.)
Deep Sea Headquarters,
440 W. Cotter Ave., (361) 739-
8292 or 749-5597,
deepseaheadquarters.com. (See ad
Page 17.)
Island Surf Rentals, 124 E. Ave
G, 749-0822, www.islandsurfrentals.
com. Golf carts, kayaks, surfboards,
bikes and motor scooters. (See ad
Page 87.)
Paradise Cart Rentals, 428
S. Alister St., 749-3003, www.
paradisecartrental.com. (See ad Page
39.)
Port A Beach Buggies, 1115
State Hwy. 361, Suite D, 749-2066,
w w w. p o r t a b e a c h b u g g i e s . c o m .
Texas Red Golf Carts & More,
311 Sea Isle Dr., 749-5400, www.
texasredgolfcarts.com.
The Cart Store, 107 Cut-Off
Road, 749-5560, (888) 411-CART
(2278.), www.thecartstores.com.
Golf cart rentals, sales and service.
(See ad Pages 52, 53.)
The Saltwater Line, 2131
State Hwy. 361, 749-0070.
To the Beach Kartz, W. Ave. G,
749-0778.
Sky Diving
Sky Dive South Texas, (281)
501-3101, www.skydivesouthtexas.
com. Sky dive Mustang Island.
Training and tandem dives by
reservation.
Aerial Tours/Shuttle Service
Stokes Aviation, (281) 808-
1515, www.FlyPortA.com. Fly
the beach, sightseeing tours,
aerial photography and more.
Mustang Beach Airport. Air Taxi/
Shuttle service to Corpus Christi
International Airport and points all
over Texas.
Index to Advertisers
A Mano....................................23
ACE Hardware........................73
Amelias Landing Hotel............50
Anglers Marine Center............73
Aransas Harbors.....................13
Aransas Princess....................13
Back Porch Bar.......................32
Bay Tree Condos.....................60
Beachgate Condosuites..........51
Beachgate Hotel......................38
Beach House Realty................65
Beachmart.................................6
Bernies Beach House.............31
Bilmore and Son......................26
Bill Busters Sport Fishing........74
Board House, The...................64
Bows........................................81
Brons Beach Carts...........26, 27
Brons Shaved Ice...................22
Build a Better Sand Castle........7
www. C&G Sisters Island Boutique...64
Caleb Custom Homes.............69
Cancun Restaurant.................24
Cart Store, The..................52, 53
Casa on the Beach..................13
Castor Collection.....................28
Cell Phone Island.................... 11
Channel View Condos...............4
Charlotte Plummers................63
Chillas Storage & Gifts.............3
Chute Em Up Parasail............59
Cinnamon Shore Realty....20, 21
City of PA Gas Dept.................54
City of PA Golf Cart Rules.......88
Coastal Eds Cruisers........46, 47
Coast Club, The.......................32
Coffee Waves..........................79
Coldwell Banker Island Realtors.19
Coldwell Banker Aransas Pass...51
Coral Cay Condos...................42
Cowboy Bail Bonds.................64
Crazy Cajun, The.....................34
Deep Sea Headquarters..........17
Drop Anchor Bar & Grill...........81
Dunes Condominiums.............12
El Cortez Villas........................13
EMS Auxiliary..........................42
Executive Keys........................41
Family Center IGA...................92
Farley Boat Works...................66
Fins Grill and Icehouse............17
Fire It! Ceramics......................85
First Title Co............................23
Thank them with your patronage
for bringing you the 2016 Spring Visitors Guide
Fishermans Wharf..................91
Fishtales Nautical Boutique.....56
Floral Reef...............................23
Fly It! Port A...............................7
Giggitys...................................30
Good-n-Crisp Chicken.............79
Gratitude....................................6
Grosse Real Estate.................49
Gulf Coast Taxi........................64
Gulf Shores Condos................13
Harbour Lights Grill.................81
Horses on the Beach...............87
Hot Dog Lady..........................82
Humidor del Sol.......................54
Inn at Fulton Harbor, The.........63
Inside-Out................................43
Iries Island Food.....................83
Island Dunes Condos..............68
Islander......................................3
Island Queen.............................8
Island Retreat .........................13
Island Sports...........................14
Island Surf Rentals..................87
JoDs Etc. ...............................41
Keith Donley Real Estate..........2
Keepers @Horace Caldwell Pier...34
Kick-N-Back Real Estate.........65
Kodys Restaurant...................18
Kohootz................................... 11
La Barataria Restaurant..........76
La Mirage Condos...................13
La Playa Mexican Grille...........34
La Table de Mimi.....................79
Libby Judson, Realtor..............62
Life in Paradise........................71
Lisa Mayo Interiors..................58
Lutheran Island Mission..........44
MacDaddys Family Kitchen....83
Massage in a Bottle.................35
Massage Works.......................26
Miss Kittys Fishing Getaways...44
Michies Self Storage...............51
Moby Dicks Restaurant...........78
Mrs. Woody Jr.s, Inc...............42
Mustang Towers......................13
Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf....5
Pappy Motive Services............48
Paradise Cart Rental...............39
Party Tent Rental.....................86
Pelican Condos & Beachhouse.7
Physicians Premier..................37
Pioneer RV Resort...................89
Pizza Hut.................................36
Port A Art Center......................62
Port a Beach Buggies..............43
Port A Beach House................48
Port A Tourist Bureau.................9
Port A Glass Studio & Art Gallery
................................................88
Port A Light House...................57
Port A Museum..........................9
Port A Outfitters.......................74
Port A Pizzeria.........................77
Port Aransas Inn......................84
Port Aransas-Texas.com ........13
Port Aransas Realty.................10
Raggdoll Boutique...................37
Red Dragon Pirate Cruises.....17
Rockport/Fulton Chamber.......40
Roosevelts Restaurant...........82
Salt Grass Boutique................56
Sandcastle Condos.................13
Sandpiper Condos...................13
Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adven....17
Sea Breeze Suites...................33
Sea Gull Condos.....................13
Sea Isle Village........................29
Seashell Village Resort...........16
Shark Reef Resort...................61
Shortys Place.........................30
Silver Sands Realty.................64
Sisters Island Style....................8
Slice of Chicago......................82
South Jetty Newspaper......45,67
South TX Botanical Gardens...89
Stewart Title Co.......................24
Stingrays Tap House & Grill....80
Subway....................................43
Sunflower Beach Resort..........25
Tarpon Inn...............................82
Tarpon Bar & Grill....................82
Texas State Aquarium.............35
Texas Surf Camps...................65
TGs Beachware & Gifts..........63
The Brewery............................83
Third Coast Beach Co...............4
Third Coast Music Studio........16
Tiki Bar @ Moby Dicks............78
Treasure Island........................31
Tropic Island Motel & RV.........71
Tropical Sno............................80
TurnKey Vacation Rentals.......44
USS Lexington........................10
WB Liquors..............................15
Wintons Island Candy.............24
Woodys Sports Center............72
2016 Spring Visitors Guide 91

Wharf Cat, Scat Cat and Jetty Boat

Fishermans Wharf
The BiggesT, smooThesT Riding PaRTy BoaTs in PoRT a.....Guaranteed!
offshore Fishing private Gulf/Bay Charters
Jetty Boat to St. Jo island Full Service Marina

KIDS FISh
1/2 PrIce
W 9 & 12 Hour deep Sea tripS gr
e hr ra O
N6 Nas Saturday overniGHt 12 Hour
5 u IP teuP
tr rods, reels, Bait, tackle included Food Bar (no outside Food, drink or Coolers) s
t FiSHinG LiCenSe reQuired
LIVe LIVe
BaIt ~ NO fueL surcharge added tO tIcKet PrIces at fIshermaNs Wharf ~ BaIt
dont roCk n roLL on
SinGLe HuLLed party BoatS!
our CataMaranS
provide a StaBLe,
CoMFortaBLe ride.
Jetty Boat
the ONLY
Whooping Crane & PasseNger ferrY tO st. JO IsLaNd
10 trips daily Year round
Birding Boat tours
To The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge BeachcOmB . fIsh . surf . sheLL
AboARd The 75 WhARf CAT Privately owned island . No access by car .stay a few hours or stay all day!
dePartINg fIshermaNs Wharf at:
dePARTiNg 6:30am - 7am - 8am - 9am - 10am - 11am - 12noon - 2pm - 4pm - 6pm
PoRT ARANsAs returNINg tO fIshermaNs Wharf at:
& RoCkPoRT 10:10am - 12:10pm - 2:10pm - 4:10pm - 6:10pm

Mid-Nov. Thru March dOLPhIN Watch ~ BOat rIde

daILY 4:30pm to 5:30pm
texaswhoopers.com jettyboat.net

900 N. Tarpon ~ Port Aransas

wharfcat.com
361-749-5448 800-605-5448
Prices & schedules subject to change without notice.
92 2016 Spring Visitors Guide

www.familycenteriga.com
Extended Hours During Peak Time
Store Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 Days a Week
Store Director email: mikehall@centurytel.net

LOOKING FOR A JOB? APPLY ONLINE

We Accept The Lone Star Card

418 South Alister, Port Aransas, TX . 361-749-6233 pulse

2016 Spring MARCH

3 GARDEN CLUB STYLE SHOW
29-MAY 1 TEXAS SAND SCULPTURE
FESTIVAL (SANDFEST)

S P EC I A L E V E N TS
5 PARROT HEADS SPRING PHLING
11-20 SPRING BREAK MAY
TBA ANGLERS ON WHEELS
Events subject to change. See the weekly editions of the APRIL 13-15 ARTFEST
South Jetty or call the Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bu- 1-3 IFA REDFISH TOUR 19-21 HT3 SERIES TOURNAMENT
reau at (361) 749-5919 or 1-800-45-COAST for updates.
23 ADOPT-A-BEACH CLEANUP TBA SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
FEBRUARY
25-28 WHOOPING CRANE FESTIVAL
29 MEET THE CHEFS

APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2016

Welcome to Port Aransas

WE HAVE ALL YOUR FAVORITE GROCERY ITEMS!
GREAT GROCERY SELECTION

..
Large Meat Department - Variety of Frozen Foods - Fresh Dairy Products

.
Gourmet Food Items - Hot Prepared Foods - Fresh Produce
Movie Rentals American Bank ATM
Fishing Licenses Western Union Photo: Amazin Walter
McDonald and
Beach Stickers Money Orders Christy Atkinson
418 South Alister, Port Aransas, TX . 361-749-6233 both of South Padre