My family and I have spent the better part of our lives living, growing, learning and loving all that is the beauty and majesty of South Texas. We enjoy the great outdoors; and while Padre Island, Mustang Island, St. Joe’s and the surrounding spoils, channels and bays may be a vacation destination for some it is a way of life for us. A way of life that we would very much like to share with those who travel here!
And there are so many things to do that so often get overlooked here. While many come down to our gorgeous beaches for fishing, few realize just how easy it is. Fishing in South Texas is so much more than flipping a jig at the jetty! The fun that most people miss out on is the simple pleasure if driving South down the beach, sitting by a bonfire and catching/cooking their own fish right off the beach. From big drum, redfish and sharks to mackerel and ling an amazing amount of species live and travel only a few dozen yards off the beach. For those of you wishing to introduce your kids to thr experience we personally suggest flipping small cut baits or shrimp on dropshot leaders right off the beach… you’re very likely to land copious amounts of whiting (and they great eating!).
In need of more adventure than that? Take thebjetty ferry out of the marina in Port Aransas and head north up St. Joe’s island. With its only access being the jettyboat it’s very easy to wander far from the vacationing crowds and onto your own stretch of largely untouched beach. And if you can get yourself a charter down the Laguna Madre past the King Ranch you’ll find desolated islands filled with the amazing wildlife that calls the island and bays home. Deer, coyotes, sea turtles and even the occasional Nilgai are not difficult to find!
On the most special if days the area offers an attraction the likes of which you have only ever imagined on trooical beaches hidden away in Hawaii or the Bahamas. Several times per year, when the winds are calm and the seas are settled the water will become as clear as anything you would find in Florida or Cozumel. Take advantage and go snorkeling along one of the many jetties that line the channels to see brightly colored tropical fish, bug pelagics and sea turtles!
There is so much to do with so many optiins regardless of the weather or season it is dissapointing to see travelers come down and waste time poolside or in their hotel rooms. Get outside and enjoy one of the many amazing things that the South Texas Outdoors has to offer!
For more information and videos about thr amazing things to do in South Texas please consider taking a moment to check out Stanley Orchard on YouTube! We would be happy to give insight and answer questions for anyone in need of a good old fashioned family adventure!
