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REDFISH BOATHOUSE Page 16
Guidelines Tournaments Fishing the area Page 5
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Published April 30, 2021 The Aransas Pass Progress The Ingleside Index www.aransaspassprogress.com
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April 30, 2021
Letter from the Publisher Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of “The Flats”. The Flats is a publication of the Progress/Index that highlights the attractions of Aransas Pass and Ingleside". Aransas Pass, Ingleside, & Ingleside on the Bay are great places to come for a short trip or a one day visit. We talk about all the fishing there is to do around the area, what you can catch, size limits and everything you can do when you are out for a day of fishing our great bays. We also have
maps of Aransas Pass and Ingleside. We tell you why our cities are so popular and all the fun things to do other than fish. We list a lot of the places to stay overnight and most of the local eateries. If needed, you can hire a guide to take you out fishing, and there are also kayaks that can be used for fishing or sight-seeing. There are a lot of things to do in our area, just ask someone from around here and they will give you a list of things to do and see.
Our edition can be seen on our website plus you can look at each page on the Progress/Index Facebook. Our website addresses are
www.aransaspassprogress.com and www.inglesideindex.com Come to visit and stay as long as you wish.
John D. Bowers - Publisher
The Aransas Pass Progress and The Ingleside Index The Flats Fall/Winter 2021 Publisher John Bowers Editor Donna Woolston Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper Maricela Vargas Circulation Theresa Frachisear Cover Photo Jeff Martin Fish Photos Redfish/Spotted Seatrout - Chris's Marine Flounder - Captain Kade Shaw Office 346 S. Houston Aransas Pass, Texas 78336 Contact publisher@aransaspassprogress.com editor@aransaspassprogress.com 361-758-5391 aransaspassprogress.com Connect facebook.com/ProgressIndex @progressindexnewspaper in Instagram @ProgressIndexTX on Twitter
DELL FRANKS "Career Car Guy" Your Lincoln Brand Champion and Ford Sales Representative. Let me help you find exactly what you need!!!! Thank you to our customers for your continued business. It is appreciated more than you know. Stay safe!!! Commercial Motor Co., Inc. 160 S. Commercial Aransas Pass, TX 78336 361-758-5361
Dell Franks New and Used Sales Representative New and Used Internet Sales 361-463-8483
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April 30, 2021
A R A N S A S
PA S S ,TX
361.226.3987 W W W.C M L A N E S .CO M
E AT
|
D R I N K
|
B OWL
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April 30, 2021
Portland Chamber of Commerce The Portland Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization that assesses the needs of local business owners and executives. Our programs, products and events are created to deliver the strategic business solutions our members need. The Portland Chamber has 300+ members, 80 percent are small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. So what is the Chamber? We are your business solutions partner, specializing in tools to help you grow your business. Core Competencies •Strengthening our Local Economy •Promoting the Community
•Providing Networking Opportunities •Representing the Interest of Business with Government •Build Community Leadership and Development Mission Statement: To promote a business,
land Chamber of Commerce is open to all businesses that are willing to voluntarily invest annually in its operation. Benefits of membership include opportunities to network with other business people, increase your corporate visibility, be visible in the community, access valuable information, receive discounts from other members and receive heightened tourism and family friendly credibility within the Busienvironment encouraging dy- ness Community. namic growth for Portland. Organization Funding The Chamber is a busiThe Chamber is a pri- ness organization comprised vate organization funded of business leaders who work primarily by annual in- to improve our local comvestments paid by member munity and the Portland businesses. We are a 501(c)6 trade area's business climate. non-profit, not a govern- We are not a government or ment agency. While the city agency. Our volunteer Portland Chamber works board of directors governs with the City of Portland the Chamber, and a profesto make our community a sional staff runs its day-togreat place to do business day operations. The effecand to live, we are not a di- tiveness of the Chamber as vision of the City. an organization is entirely dependent upon the support Membership continued on page 9 Membership in the Port-
Redfish Bay Boat House
Aransas Pass Aquatic Center 400 E. Johnson Ave. Aransas Pass, Tx 78336 361-758-7770
https://aransaspasstx.gov/220/Aquatic-Center Follow us on Facebook for schedule updates
Boat Storage & Marina 322 Huff Street • Aransas Pass, Tx 361-758-9000
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT SPECIES
Sport Angler Bag, Possession & Length Limits of Saltwater Fish DAILY BAG
POSSESSION
MIN. LENGTH MAX. LENGTH (INCHES) (INCHES) Amberjack, greater 1 2 38 No Limit Bass, striped 5 10 18 No Limit Catfish, channel/blue 25 50 12 No Limit Catfish, flathead 5 10 18 No Limit Catfish, gafftopsail No Limit No Limit 14 No Limit Cobia 2 4 40 No Limit Drum, Black (a) 5 10 14 30 Drum, Red (b) 3 6 20 28 Flounder (c) 5/2 5/2 15 No Limit Gar, alligator 1 2 No Limit No Limit Grouper, gag 2 4 24 No Limit Grouper, goliath 0 0 Catch and release only Catch and release only Mackerel, king 3 4 27 No Limit Mackerel, Spanish 15 30 14 No Limit Marlin, blue No Limit No Limit 131 No Limit Marlin, white No Limit No Limit 86 No Limit Mullet (d) No Limit No Limit No Limit 12 Sailfish No Limit No Limit 84 No Limit Seatrout, spotted (g) 5(e)/3(f) 5(e)/3(f) 15/17 25/23 Shark (in aggregate) (h) 1 2 24/64 No Limit Shark (proh. species) (i) 0 0 Catch and release only Catch and release only Sheepshead 5 10 15 No Limit Snapper, lane No Limit No Limit 8 No Limit Snapper, red (j) 4 8 15 No Limit Snapper, vermillion No Limit No Limit 10 No Limit Snook 1 2 24 28 Tarpon 1 2 85 No Limit Triggerfish, gray 20 40 16 No Limit Tripletail 3 6 17 No Limit a. No more than one black drum over 52 inches may be retianed 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 red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Red Drum Tag and one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Red Drum Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Red Drum Tag or a Bonus Red Drum Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit as stated in this section. c. Flounder special regulation: Daily bag is five except for the period Nov. 1-30 when the daily bag is two and flouder may only be taken by pole and line. Possession limit is equal to the daily bag. d. May not take from public waters or possess on board a boat mullet over 12 inches long during October, November, December and January. No limits apply during other months. e. All waters north of FM 457 in Matagorda County. f. All waters south of FM 457 in Matagorda County. g. No more than one spotted sea trout over the stated maximum length may be retained per person per day and counts as part of the daily bag and possession limit. h. Special Regulation: The daily bag and possession limit is one fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic, sharpnose, blacktip, and bonnethead. i. Prohibited shark species: Atlantic angel, Basking, Bigeye San Tiger, Bigeye sixgill, Bigeye thresher, Bignose, Caribbean reef, Caribbeansharpnose, Dusky, Galapagos, Longfin mako, Narrowtooth, Night, Sandbar, Sand Tiger, Sevengill, Silky, Sixgill, Smalltail, Whale, White. j. Special regulation: Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.
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Located at 205 S. Magnolia (Downtown Rockport) Open Thursday - Saturday 10-5 • Closed Sunday - Wednesday
MARGARITA MADNESS EVERY SATURDAY
IF WE DON’T HAVE IT....YOU DON’T NEED IT
April 30, 2021
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1. Animal Control 601 N. Arch St. Aransas Pass 3. Progress/Index 346 S. Houston St. Aransas Pass 4. Aquatic Center 400 E. Johnson Aransas Pass 5. Chamber of Commerce 130 W. Goodnight Aransas Pass 6. City Hall 600 W. Cleveland Aransas Pass 7. Civic Center 700 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass 8. Dairy Queen 535 W. Cleveland Aransas Pass 9. Ed & Hazel Richmond Library 110 N. Lamont Aransas Pass 10. Senior Center 250 S. 13th St. Aransas Pass
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www.aransaspass.org
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
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Aransas Pass ISD
Motto: Purpose. Passion. Pride. Mission: We believe that our school district is a catalyst in our community. It is our mission to encourage, motivate, nurture, and inspire everyone through our commitment to academic excellence. The high school has a brand new sports complex that was completed at the beginning of this school year. The high school has several different sports programs, including football, volleyball, basketball,
NJROTC, tennis, golf and others. H.T. Faulk Elementary has been rebuilt and was open for students at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. There is still some exterior construction being done, but the inside of the school was ready for students. APISD also now provides ebooks available to its students. For more information on this program, contact Danis Hayes, the high school librarian.
PORTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Dog Park, Skate and involvement of its mem- Park, Farmers Market, Vetbership. erans Memorial, Movie Theater and more! Community Involvement The work of the Chamber Events is to strengthen our commuWindfest - A small event of nity by identifying both exist- a few arts, crafts and live music ing and forthcoming needs, called Portland Pioneer Days problems, and opportunities. has swelled into a 4 day, funThe Chamber seeks to de- filled family event. velop solutions by forming Live music, a talent committees representing our show, carnival rides; games, members to help the Cham- a marketplace, parade, a ber staff implement and cook-off, horseshoe tournaachieve its goals. The Cham- ment, washer tournament, ber regularly reviews its pro- Dachshund Dash & “All grams, goals and results to Dog” Costume Parade, and ensure our community the children’s activities are just kind of healthy environment a sampling of what this anto promote prosperity and nual event has to offer. continued growth. Come celebrate family and community as the Things to Do in Portland saltwater breeze blows onto Fishing, Kayaking, Kite- the shores of the Texas Gulf boarding, Golf, Coast at Windfest! continued from page 4
Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 430 Ransom Road | Aransas Pass 361-758-1562 | Fax 361-758-0752 www.mickeysgrill-ap.com
April 30, 2021
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AREA FISHING
Tournaments, Summer 2021 MAY Babes on the Bay Friday, May 14 – Saturday, May 15 Fulton Harbor Park, Fulton 361 729-2388 2-Day 2-Man Kayak Thursday, May 13 Cove Harbor Marina, Rockport 361 790-5438
Redfish Salute (Charity) Friday, May 21 – Saturday, May 22 Conn Brown Harbor, Aransas Pass 361 758-5301 ext. 1109
JUNE Wildfire Saltwater Friday, June 11 – Saturday, June 12 Redfish Bay Boat House, Aransas Pass 361 758-9000 Bent Nail Thursday, June 17 – Friday, June 18
JULY
Port Aransas Municipal Boat Harbor, Port Aransas 361 749-5429 Kayak Fishing Texas Friday, June 14 – Saturday, June 5 Hook and Ladder Brew Pub, Aransas Pass 361 226-3794
AUGUST
Hooked on Youth Friday, July 30 Fulton Convention Center, Fulton 361 729-2388
Hotties on the Harbor Friday, August 6 – Sunday, August, 8 Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce 361 758-2750
The Gateway to Beautiful Redfish Bay We are only 20 minutes from the Gulf Of Mexico in the Harbor City of Aransas Pass.
Boat Slip Rentals If a boat slip is what you need, we have all levels to suit your needs and budget. Covered slips with lifts and storage as low as $589.60 per quarter. Basic slips for as low as $382.80 per quarter. We also have several levels of slips in-between to suit your needs and budget. All slips have high fence and lighted security. Parking, water and electricity are also included.
Amenities Boat ramps, fishing piers, bait stands and so much more. Give us a call at (361) 758-1890 or come see our beautiful facility.
426 Ransom Rd. Aransas Pass 361-758-1890 • sanpatnav@cableone.net www.sanpatricionavigationdistrict.com
Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce Mission | To promote business, tourism, recreation, economic development and improve the quality and standard of living in Aransas Pass. The Aransas Pass Chamber serves as a spearhead which focuses on protecting the interests of local businesses. The Chamber keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community and local marketplace. The Chamber continues to take a lead in shaping a powerful community vision – stimulating dialogue, building a balanced community with
an equal emphasis on quality of life and quality of business. The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1937 and Mr. Carl Houghton served as the first President. The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce encompasses the Visitor’s Center and Rosemary Vega currently serves as the Chamber’s CEO. The Chamber hosts Shrimporee in June, the Hotties on the Harbor fishing tournament, the Illuminated Saltwater Christmas parade as well as many other events throughout the year.
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Licenses Needed to Fish in Area Waters Fishing regulations in the State of Texas are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) which designates everyone 17 years of age or older must carry a valid driver’s license or personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety when fishing, with some exceptions. A valid fishing license with a freshwater or saltwater endorsement is required to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish or other aquatic life in the public waters
of Texas. The first Saturday in June of each year is the annual Free Fishing Day, and no person is required to have a fishing license while fishing on that day. A fishing license is not required if fishing from the bank in a state park or in waters completely enclosed by a state park. All other fishing regulations, such as length and bag limits, remain in effect.¬ Recreational anglers must have a Texas fishing license and
saltwater endorsement to possess in state water any fish taken in federal waters or possess fish on a vessel in the tidal waters of Texas. All fishing licenses and stamps issued by the TPWD are valid from the date purchases until Aug. 31 of the following year, with the exception of lifetime licenses and ones purchased for a specific number of days. Recreational fishing licenses and endorsements are available at approximately 1,800 locations throughout the state in addition to the offices listed. These locations include sporting goods stores, gun shops, department stores, discount stores, bait and tackle shops, grocery stores, and many other types of stores. Some commercial hunting
and fishing licenses are available ONLY at the Austin headquarters and offices listed below. For added convenience, select recreational licenses may be purchased by phone or through the Internet with approved Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. A $5 administrative fee will be charged for those sales. Call (800) TX LIC 4 U (1800-895-4248) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (closed Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays), or log on to www.tpwd.texas.gov/licenses/online_sales. For complete information about licenses and regulations, go to https://tpwd.texas.gov/ publications/pwdpubs/media/ cs_bk_l2000_820.pdf for a copy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Annual.
Aransas Glass Co., Inc. • Auto/Boat • Commercial • Residential • Screens
City of Aransas Pass Welcome to Aransas Pass! If you are looking for a small paradise where the fish are always biting, Aransas Pass, Texas, is your dream home! Come on down for a visit, relax and enjoy the breeze off the bay. Get away from it all in Aransas Pass. We work closely with our citizens to provide services and facilities that provide an outstanding quality of life. In fact, we are dedicated to making Aransas Pass the most desirable place to live, work, play, and visit. We envision and work toward creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment, an informed citizenry, as well as high quality educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities, all within a robust and vibrant economic environment. We pledge, through a strong
sense of teamwork and customer service, to be respectful of individual dignity and rights, to remain fiscally responsible, to ethically and responsively interact with our citizens, to innovate when addressing community needs, and, in doing all that, be an organization in which we are all proud to serve. The City is home to the Aquatic Center, the Civic Center, the Community Park, Conn Brown Harbor, Harbor Point Park at Conn Brown Harbor, the Flats, Veterans Memorial Park, Newbury Park and Lighthouse Lakes Park. The town is a fishing destination with the Harbor and Redfish Bay. There are several fishing-guide services in the area, or you can launch a kayak and go out on the water on your own.
Complete Window Tinting
1120 W. Market St. Rockport, Tx • 361-729-0082 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Closed
Eateries ARANSAS PASS
Bakery Cafe Inc. 434 S. Commercial Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-3511 Butter Churn 1275 Highway 35 Bypass, Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-2300 CM Lanes 2285 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-3987 Crab-N 210 Gulf Gate Rd Aransas Pass, Tx (361) 758-2371 Dairy Queen 535 West Cleveland Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-5341 El Mexicano Restaurant 1842 W. Wheeler Ave., Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-7580 Fisherman’s Cove 306 E. Goodnight Ave., Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-1491 Hook & Ladder 130 E Goodnight Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-3794 I Love Noodle 1119 W. Wheeler Ave., Aransas Pass, TX (361) 332-4234 Mickey’s Bar & Grill 430 Ransom Rd. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-1562 McDonald’s 2475 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 906-0394 Popeye’s
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515 E. Goodnight Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-4699 Pizza Hut 275 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-2813 San Juan Bar & Grill 922 S. Commercial St., Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-1011 San Juan Restaurant & Cantina 4696 FM 1069 Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-3335
(361) 758-6111 The Fisherman’s Daughter 3714 FM 1069 Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-3736 Olde Town Espresso & Cafe 406 S. Commercial Aransas Pass, Tx (361)226-1468 Whataburger 2737 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-8700 INGLESIDE
Sonic Drive In 1662 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-6514
Asian Garden 2731 W. Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 776-7778
SteerBurger Grill & Grub 4407 Highway 35 Aransas Pass, TX (361) 450-6740
Aztec Coffee 2793 Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 445-8254
Subway 1919 Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-7270 Taco De Oro 324 N. Commercial St. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-1239 Taqueria Guadalajara 525 S. Commercial St. , Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-0222 Taqueria Guanajuato 939 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-2630 Taqueria Mexico 936 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-3116 The Donut Palace 103 W. Cleveland Aransas Pass, TX
Blackbeard’s Too 428 Wood Haven Ingleside, TX (361) 776-0393 City Cafe and Bar Mexican Restaurant 2390 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 238-4579 Chalet Sports Bar & Grill 2627 Hwy 361 Ingleside, Tx (361) 776-3131 Dairy Queen 2611 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 776-2506 El Bodegon Cubano 2621 Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 238-4436 Jalapeños Taqueria 2144 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 776-3511
Good N Crisp Chicken 107 N. Ave. B Ingleside, TX (361) 776-3659 Grace Buffet 2448 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 775-0881 Granny’s Tamales Too 2814 W. Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 854-1400 Little I’s Snow Cones & Treats 3019 Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 238-2081 New Star Chinese Buffet 2448 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 776-7949 Pizza Hut 2661 Hwy 361 Suite A, Ingleside, TX (361) 758-2813 Sonic Drive-In 2250 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 775-2200 Subway 2450 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX www.subway.com (361) 776-0588 Taco Bell 2494 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 775-0039 Terry’s Thai Cafe 2700 Main St. Ingleside, TX (361) 776-3303 Whataburger 2474 W. Wheeler Ingleside, TX (361) 776-3281 PORTLAND
Applebee’s 1820 U.S. Highway 181 Portland, TX (361) 643-2489 Bloom City Coffee Inside HEB Portland, TX (361) 463-1638 Chicken Express 1700 U.S. Highway 181 Frontage Portland, TX (361) 704-6817 Chili’s Grill & Bar 2010 U.S. Highway 181 North Portland, TX (361) 777-0100 China Wall Supper Buffet 1016 U.S. Highway 181 Frontage #C Portland, TX (361) 777-1688
(361) 643-4467 KFC 2020 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX (361) 643-3000 La Iguana 100 5th Ave. Portland, TX (361) 643-2063 Little Caesars Pizza 1702 U.S. Highway 181, Suite B13 Portland, TX (361) 643-5571 McAlister’s Deli 1704 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX (361) 643-1100 McDonald’s 1300 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 643-8115
Dairy Queen 911 Dallas St. Portland, TX (361) 643-5993/5222
Mr. Rigaroo’s Shaved Ice 1600 Wildcat Dr, Portland, TX (361) 960-4074
Denny’s 1670 U.S. Highway 181 Portland, TX (361) 800-1279
Oyshi Sushi 277 Buddy Ganem Dr E., Portland, TX (361) 704-9187
Domino’s Pizza 1500 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 777-0440
Papa Johns Pizza 1510 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 643-0737
Donut Palace 1306 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 777-3000
Pep’s Restaurant 1807 Highway 181 Portland, TX (361) 643-1531
Firehouse Subs 1850 U.S. Highway 181 A, Portland, TX (361) 643-3160
Pizza Hut 1041 N. Highway 181, Portland, TX (361) 643-7544
HU DAT Restaurant 1522 Wildcat Dr. No. 8, Portland, TX (361) 643-7823
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 1670 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 643-1555
IHOP 1830 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX
Sonic Drive Inn 106 Lang Rd. Portland, TX
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April 30, 2021
(361) 643-0982 Subway 2030 West U.S. Highway 181 Portland, TX (361) 643-6747 Subway 1001 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX (361) 643-9182 Taco Bell 1043 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX (361) 643-6898 Taqueria El Tapatio 922 Railroad Ave. Portland, TX (361) 643-1413 Taqueria Guadalajara 1001 Dallas St. Portland, TX (361) 643-8100 Texas A 1 Steak & Seafood 407 Cedar Dr. Portland, TX (361) 777-3663 Wingstop 1544 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 413-0620 Whataburger 1010 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX (361) 643-2563 ROCKPORT
Little I’s Snow Cones & Treats 2710 Hwy 35, Rockport, TX (361) 450-6660
GLOW - Gourmet Takeout 1815 Broadway St. Rockport, TX (361) 727-2644
Mac’s Pit Barbecue 815 E. Market St. Rockport, TX (361) 729-9388
Latitude 28°02 Restaurant and Art Gallery 105 N. Austin St. Rockport, TX (361) 727-9009
495 Chesapeake Eats 1008 E. North St. Rockport, TX (361) 450-0116 Mermaid's Kitchen Fine Dining & More 1910 Tx 35 Bus. Rockport, TX (361) 230-1580
McDonald’s 1302 Hwy 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 790-7828
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and Grill 165 Cove Harbor North, Rockport, TX (361) 729-6000 Poor Man’s Country Club 1009 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 729-7667 Rockport Bakery 3114 Bus. Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX (361) 729-5044
Dairy Queen 1729 Hwy 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 729-5425 Dominos Pizza 1927 N. Hwy 35 Rockport, TX (361) 729-4700
Shempy’s Grill 3913 Tx- 35 Bus. Rockport, TX (361) 727-0019
Sushi Luck Japanese Cuisine 112 Palmetto Ave. Rockport, TX (361) 729-1960
Taqueria Puerto Vallarta 3002 Bus. Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX (361) 790-7221 The Groove Steak & Lobster House 2001 Bus Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX (361) 729-3663
Our Family Kitchen 324 Tx- 35 Bus. Rockport, TX (361) 727-1111
Rockport Daily Grind 302 S. Austin St. Rockport, TX (361) 790-8745
Panjos Pizza and Pasta 2744 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 729-1411
Rockport Donuts 401 N. Hwy 35 Rockport, TX (361) 790-8544
Tropical Smoothie Cafe 2355 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 790-5222
Rosita’s Taco Shop 402 E. Market St. Rockport, TX
Whataburger 1805 Hwy 35 N. Rockport, TX
Paradise Key Dockside Bar
Lumber & Home Center Whether you’re a professional contractor or a weekend warrior, you’ll find low prices on quality materials that get superior results.
Hardware Plywood & Paneling Paint & Sundries Lawn & Garden and so much MORE!
301 North St. · Rockport · 361-729-6831 OPEN: Mon. - Fri. 7am - 5 pm · Sat.: 7am - 3pm · Closed Sun.
WWW.BLDR.COM
FULTON
Stevie Lew’s BBQ Kitchen 5340 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 727-0002
QUALITY LUMBER
Tools Building Materials Electrical Supplies Doors & Windows Plumbing
(361) 729-3022
SteerBurger Grill & Grub 4407 Tx-35 Bus Rockport Tx (361) 450-6740
Apple Dumpling Deli 114 N. Magnolia Rockport, TX (361) 790-8433 Bakery Cafe Rockport 205 Business Hwy 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 729-4985
Eateries
(361) 790-8513
FOR LESS
Alby’s Seafood Market & Po Boys 3402 Hwy 35 N. Fulton, TX (361) 729-1521 Benchwarmers 106-108 Fulton Beach Rd. Rockport, TX (361) 790-5413 The Boiling Pot 201 Fulton Beach Rd.,Rockport TX (361) 729-6972 Charlotte Plummer 202 N. Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, TX (361) 729-1185 Cheryl's Restaurant 112 Fulton Beach Rd., Fulton, TX (361) 790-9626 MoonDog Seaside Eatery 100 N. Casterline Dr., Fulton, TX (361) 729-6200 Old Fulton Seafood Cafe and Deli 2828 Hwy 35 N Rockport, TX (361) 729-2233
Helpful, knowledgeable service and a great price, guaranteed.
Lumber & Building • Hardware & Tools Electrical & Plumbing • Paint Supplies • Cleaning & Storage HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7a.m - 5p.m. Sat. 7a.m - 12p.m. 1262 N State Highway 35 Aransas Pass, Texas 78336 (361) 758-5345 • Fax: 758-3338
Fowler Lumber & Hardware
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Birding List for the Area Common Loon
Northern Pintail
Red-throated Loon
Blue-winged Teal
Pied-billed Grebe
Northern Shoveler
Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe
American Wigeon Redhead
April 30, 2021
The Flats
Bald Eagle Northern Harrier
Semipalmated Plover
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Killdeer
Cooper’s Hawk Northern Goshawk
Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs
Common Snipe
Owl
American Woodcock
Barred Owl
Wilson’s Phalarope
Great Gray Owl Boreal Owl
Solitary Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Spotted Sandpiper
Bonaparte’s Gull
Whimbrel
Ring-billed Gull
Common Nighthawk
Double-crested Cormorant
Ring-necked Duck
American Bittern
Canvasback Duck
Least Bittern
Greater Scaup
Broad-winged Hawk
Upland Sandpiper
Herring Gull
Great Blue Heron
Lesser Scaup
Red-tailed Hawk
Ruddy Turnstone
Thayer’s Gull
Green Heron
Ruddy Duck
Red Knot
Iceland Gull
Black-crowned Night Heron
Long-tailed Duck
Rough-legged Hawk
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Sanderling
Glaucous Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Western Sandpiper
Great Blackbacked Gull
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Lesser Blackbacked Gull
Downy Woodpecker
Least Sandpiper
Franklins Gull
Virginia Rail
White-rumped Sandpiper
Caspian Tern
Hairy Woodpecker
Sora
Bairds Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper
Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Mute Swan Snow Goose Brant Canada Goose
Black Scoter Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Common Goldeneye Bufflehead
Red-shouldered Hawk
American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Spruce Grouse Ruffed Grouse
Wood Duck
Hooded Merganser
Sandhill Crane
Green-winged Teal
Common Merganser
Common Moorhen
American Black Duck
Red-breasted Merganser
American Coot
Stilt Sandpiper
Mallard
Turkey Vulture
Black-bellied Plover
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Gadwall
Osprey
Lesser Golden Plover
Short-billed Dowitcher
Dunlin
Common Tern Black Tern Rock Dove Mourning Dove Black-billed Cuckoo Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Northern Hawk
Whip-poor-will Chimney Swift
Three-toed Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Olice-sided Flycatcher
The Flats
April 30, 2021
Eastern Wood-Pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Western Kingbird Horned Lark Purple Martin Tree Swallow Northern Roughwinged Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Gray Jay Blue Jay
Birding List for the Area Cont. White-crowned Sparrow
Nuthatch
Cedar Waxwing
Chestnut-sided
Waterthrush
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Shrike
Warbler
Loggerhead Shrike
Magnolia Warbler
Connecticut Warbler Mourning Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco Lapland Longspur
European Starling
Cape May Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Snow Bunting Bobolink
Warbling Vireo
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler Canada Warbler
Red-winged Blackbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Meadowlark
Brown Creeper House Wren Winter Wren Sedge Wren Marsh Wren
Solitary Vireo
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Northern Cardinal
Rusty Blackbird
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Brewer’s Blackbird
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Eastern Bluebird Veery
Rufous-sided Towhee
Brown-headed Cowbird
Gray-cheeked Thrush
American Tree Sparrow
Northern Oriole
Swainson’s Thrush Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Varied Thrush Gray Catbird
Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue-winged Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler
Chipping Sparrow Clay-coloured Sparrow
Palm Warbler
Vesper Sparrow
Tennessee Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Savannah Sparrow
Blackpoll Warbler
Brown Thrasher
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-capped Chickadee
Water Pipit
Nashville Warbler
Bohemian Waxwing
Northern Parula Yellow Warbler
Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Northern
House Finch
White-winged Crossbill
Harris Sparrow
Common Raven
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
Pine Warbler
American Crow
Pine Grosbeak
Field Sparrow
Golden-winged Warbler
Northern Mockingbird
Boreal Chickadee Red-breasted
Page 15
Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow
Common Redpoll Hoary Redpoll House Sparrow American Goldfinch Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow
Page 16
The Flats
April 30, 2021
Redfish Bay Boathouse R
edfish Bay Boat House, managed by Aransas Pass locals Mike and Jan Moore, has been at 322 Huff Street in Aransas Pass for ten years, but a visitor at Redfish Bay Boathouse can be excused for thinking it has been a part of the harbor for generations. After all, it is well-known, runs efficiently, and the boathouse managers and crew use the word “family” to refer to one another. They say some of their customers become like family to them. Sam Stone, who will help you at the boathouse said, “I love working here. We’re like family.” The story from ten years ago is different from the story visitors see today. The story includes sunken boats and contaminated water, abandoned ice houses and dilapidated docks. Gulf King, a seafood retailer and distributer, was the most re-
cent business at that harbor location, but it hadn’t been active there since, approximately, 2000. However, the most important parts of the boathouse adventure are vision, determination, cooperation, and a supportive community. The reason visitors wouldn’t know those things is that all those parts of the story have come together to create a vibrant, successful business that is meeting, not just practical needs, but needs for recreation as well. At Redfish Bay Boathouse, fishers and boaters are treated to valet service. The boathouse crew takes care of their customers from the first phone call to the return of the boat to storage. Boaters call the crew with details about when they will arrive and what they want on board. For example, a boater might call to say what time they will arrive and request ice and beverages to be put on their boat.
Photo by Donna Woolston The boat house has a 270-boat capacity. Pictured are the boats along one side of the facility.
April 30, 2021
The Flats
Photo by Donna Woolston Sam Stone seems small compared to the boat lift he operates as part of the services at the boat house. The boat begins to rise on its way to a reserved space in the facility.
The crew takes the boat out of storage, washes it, fills a cooler with the requested items and loads it on the boat, then fuels the boat and places it on the water. When the boaters and fishers return from their time on the water, the crew washes the boat, flushes the engines, and the returns the boat to storage. A small ship’s store is also on the premises. They offer sodas, beer, and fishing equipment. Marina Manager Heidi Duplechain agreed with Sam Stone that the management and staff at the boat house become like family. The building has room for 270 boats, up to 42 feet in length, and weights up to 20,000 pounds. The boathouse has insurance to cover the boats and the building is rated for category three hurricanes. Jan
Moore commented that the same standards that earn a category three rating on the Texas coast receive a category four rating in Florida. The customers only responsibility is to enjoy their boating or fishing adventures. Many of them sit on the dock together at the end of the day, talking about the fun they had and the fish they caught. Their “fish stories” become part of the larger story of Redfish Bay Boathouse. Mike and Jan Moore, the managers of the boathouse, said “customers” isn’t quite the correct word to use. “We have great customers. They are generous, supportive, helpful, and understanding. They are a pleasure,” Mike said. Jan commented that customers often “share their catch” with the boathouse crew. “We’re always
Page 17 eating fish around here. There’s nothing better to eat,” she said. Crew members say that is one of the qualities that create a family atmosphere. “It’s like family around here,” they all agreed. The back-story starts in 2011 when Mike and Jan were the managers of a marina and hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Mike came to Aransas Pass before Jan did. He had come because Grant Erickson, owner of the marina and hotel in Florida, was interested in building a boathouse in Aransas Pass. He had grown up spending his summers in Aransas pass and on Conn Brown Harbor with his family. He had noticed the decline in shrimping, and the increase in pleasure boating and recreational fishing, which encouraged him to pursue the development of “something special” on the harbor. Mike said Jan originally didn’t want to leave Florida. But Jan said, “I love it here now. This is home.” Jan explained that when she and Mike sat on the back steps of what had been the Gulf King office, and looked at the harbor, she could see a vision of what could be developed. That was March of 2011, and Mike said that’s when they “sat there and planned the whole thing.” The mayor, Tommy Knight, and the council were supportive and granted the permit for the boathouse plans. The city had
given the project a year to be completed, but Mike said the work was done in six months. “It was a lot of work and a lot of people doing the work,” he said. “People came from all over to help. Local residents, former residents, and people who had just heard about the project by word-of-mouth,” he explained. He emphasized that the work was done in half the time expected because of the hard work of all the people who helped. “The community really got behind us. We weren’t just building a boathouse. It was vision for a lifestyle. It was moving from the past to the future,” Mike recalled. In that six months from March to September, “thousands of sunken boats” were raised from the harbor bottom. Old docks were removed and replaced with new ones. The boathouse itself was completed in six months and the city bulkhead was replaced in seven to eight months. The water had become so contaminated, the fish and birds had even abandoned it. Mike explained, “The water wasn’t circulating. There was no place for it to go.” Mike recalled the joy and excitement of seeing the fish and birds returning to the harbor. He said when he saw the gulls coming back, he knew it was special. “Just hearing them was great. They sound like the sea. continued on page 18
April 30, 2021
The Flats
Page 18 There was life again. And that was exactly what we wanted,” he said. There was a soft opening in September and the official opening was in November of 2011. The boathouse had four employees. “Six, if you count the two of us,” Mike said, referring to himself and Jan. Then he added, “Now we’re part of the community and we have 15 employees.” Mike said, in the ten years since the opening, the original customers who are still keeping their boats here, have become part of the boathouse community. “We catch up with each other, they share fish with us, we’re glad to see them,” he said. There are customers who live locally and take their boats out frequently. Some have a vacation home here and are a part of the community at various times through the year. Mike and Jan spoke of boat owners who are “from all over” and come to boat and fish “once a year.” “We come to know them, too. It’s part of the
attraction to the boathouse that we, and our crew, treat them all the same; whether they are here every weekend, or just once in the summer,” Mike added. The boathouse has had other challenges, since the work of opening. Mike said the boathouse stayed busy continuously from November of 2011 to August of 2017 when Hurricane Harvey made landfall. “It was devastating. There were five sunken shrimp boats in the harbor that blocked our customers boats. But they were all understanding and waited until the recovery got further along. Some even came to help,” he said. There was still some hurricane recovery to accomplish when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were implemented in March of 2020. “Boaters didn’t want to risk being exposed and getting their families sick. Many of them come with their families, so that was more reason to stay home,” Mike explained. “Now that the cases are dropping and
Craig’s Tire Service Alignments, Inspections, C.V. Joint, Brakes, Tires Craig Fraser # Emilio Garza
Photo by Donna Woolston Texas flags are flying at Redfish Bay Boat House in preparation for Rock the Dock, April 24, 2021.
people are getting the vaccine, boaters and fishers are coming back,” he said. A casualty of the pandemic was Redfish Willie’s, a popular restaurant at the harbor. The restaurant specialized in fresh ingredients and locally caught fish and seafood. Mike said he hoped the COVID-19 cases would continue to drop and more restrictions would be lifted. “Maybe some of these businesses like Redfish Willie’s can come back,” he said. Mike said the winter
freeze in February of this year was another challenge that the crew met successfully. “We had problems, too. Water lines froze and burst. The water from the pumphouse came out like a waterfall and froze that way,” he said. Mike added that the crew at the boathouse are dedicated, excellent workers. “They just went right to work; repairing things here and at their own homes,” he added. Mike and Jan said the challenges have been a
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small part of the operation as they look back on the ten years at the boathouse. Jan said the family atmosphere among the crew and customers is the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks of Redfish Bay Boathouse. But a specific memory that stands out is when “Susan,” came to the bay with others who were fishing but claimed she didn’t like fish. She was “along for the ride.” Jan recalled they found out Susan had only ever eaten previously frozen fish. “She had never had fresh fish! She had never eaten fresh seafood!” Jan exclaimed. Susan had her first taste of fresh fish at Redfish Bay
The Flats Boathouse. Jan said, “We didn’t think she was going to quit eating.” A memory that stands out for Mike is when David Bullock, a customer, caught a 66-pound ling. “At the time, it was almost a world record,” Mike said. Bullock brought the fish in and had it prepared there at Redfish Willies. He shared it with the whole staff. Mike recalled, “Everyone ate that fish.” Rock the Dock is an annual event at Redfish Bay Boathouse. It is an on-thewater boat show with dealers, manufacturers, and vendors. The boat show also features food and music. It originated as a first
Page 19 anniversary party for the business. The first Rock the Dock had no budget and was planned in six weeks. It has grown every year and has become a major event in the area. However, it’s still a party to celebrate Redfish Bay Boathouse and the hard work and family atmosphere that has made it a success. The 2021 Rock the Dock had approximately 5,000 visitors on Saturday. Mike emphasized that the event isn’t only for prospective boat buyers. “We have activities for kids, music and food. It’s a fun event for everyone,” he emphasized. Redfish Bay Boat House has become a part of the
Heidi Duplechain, the marina manager, happily poses for a picture in the ship’s store. The store is stocked with fishing supplies and beverages.
community of Aransas Pass because of a vision of what could be through hard work, customer service, and a family eating fish together.
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April 30, 2021
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The Flats
April 30, 2021
The Flats
April 30, 2021
ARANSAS PASS Fairfield Inn & Suites 2679 Business Hwy 35, Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-3939 Microtel Inn & Suites 355 E. Goodnight Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-8000 Redfish Bay Cottage 945 N. Commercial Aransas Pass, TX (361) 463-6683 Super 8 Motel 500 E. Goodnight Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-7888 Sea Breeze Motel & Cottages 1404 S. Commercial St., Aransas Pass, TX (361) 850-0195 Portobelo Village RV & Mobile Home Park 2009 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-3378 Hooked Up RV Park 2020 N. Hwy 35 Business Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-5348 Country Villa Mobile Home & R.V. Park 3780 FM 1069 Aransas Pass, TX (361) 776-7534
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Salt on the Rim RV Park 741 Jacoby Lane Aransas Pass , TX (979) 540-8694 INGLESIDE
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Oyo Hotel 2025 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 776-2767
ICW RV Park 427 E. Ransom Rd. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-1044
Quality Inn 2800 Texas 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 775-2700
Independence RV Park 2487 Co Rd 1776 Aransas Pass, TX (361) 461-1945
Sleep Inn & Suites 2810 Hwy 361 Ingleside, TX (361) 238-4625
Mobil Village RV Park 116 Freeman St. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-8367 Ransom Road RV Park 240 Ransom Rd. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-2715 Redfish Bay RV Resort 300 East Beasley Aransas Pass, TX (361) 226-1389 Southern Oaks Luxury RV Park 1850 Highway 35 Bypass, Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-1249
Don Ell RV Park & Cabins 128 E. Myrtle Ave. Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-5218
The Palms RV Park 2135 W. Wheeler Aransas Pass, TX (361) 758-4000
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Studio 6 2920 Rockland Blvd. Ingleside, TX (361) 775-1400 The Brass Turtle Lodge 1233 Bayshore Drive Ingleside on the Bay (877)728-8785 Tiki RV Park 1719-1723 12th St. Ingleside, TX, (361) 906-8936 PORTLAND Country Inn & Suites 1705 North Hwy 181 Portland, TX (361) 777-1500 Days Inn 1703 N. Hwy. 181 Portland, TX (361) 643-2222 Home2 Suites by Hilton 139 Buddy Ganem
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Sea Breeze RV Community / Resort 1026 Seabreeze Lane Portland, TX (361) 643-0744 ROCKPORT Bay View Inn 1105 E. Market St. Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-2028 Blue Wave Inn 1212 E Laurel St. Rockport, TX (361) 729-6379 Drifter’s Resort 4401 Hwy. 35 S. Rockport, TX (361) 727-9105 Driftwood RV Park 701 Mesquite Fulton, TX (361) 729-2452 Fairfield Inn & Suites 2950 Hwy 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 727-9007 Harbour Inn 209 N Austin St. Rockport, TX (361) 450-0107 Kontiki Beach Resort 2290 N. Fulton Beach Road Rockport, TX (361) 729-2318 Laguna Reef Condominiums 1021 S. Water St. Rockport, TX (361) 729-1742 La Quinta Inn & Suites
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2921 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 727-9824 Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay 200 Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, TX (361) 790-8439 Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways 411 S. Magnolia St. Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-0312 Motel 6 1006 FM Rd 3036 Rockport, TX (361) 450-0489 Shivam Reef Motel 1011 E. Market St. Rockport, TX (361) 386-0059 Village Inn Motel 503 N Austin St. Rockport, TX (361) 729-6370 Ancient Oaks RV Park 1222 Highway 35 S. Rockport, TX (800) 962-6134 Angler’s RV Retreat 1012 N. Moline St. Rockport, TX (361) 205-4737 Bahia Vista Waterfront RV Park 5801 FM 1781 Rockport, TX (361) 729-1226
Big Fish RV Park 450 Hwy 35 Bypass Rockport, TX (361) 727-9211 Blue Heron RV Park 1142 Heron Lane Rockport, TX (361) 563-4043 Blue Lagoons RV Resort 717 N Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, TX (361) 729-1100 Buffalo Park Boat & RV Storage 468 Griffith Drive Rockport, TX (361) 727-0090 Circle W RV Ranch 1401 Smokehouse Rd., Rockport, TX (361) 729-1542 Coastal Breeze RV Resort 3025 Loop 1781 Rockport, Texas (361) 444-4131 Coastal Cove Resort 359 Rattlesnake Point Rd. Rockport, TX (361) 205-2024 Coastal Hideaway RV Park 652 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX (361) 557-0082
Bay View RV Resort 5451 TX-35 Rockport, TX (361) 400-6000
Coastal Palms RV Sites 2332 San Antonio St. Rockport, TX (361) 463-8602
Beacon RV Park & Marina 301 S. Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, TX (361) 729-3906
Copano Bay RV Resort 3101 FM 1781 Rockport, TX (361) 790-9373
The Flats
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Rockport Oaks RV Park 1402 W. Corpus Christi St. Rockport, TX (210) 288-0904
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The Flats
April 30, 2021
The accessibility of fishing in and near Aransas Pass and Ingleside is abundant, with numerous locations from which to choose. S t e a d m a n’s Flats, from which this publication gets its name, is an area located between the Intracoastal Waterway and Morris and Cummings Cut near Aransas Pass, The Flats offer an extensive grass flat that features sandy potholes and deep-water borders on all sides. Primarily known as a redfish haven, its quick access to deep water makes it a good spot for ambushing trout and flounder as well. The City of Aransas Pass, known as Harbor City, is located at the intersection of two major waterways – Laguna
Page 23
Fishing the Area Madre and Redfish Bay. Aransas Pass has a rich history in the development of the Coastal Bend’s fishing industry. The Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) is intersected by the Aransas Shrimp Channel, giving Aransas Pass access to some fishing in the Coastal Bend in every direction. The primary fishing area is Redfish Bay, also called Bird Island. The bay is a triangular-shaped area between Aransas Pass, which borders it on the north, and Port Aransas. To the south is the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Redfish Bay is actually a complex of islands, grass flats, and channels with the only deep water located
on its southern edge next to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The grassy flats around Bird Island in the upper portion of Redfish Bay produce redfish and trout throughout the year. The 14,000 acres of fragile grass flats is a rich generator of nutrients for all of the area bay systems and has been designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a State Scientific Area. Since 2006, the area has been designated as a no-prop zone which makes it illegal to run a boat through the seagrass in a way that would cause them to be uprooted. The restriction does not prohibit access by boats or going through the area as long as the grass is
not disturbed. To be in compliance with the Seagrass regulation, boaters can drift through the area using a push pole or electric trolling motor. The Aransas Channel is also known as the Shrimp Channel or the Shrimp Boat Channel due to the fact it was the main path for the massive gulf shrimp boat fleet housed at Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass. In addition to being a prime navigation feature of the Redfish Bay complex, fishing along various grassy shores and cuts off of the channel produce trout, redfish, flounder, drum and just about anything else the area has to offer. Ingleside is actual-
ly two communities on the north side of Corpus Christi Bay. Ingleside on the Bay is a small water-front community south of the city. Ingleside Cove separates the two communities and is the location of Cove Park, a water-front park with boat ramps, docks and picnic areas. The boat launch at Ingleside offers excellent access to the La Quinta Channel, the north side of Corpus Christi Bay and is just around the corner from the Intracoastal waterway and the south end of Redfish Bay. Other North Bay fishing areas are: Estes Flats Mud Island Point Big Bayou Hog Island
North Pass Stedman Island Hog Island Hole Old Terminal Causeway Super Flats Brown & Root Flats Lighthouse Lakes Quarantine Shoreline SW Redfish Bay Grass Flats California Hole Lydia Ann Channel Ransom Island Terminal Flats Corpus Christi Ship Channel Middle Pass Redfish Cove Traylor Island Dagger Island Morris and Cummings Cut South Bay United Pipeline Channel East Shore Mud Island Steadman’s Flats Yucca Cut Estes Cove
Spotted Seatrout The most frequently caught game fish in local waters is the Speckled Trout, known by the scientific community as the Spotted Seatrout, and locally referred to simply as a “trout” or a “spec.” The seatrout is not actually a trout, but a member of the drum family. It is an aggressive feeder and will often school in large numbers, which is great for anglers. Speckled trout are found throughout the Coastal Bend.
On warm, sunny days, trout can be found around bait fish which stay in shallow water as they prefer shallow bays with oyster reefs or shallow grass beds. They will move into deeper cuts or channels, up estuarial rivers and into the Gulf when temperatures drop, or a lack of rain-
fall cause a rise in salinity in the bays. The temperatures drop during the winter months and bring cold, cloudy days, at which time bait fish move to deeper water so the trout follow them. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets the daily bag limits for
seatrout, and the limits vary in different parts of the Gulf Coast. The daily bag limit is five, with the minimum length at 15 inches and the maximum at 25. However, the bag limit for Laguna Madre is three fish, with a minimum length of 17 inches and a maximum of 23 inches. Because of its relative abundance, excellent flaky meat, and good flavor, speckled trout are popular not only as a sport fish, but also as table fare.
The Flats
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April 30, 2021
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The Flats
April 30, 2021
Red drum, commonly called redfish, is a bay fish known for it is aggressive fight when hooked, and for also for its edibility. Many guided fishing trips focus on catching redfish which attracts anglers from around the world to the area. The redfish’s most distinguishing mark is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. It is not uncommon to see multiple spots, but one having no spots is extremely rare. Scientists believe the black spot near the tail helps fool predators into attacking the red drum’s tail instead of its head, which allows the fish to escape. The daily bag limit for the red drum is three for keepers which must be a minimum length of 20 inches and maximum of 28 inches. During a
Redfish
license year, one red drum over the maximum length limit may be kept if a properly completed Red Drum Tag is attached to the fish. When a license is purchased, the buyer also receives one Bonus Red Drum Tag . These yearly tags are in addition to the daily bag limit. For the first three years of its life, a redfish lives in the bays or near passes. It then moves from the bays to the Gulf of Mexico. As the large adults move to the gulf, possibly for spawning, it is known as
Page 25
the “bull red run.” The young redfish feeds on small crabs, shrimp and marine worms. As they mature, crabs and shrimp continue to be part of their diet with the addition of small fish, which is why anglers use shrimp, crab, a n d mullet as bait. A n glers who want to use artificial lures often choose small spoons which can be used in shallow water, and weedless ones in heavy or floating seagrass. Floating or shallow-running fish plugs are often used over the grass flats. Shrimp-
like plastic worms and jigs are also popular. If bait is in a column of water, the redfish will take advantage of the opportunity, but in general they are bottom feeders. If they are feeding in shallow waters with heads down in the seagrass, their tail may be above the surface of the water. This is known as “tailing.” They are often found in water so shallow their backs are exposed while they are swimming. During cold spells, redfish may be found in tidal creeks and rivers since they can also live in freshwater. The skill involved and the excitement of catching redfish has led to the establishment of several fishing tournament trails specifically to test angler’s skill in catching the prized redfish.
Flounder Coastal Bend waters are home to the southern flounder, a unique game fish highly-sought after for it’s edibility and the unique techniques used to catch it. The flounder swims near the bottom of the bay, parallel to the bottom, and uses its camouflage to ambush prey from drop offs, current swept points, and by burying itself in the sandy flats.
Due to the fact they spend their life on the bottom of the bay and gulf, adult flounder’s eyes are on the same side of their head. They are not born this way, however, as when they are smaller than a half-inch long, their right eye begins migrating to the other side of their head. By the time they reach an inch in length, both eyes are on the same
side of their head. The left side then
right side of a flounder’s body is rarely
begins turning dark to blend in with the bottom. Since the
exposed to sunlight, it turns white. Flounder can
tolerate a variety of salinity levels, but the largest populations will be found in moderately saline waters. Coastal Bend bays have a prolific population of flounder from the month of March through December. This is the time the larger female flounder come into the bays to feed after spawning. Mostly all flounder caught in the bay system
are female, as the smaller males tend to stay in the Gulf of Mexico all year. Male flounder only grow to about 12 inches long, but the females that roam the bay system can grow up to 25 inches. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets the daily bag limits for seatrout, and the limits vary in different parts of the Gulf Coast (see the chart on page 5).
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12. Animal Control 2078 Tiner Ln. Ingleside 13. City Hall 2671 San Angelo Ave. Ingleside 14. Dairy Queen 2611 Hwy 361 Ingleside 15. Humble Center 2821 Main St. Ingleside 16. Public Library 2775 Waco St. Ingleside 17. Police & Fire Department 2425 Eighth St. Ingleside 19. Senior Citizen Center 2850 Main St. Ingleside
The Flats
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
As a resident of Ingleside you are one of the fortunate few who can live where the crime is low, the friendliness is extraordinary and family is a priority. We are centrally located with many activities within a very short distance – live the quiet life yet enjoy the amenities of a larger city! Ingleside is only 1520 minutes from Corpus Christi and just about anything you would want to do! Want a little more adventure? We are only 2 hours from San Antonio and 3 hours from Houston!
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City of Ingleside
unprecedented growth due to: the U.S. Navy's choice of Ingleside as a Homeport to Naval Station Ingleside, the Mine Warfare Center of Excellence, industry expansions, the increased popularity of "ecotourism", such as the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. According to recent Bureau of Census population estimates, San Patricio County is the second-fastest growing community in the Coastal Bend. Out of Texas' 254 counties, it ranks 43rd in terms of growth. Ingleside continues to be the fastest growing General Information community in the county. Ingleside is located 18 Approximately 6 milmiles northeast of Cor- lion tourist visit the Coastal pus Christi, in San Patricio Bend each year. County. Peak tourist month are The city experienced June and July with an average
stay of two days, but thanks to the sunny climate, visitors pass through all year long. Area & Geography There are 22,093 households out of which 41.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% are married couples living together, 12.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 22.00% are non-families. 18.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.97 and the average family size is 3.40. There are 67,138 people, 22,093 households, and 17,232 families residing in the county.
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The population density is 37/km² (97/mi²). There are 24,864 housing units at an average density of 14/km² (36/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 76.76% White, 2.81% Black or African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 15.94% from other races, and 3.05% from two or more races. 49.42% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. The City of Ingleside hosts several events such as Light Up the Park, Movie in the Park, Trunk-or-Treat, Backyard Nature and others. The City boats a large skate park and splash pad at N.O. Simmons Park and Live Oak Park has a disc golf course.
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April 30, 2021
Centrally located in the heart of the Coastal Bend . We are home to one of the best Disc Golf Courses in Texas, and are just 20 minutes away from Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Rockport.
April 30, 2021
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WWW.INGLESIDEDEVELOPMENT.COM
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April 30, 2021
Ingleside ISD Ingleside I.S.D. has traditionally produced students who graduate with the skills, logic, and motivation that form the basis for highly successful careers as well as the making of solid citizenship and strong family life. Ingleside Independent School District is progressive and proactive in providing the teaching staff, training, curriculum, equipment, activities, and facilities that ensure academic growth and performance for all students.
District Goals All campuses will be at or above state averages for EOC and STAAR assessments. Ensure students are prepared for success in postsecondary education and/ or careers upon graduation. Improve communication with parents and community members to ensure equal partnership in the success of our children. All campuses will maintain a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning. Maintain and improve
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technology & facilities throughout the district. Ingleside I.S.D. strives to continuously improve on behalf of all students.
Mutual understanding and respect characterize our comprehensive efforts to provide quality educational opportunities.
Ingleside Chamber of Commerce
The Ingleside Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization representing businesses in Ingleside and surrounding areas. Their mission is to provide opportunities and to build relationships in order to help our businesses and community prosper. Located at 2491 State Hwy 361 in Ingleside. To contact, call 361-776-2906. Their business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. We would like to officially
invite you to become a member of the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce! Today, working hard isn’t enough - you need to work smart, seeking the best opportunities that will maximize your chance for success. At the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce, we will help you grow your business by opening doors to new opportunities and greater success. The Chamber hosts Round Up Days in March as their main event for the year.
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April 30, 2021
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April 30, 2021
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