Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event: 2017 PINS (Padre Island National Seashore)

Trip Description: We will take four-wheel drive vehicles down Padre Island National Seashore during the anchovy migration, and target blitzing schools of ladyfish, jacks, redfish, and tarpon.

When:    CANCELLED 2017

Heavy wind out of the wrong direction.

Where:       Padre Island National Seashore
Start Time:  1100
End Time:    Sunday, 2017-10-01, at noon, 2 days later
Trip Leader: Puck
VHF/FRC radio channel: We plan to use the FRC radios most of the time.
VHF 69 for primary, 71 back-up.
FRC 16

Phone:      to ate 1 dash 865 minus 32 sixteen
e-mail:        doncpuckett at gee male

Based on last year’s experience:  Let’s start around noon on Friday at Malaquite and run down to about MM 40+ fishing, and camp in that area.    Low tides are at (need to update).  We may be able to get by Big Shell by taking the high road.

Then run to the jetties Saturday morning, move back to a camp spot between the 40 and 30 mile marker and then the next day, Sunday, fish on the way back.  Shower at Malaquite, load for the return about 1400 and drive home.  More to follow.

How to sign up:
1. Evite link
2. Or on the sign-up sheet distributed at the monthly meeting
3. Or e-mail the trip leader.

Let me know if you are 4WD driver or not when you sign in:

How to get waiver forms:  Download Waiver form here.  Required  Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information.

Cost: National Seashore Entrance Fee $10 per vehicle

Directions:    About 250 miles (4-5 hours) from central Houston
Search Houston to Malaquite Beach (20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, Texas (Padre Island National Seashore)) in an online mapping program

About the area:

At 60-70 miles long, Padre Island is the longest, undeveloped, barrier island in the world. Anglers with four-wheel drive vehicles can access almost all of it.

Fall brings bait migrations and large schools of predators. The water is typically clear (much more so than Galveston).

PINS Webcam

Wind and wave predictor

Tides

•  When the club did this trip in September, 2006, 14 anglers hooked 8 tarpon. Countless large ladyfish were brought to hand, as well as some big jack crevalle.
• In 2014, there were 7 anglers.  Ladyfish and jacks were the most caught species.  Whiting also brought to hand.   We saw redfish, but didn’t hook up.
• In 2016, there were 10 anglers.  Ladyfish and jacks were the most caught species.  Whiting, redfish, bluefish, spanish mackerel, trout were also brought to hand.   One shark hooked, but  not landed.

The typical fishing method involves cruising the beach while looking for signs of fish. When a school is sighted, anglers bail out of the vehicles and start casting. The Port Mansfield jetties (at the very end) offer deep water access.

Driving on the beach can be difficult. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required. Realize that a tow for a stuck vehicle here could cost you thousands (yes, thousands). Cell phones do not work on the island, except at the extreme ends.

The Malaquite Pavilion offers public showers to get off the sand and salt before the drive home.

Campfires are permitted in fully contained barbecue grills or in a pit dug in the ground, unless there is a fire ban in effect. Bonfires are not permitted anywhere in the park. Remove any burned materials (Ex., charcoal) and pack them out with you.

PINS Check List 2017

Fly fishing

Braided wire tippet material
Camera, and spare batteries.
Flies
Fly Rods size 8, 10, and spey
Fly Reels for size 8, 10, and spey
Tippet material

Travel safety

Batteries *2/device/day
5 Gallon Buckets
First Aid kit
Flash light
Jumper cables
Portable Air Compressor
Portable Battery Jumper
Shovel
Tow Strap
High lift jack

Camping

Air Mattress (optional)
Bungies
Canopy, with ropes (optional)
Chair, folding *2
Firewood, and cheater logs
Lantern, gas or battery
Lighter, or propane torch
Mosq. net. (optional)
Rope
Sand anchors
Tarp (optional)
Tent (optional)
Tentcot (preferred)
Toilet paper
Prtable toilet (optional)
Trash bags

Food/cooking

Cast iron skillet
Cooking Oil
Fillet knife
Foil
Ice Chests with Ice
Meals, 2 breakfast & 2 supper per person
Paper Towels
Propane bottles * 3
Sodas (optional)
Water (1gal/person/day minimum)
Zip lock bags

Clothing

Antibactial soap
Bull Frog
Hand Soap
Off or perethrim
Towels
Waders (seasonal)
Wipes
Sun clothing, long sleeves and long legs (3)

Back-up fishing

Bait bucket
Cast net
Kayak (optional)
Rod Holders
Spinning rods, with braided line (Med)
Surf spinning rod, with braided line
Spoons and Misc Tackle