Corpusfishing.com

[Spooled]

New to this area. Retired. Beginning to get the hang of this style of fishing which is a far cry from the Northwest Salmon, Steelhead and trout waters I'm used to fishing in. But would like to get some valuable input on whether I could use my twelve foot inflatable boat out there on the channels near here at Aransas Pass. I've got a motormount on it for the five horse and a rowing frame w/oars. I've seen the kayaks out and thought I might be able to do similar trips sneaking up on the fish from this raft. Anyone have any negative experience with a high denier hypalon raft?
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If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is.

[Gib]

It is worth a try but be very aware of oysters.

They are like razor blades slicing through wading boots, and I have seen what they can do to aluminum boats.

[Spooled]

[SeaLevelApparel]

I'd say go for it, but take every safety precaution and stay fishing deeper water. You can take advantage of the upcoming black drum run and have plenty of fun out of that boat while staying off the flats.

SLA
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www.GetOnSeaLevel.com

[Bigrock]

I used to use a two man raft to cross channels and haul gear. I would wade when I got where I was going. I would sometimes take my then-now-ex wife and would haul the raft as a place for her to lounge when the wading got tiring or boring. (You can see how well that worked. )

This was all before kayaks hit the scene. They catch a lot a wind is why I would only use them on short hops across channels. I carried a 8 ft stick of 1 1/2 sc 80 pvc to anchor it when I couldn't beach it. This was all in the upper laguna.

[mickeyd]

If you live near Estes or 188/Business 35 you are not that far from Port Bay off of 188. Lots of good shoreline water there to explore and you do not have to use the boat ramp....I am guessing you could launch your craft in the same areas the yakers do. Under the bridge on 188 pointing S towards Aransas Pass area, down towards the end of Port Bay would be a great area to run your boat. Depending on time of year lots of reds, trout and drum in Port Bay....like everywhere you just have to find em. I am heading out to my black drum hole there manana as I have a hunch with the cooler weather they are moving back into some of my haunts.
PM me if you want to take a look at it sometime. I live in Fulton off of 3036(Broadway/35 N).
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Mike

[dpeck]

I have used my 9 1/2 foot Seahawk II and trolling motor in the Galveston area with no problems. As a previous poster mentioned, wind can be an issue, but as long as the winds are light you're golden. You do have to get it registered and numbered in Texas with a motor. I'd say go for it!

[Spooled]

Thanks you guys. I've got some good feedback to use. Caution is the word. I bought this setup this summer before heading down here because I haul my motorcycle and SUV behind the motorhome. That doesn't leave room for my most beloved toy, a boat. So, thinking that this raft and all the attachments, plus being able to "stuff it" in the basement, would give me my whole world packaged in a highway unit no matter where I go. Of course that includes my lovely bride too. ( that whole world thing......she may be reading this) I'm pretty excited to get into this style of fishing. I used to joke with my friends that I was going down to the lake and see if I could get pulled in. Well, now that is very possible with these sub-surface brutes. Caught a Spanish Mackerel the other day, 26" off the PA jetty, what a ride that was on 12lb test and medium tackle. Also, shredded my casting net yesterday on a rock, hit it dead center, p'ed me off, but I sucked it up and bought another one. Waiting for the nor'easter to go away so I can go get pulled in. Thanks boys.
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If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is.

[Seabass]

Hey Spooled....welcome to the Gulf Coast! There is a great variety of fish to catch here so I hope you like to eat seafood! Regarding yer' boat.. eh..... i wouldn't recommend using it. Around Aransas Pass the oyster shell reefs are numerous, plus you might wind up running over an old crab/perch trap that has sharp chicken-wire like tines sticking up just below the surface. Ain't trying to scare ya, as you most likely won't encounter these things but they are around. A good scrape along the bottom of an inflatable while trying to cross the channel is gonna make life very interesting.

Here's some info on Texas boating laws (btw, you are required to have a life vest with you even on a kayak)

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/owner/titles_and_registration/

And if you get tired of going to the same ole touristy restaurants, try Shempy's...I've eaten there 3 or 4 times and loved the food. Its mostly fried stuff but they have a well rounded menu.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-39770189R-shempys_grill-


If you're looking for 'fine' dining, check this place out:


http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/301/1277500/restaurant/Texas/Latitude-2802-Rockport


My wife and I went there about 10 years ago and had an incredible meal. Its a $$$ place, filled with art on the wall, tables covered in crisp white linen and a staff that is very attentive. I haven't had the chance to go back there but a friend of mine went a few months ago and reported the same.

Seabass

[FishLady]

I had an inflatable boat, 11 1/2 foot that I used to fish in Redfish Bay when I stayed at ICW campground in Aransas Pass. Had a 'major' problem with it when the wind was blowing which was most of the time there. It was very hard to maneuver. Of course, I only had an electric motor (45# thrust) but the effort to maneuver the boat wasn't worth it. Sold it and just fished from the bank and caught more fish anyway.
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FishLady

[mickeyd]

Sorry guys but this type of boat is doable in both the Sailboat Channel as well as some shorelines in sloughs and bays. There is a fellow who lives by me who uses his two seater inflatable with small outboard up and down the Sailboat Channel on a regular basis. Would I go out in Redfish or Aransas Bay when the wind is above 10mph or so...of course not. I have to pick my days in my skiff and am not crazy about being out in my buddy's 20' bay boat when the bays are white capping and the wind is howling.
My offer to show you some navigable waters remains open. Do not let people discourage you from using what you have and enjoying our waters. Common sense and picking your days are the keys to having fun in our bays and waterways and there is no reason why your craft will not work to provide you with lots of fun and fishing experiences.
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Mike

[Spooled]

Thanks again. Seabass I've hit Shempy's for some redfish and froglegs. Yep, it's good eatin' and the atmosphere is good too. The wife's brother lives here and we've hit some mighty fine quizine around CC. I love seafood and Texmex and I just bought a new smoker that has done some killer short ribs already. Just need to throw some fish at it now.

I'll take mickeyd up on a show of the waters around here. Struggling through the multitude of different tackle to use. Got everything from ultra light crappie type sets to telephone poles laced with cable. But the most important is where to use it. I can figure it out eventually, like ya gotta use steel leaders on the Mackerel. Stuff like that. I think maybe I will just invest in a good bay boat, used, nothing fancy, just well cared for and loved. Saltwater is such a trip to adjust to. And there ain't any snow to shovel. Love it here.
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If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is.

[FoldCatOne]

"And there ain't any snow to shovel. Love it here."

It's why so many Winter Texans just become Texans.

[Spooled]