This is a continuation of this post: Family Fish in Texas State Parks | Texas RV Travel blog. Please see that post for an explanation of Family Fish, which is a free event in all State Parks in Texas.

Here is a listing of all the Texas State Parks that require no fishing license as part of Family Fish.

Below are special events held in conjunction with Family Fish, from September to the end of the year. These clinics help everyone in the family to become better fisher folk. Some of the events include the loan of fishing equipment and instruction in different methods of fishing. Others have prizes and fun related activities for the kids. The events with a blue wheelchair symbol are suitable for family members who are mobility and visually impaired.

September 2008 — Caddo Lake SP&WMA — Family Fishing Clinic — Every Sunday. Bring the kids and learn how to have fun fishing! All the basics will be taught, then practice what you’ve learned with hands-on fishing. 9 a.m.-noon (903) 679-3351.

September 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with a Ranger — Every Sunday. Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.

September 20, 2008 — Lake Texana SP — Fish with a Ranger — It all starts with free fishing at the Day Pier in the morning. No fishing license required and poles and bait provided. Then in the afternoon, we will have fish printing on t-shirts (bring your own t-shirt or get one of ours for a $5 donation) at the Nature Center. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired. Fishing 9 a.m., fish printing 2 p.m. (361) 782-5718.

September 27, 2008 — Brazos Bend SP — Junior Angler Education Workshop — Join us at a free clinic for parents and children that will provide the opportunity for families to spend time together while learning the basics of fishing through hands-on instruction. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Children should be 6 years old or older and accompanied by an adult. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9-11 a.m. (979) 553-5101.

September 27, 2008 — Palmetto SP — Basic Angler Training and Fun Fish — This fishing event features training in basic fishing skills along with prizes and awards for the kids. No fishing license required. 9 a.m.; register at the park office (830) 672-3266.

October 2008 — Caddo Lake SP&WMA — Family Fishing Clinic — Every Sunday. Bring the kids and learn how to have fun fishing! All the basics will be taught, then practice what you’ve learned with hands-on fishing. 9 a.m.-noon (903) 679-3351.

October 12, 26, 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with a Ranger — Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.

October 18, 2008 — Brazos Bend SP — Junior Angler Education Workshop — Join us at a free clinic for parents and children that will provide the opportunity for families to spend time together while learning the basics of fishing through hands-on instruction. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Children should be 6 years old or older and accompanied by an adult. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9-11 a.m. (979) 553-5101.

October 18, 2008 — Palmetto SP — Basic Angler Training and Fun Fish — This fishing event features training in basic fishing skills along with prizes and awards for the kids. No fishing license required. 9 a.m.; register at the park office (830) 672-3266.

November 2008 — Caddo Lake SP&WMA — Family Fishing Clinic — Every Sunday. Bring the kids and learn how to have fun fishing! All the basics will be taught, then practice what you’ve learned with hands-on fishing. 9 a.m.-noon (903) 679-3351.

November 8, 2008 — Brazos Bend SP — Junior Angler Education Workshop — Join us at a free clinic for parents and children that will provide the opportunity for families to spend time together while learning the basics of fishing through hands-on instruction. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Children should be 6 years old or older and accompanied by an adult. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9-11 a.m. (979) 553-5101.

November 22, 2008 — Palmetto SP — Basic Angler Training and Fun Fish — This fishing event features training in basic fishing skills along with prizes and awards for the kids. No fishing license required. 9 a.m.; register at the park office (830) 672-3266.

December 6, 2008 — Brazos Bend SP — Junior Angler Education Workshop — Join us at a free clinic for parents and children that will provide the opportunity for families to spend time together while learning the basics of fishing through hands-on instruction. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Children should be 6 years old or older and accompanied by an adult. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9-11 a.m. (979) 553-5101

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Texas Parks and Wildlife encourages family friendly activities. For the past few years, Family Fish has been the main thrust of this goal as the park system continues to waive the fishing license and stamp requirements for ANYONE fishing inside its environs. All you have to do is pay the park entrance fee. Or, if you use the State Parks system often, buy a State Parks Pass and your entrance is free. Fishing regulations, such as size and weight limits, are enforced. Here is a listing of all the Texas State Parks that require no fishing license as part of Family Fish.

With the price of gas approaching $5 per gallon, we may not take that long road trip we had planned. However, with more than 70 state parks participating in Free Fishing in State Parks events, we can visit a local state park for a day trip. Have a picnic, swim, hike and fish!

Find State Parks within a day trip drive:

Parks Within 100 miles of Abilene

Parks within 100 miles of Amarillo

Parks within 60 mile radius of Austin

Parks within 100 miles of the D/FW Metroplex

Parks Within 100 miles of Lubbock

Parks Within 100 miles of San Angelo

Parks within 60 mile radius of San Antonio

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The special events below are held in conjunction with Family Fish. These clinics help everyone in the family to become better fisher folk. Some of the events include the loan of fishing equipment and instruction in different methods of fishing. Others have prizes and fun related activities for the kids. The events with a blue wheelchair symbol are suitable for family members who are mobility and visually impaired.

July 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with aRanger — Every Sunday. Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.

July 19, 2008 — Blanco SP — Learn To Fish Family Fishing Day! — Learn basic fishing skills and safety through games, booths, and help from fishing experts. Then head down to the river to fish as a family. A limited amount of fishing equipment is available to borrow or you may bring your own. Open to ages 6 and older. 9 a.m.-noon (830) 833-4333.

July 12, 2008 — Buescher SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the park lake. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 237-2241.

July 12, 2008 — Choke Canyon SP/Calliham Unit — “Reel” Family Fishing Fun — Free fishing seminar to introduce youth and their families to the basics of fishing. Learn how to set up basic fishing equipment and how to fish safely and successfully. Experts are ready to help you get started; loaner equipment available. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9 a.m.-noon; preregistration required, (956) 371-9797. (361) 786-3868.

July 12, 2008 — Eisenhower SP — 4-H Kids Fishing Derby — Come and fish beautiful Lake Texoma with the experts for fun, awards and prizes. This is an great way for families to take kids fishing for free with everything provided, including lots of help from expert anglers. Tackle available or bring your own. Accessible for the mobility impaired. Fishing 8 a.m.-noon, prizes and activities noon-2 p.m. (903) 465-1956.

July 18, 2008 — Blanco SP — Full Moon Fish — Come fishing as evening falls and the full moon rises. Learn from experienced instructors about river habitat at night and how to make the most of it for great fishing. A limited amount of fishing equipment is available to borrow or bring your own. Open to ages 6 and older. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (830) 833-4333.

July 19, 2008 — Bastrop SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the pond. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 321-2101.

July 19, 2008 — Galveston Island SP — Family Fishing Clinic — Bring the kids and learn how to have fun fishing! All the basics will be taught, then practice what you’ve learned with hands-on fishing. Call for times and more information (409) 737-1222.

July 26, 2008 — McKinney Falls SP — Family Fishing Fun Day — Celebrate “Free Fishing in State Parks,” which means that no fishing licenses are needed inside state parks. This event is more than free fishing; it also features cool prizes,”learn to fish” classes, a fishing derby and a raffle where fishing equipment and other fun outdoor gear will be given out. 9 a.m.-noon (512) 243-1643.

August 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with a Ranger — Every Sunday. Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.

August 2, 2008 — Buescher SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the park lake. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 237-2241.

August 2, 2008 — Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit — Fish “ON” — Fish have schools and so do anglers! Bring the whole family and learn the basics of fishing with fun, hands-on activities. Then reel in your limit of fish and fun. Door prizes will be drawn; rods, tackle, and bait provided or bring your own; no fishing license required. Catch you there! 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (940) 637-2294.

August 30, 2008 — Purtis Creek SP — Junior Angler — Kids 6-13 learn to fish with hands-on experience. Learn to identify fish and their habitats, practice good water safety and to respect the environment. Upon completion participants will receive a certificate. Parents welcome to attend. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; reservations required (903) 425-2332.

August 30, 2008 — Purtis Creek SP — Junior Angler Fishing — Kids 6-13 learn to fish with hands-on experience. Learn to identify fish and their habitats, practice good water safety and to respect the environment. Upon completion participants will receive a certificate. Parents welcome to attend. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; reservations required (903) 425-2332.

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While looking around for new information on Port Aransas (last post), I happened to check the website of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.  What a wonderful place.  Next time we visit Port A, we are going to the Visitor’s Center.  Now, if I can get Michael into the idea of Elderhostel, I will be on that barge trip next January.

University of Texas Marine Science Institute

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) Visitor’s Center has seven aquaria that depict Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them, including Spartina, black mangrove marsh, oyster reef, open bay bottom, rock jetty and offshore artificial reefs.

The planned Wetlands Education Center, known as Windows to the Sea, will occupy over three acres next to the UTMSI Visitors Center and the South Jetty. A marshland pond, planted with sea grasses and surrounded by coastal vegetation, fed by water from the Aransas Pass Ship Channel, will serve as an outdoor exhibit demonstrating the power of wetlands. Visitors may view migratory waterfowl and resident marsh birds from a surrounding boardwalk. Guided tours will penetrate the wetlands on interior boardwalks.

UTMSI sponsors an exciting Elderhostel Adventures Afloat program each January beginning in Galveston. The beautiful hotel barge, R/B River Explorer, navigates the intracoastal waterway through salt marshes including the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, ending in Port Isabel on the southern tip of Texas. Elderhostel programs from November through mid-April include a field trip to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to observe and study the endangered whooping cranes. The programs held in Brownsville and McAllen specialize in birding.

Teacher workshops and summer programs at UTSMI are aimed at upgrading the proficiency of classroom teachers at all levels by the introduction of marine science topics and techniques into the curriculum of all subjects, from science to art and history.

Summer camps for kids are learning experiences about science on such topics as:  about bays and beaches; seaweed, sea grasses and salt marshes; life as an oceanographer; sea creatures adaptation and ecology.

During the school year, visiting classes are taken board the R/V KATY to develop an understanding of the marine environment through measurement, observation and sampling.

Visit the website Science and the Sea for an understanding of the sea and its myriad life forms. Or the educational and Interactive Beach Debris website.

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Port Aransas

Port Aransas is an island paradise tucked away on the Gulf Coast, reached by car ferry from Aransas Pass or by driving up Mustang Island from Corpus Christi. Port Aransas is the only town on Mustang Island and inhabits 8 miles of the 18-mile long barrier island. Everything moves on Island Time in Port Aransas, so relax and enjoy all that this Texas treasure has to offer.

The bays, jetties and deep Gulf waters offer the finest fishing around. Take an excursion for sport fishing, spearfishing or scuba diving. Grab the Jetty Boat to St. Jo Island for a few hours or the day. Sign up for a sunset cruise, a gambling or a dolphin encounter.

Visit the Fennessey Ranch, 4,000 acres of wetlands, meadows and natural lakes for discovery and photography. More than 500 species of birds visit annually, making Port A one of the most popular birding destinations in Texas.

Rent a bike or electric buggie to zip around the town. Kayak, kite board or surf. Build a sandcastle or just lay back and relax the temperate climate. Remember, you are on island time.

RVers will love Port Aransas. Some of the RV parks in Port A are right on the beach. Others are located inland within walking distance to restaurants or on the trolley route. Some offer amenities like pools, wi-fi and cable.

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Buc Days

Corpus Christi, Texas
April 22-May 4, 2008

During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates helped General Andrew Jackson and his troops defend New Orleans against the British. For this service, U.S. President James Madison gave Lafitte a full pardon for his crimes of piracy. Legend has it that Jean Lafitte then moved his band of pirates and established headquarters on the present site of Corpus Christi.

Buc Days Celebration begins on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 6 pm when the Pirate Queens sail into the Yacht Basin and capture the mayor. The mayor surrenders the city and the pirates raise their flag, complete with skull and crossbones, over Corpus Christi. Buc Days includes an illuminated night parade, PRCA Pro rodeo, BBQ challenge, Folklorico competition, carnival, Music and Fire on the Bay, 5k Run, live music and, new for 2008–Bikes, Bulls & BBQ . . . Check out the schedule of events.

So, start practicing your pirate talk. Arrrr, Matey!

For RV parks in the Corpus Christi area, please visit the TACO website.

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