Hi everyone! I will be heading to the coast around June 15 and had a few questions�mostly about boating. I�m not an experienced boater, having only driven a boat a few times. My plan had been to rent a boat at Rockport and head across the bay to the island or to some Oyster Reefs with two friends. The boat I was looking at renting is a 22� Blue Bay. I downloaded some very detailed nav charts. They seem to show a LOT of boating hazards besides the reefs�wrecks, pipes, piles, etc. Its hard to get a sense of scale from a nav chart, but is Aransas Bay really as dangerous as it looks? Since this will be my first time in the bay, I don�t like the idea of drifting and would probably drop anchor. Tips for a first timer on this bay?

If it really is as bad as it seems to me, are there other bays for redfish and trout that are friendlier that I should look at?

Lastly is the question of bait. I�ve done lots of research, but I can�t seem to figure out what the typical best baits are for June. I know that what the fish are eating is highly seasonal, so I�m wondering what it will be when I am there. It seems like croaker is a good bet, and live shrimp. Is that correct?

The "bay" is fine, it's the flats you need to be cautious in.

3 words for you

Hire a Guide

You will learn ALOT (and catch alot of fish) and don't have to worry aout screwing up a rental boat.

BS we all have to learn . Get a push pole and go have an adventure . I would recommend an insurance like BOATUS. Just in case. Go slow read a map and stay in the bay . Stay away from Traffic areas that ships cruse . Go find some reefs or points or gas rigs you know, some kind of structure to fish around. Drifting reefs with a drift sock can be fun . If its to windy or wavy stay at fish camp and have a party its all fun at the coast.

Ok so don't get into the flats...I'll check out the BOATUS thing...I'm also interested in the jetties, but wouldn't try it from a boat and fishing from the jetties sounds like a pain in the butt

Pay attention.
Flat water is shallow.
White sand is shallow.
Knee deep on a heron is shallow.
You can run in a lot less than you can sit.

Rolling water on a dark bottom is good to go. Get some good glasses and use them that's your best navigating aid. If you see something like my boat running around do not assume you can follow.

Have fun and catch something.

Didn't say don't go into the flats just be cautious if you do. What's 8" and good to run in at a 9am high tide is 5" at a 2pm low tide. Most of estes is navigable on plane with most mod v or tunnel hulls, but you need to know where and how to land and take off in shallow water. Based on your self proclaimed inexperience I would stay close to the boat lanes and either drift or idle the flats.

Hey KBabcock where did you download the nav charts at? Like you I am always nervous when I am boating down there. I just take my time, keep my eyes open and my head on a swivel. I have avoided problems so far! Take care & enjoy fishing!

Thanks for the tips everyone! Mike, I bought the Navionics app, it's awesome and worth the $10

X2 on stay away from the flats . Two ft should be your limit no less .

X2 on stay away from the flats . Two ft should be your limit no less .