Does anyone know of a decent priced guide for a half day or so bay fishing trip in port aransas? I'd like to take my girlfriend but hopefully not have to break the bank to do so. Any help is really appreciated.

Al

www.thefishtx.com Book a quality trip if you want your girl to continue to fish with you. Not a "one honey hole Hero" There are plenty of good guys in Port A area. Just pick wisely.

Cheap Guides are cheap guides. You will get what you pay for that's for sure.

Out of about 6 or 7 guides out of Port A, have'nt had a good one except for Belcher, if he's still doin it. And to clarify, I'm talking about the entire experience, not just catching fish. I look at how they treat clients of all ages, fellow fisherman, ultimately the customer service component, lot of caaaash to not be a special experience. But then again, there are alot of guides out of Port A. Had some good folks out of Rockport and Hamptons.

Call Capt. Randy Hoyt:

361-563-1447

Tell Capt. Randy to give you the "Rockport Rattler Special".

Capt. Randy Hoyt has been a Pro Guide since the 1970's, long before the US Coast Guard required a Merchant Marine Officer to hold a Lisence to take you SaltH20 fishing.

It's funny..nobody has mentioned ANY dollar amount...what may be expensive for me may be pocket change for someone else. I think the going rate right now averages 1-3 people for 400.

Capt. Levi has a point; and I also believe in his statement.

How much does Randy Hoyt charge?

A good guide for you and your girlfriend would be either Don or Petra Schultz of Green Hornet Guide Service in Rockport. They are good and always put you on some fish.

I appreciate the responses so far most that I have googled have been in the 350-400 dollar range which is pricey but I will look into some that you guys have posted about. If anyone knows dollar amounts that would help. We'll be taking this trip in about 3 weeks or so. So I'm looking but of course after gas, hotel etc. dropping 400 would be too much so worse comes to worse we'll look for somewhere to fish around a bay. Not trying to be cheap just seeing if there are more affordable options. We did a 40 dollar one a few years ago with the dolphin docks but it was not worth it.

My point is that every Guide I have met, and most of the ones that I haven't, are guy who loves to fish, are a USCGL Guide and they are going to work their tail off to put you on your fish whether you pay him $400/day, $450/day, $500/day or $300/day.

At the end of the day, the fish don't care how much you paid.

That's been my experience.

Your's may be different.

Have you considered a boat rental? If so, South Bay Charters out of Aransas Pass has Carolina Skiffs with a 15 horse tiller Honda. Mike Nugent (guide) owns the Marina. According to my friend they are reliable. It goes for right under 100.00 for 8 hours. You can also do half day rentals,you can get a few days in.

That's a great idea. I have no idea where to fish there but I'm sure I could ask where to go to try. After calling and searching this may be the most affordable option.

I would suggest getting a map if your going with this option. The rental place is surrounded with potential fishing areas.

This has been covered so many times that it's not even funny anymore.

Guides have to buy and provide everything. Boat, fuel, bait, ice, license, insurance, tackle, lures, rigs and the lists go on. I don't see how they do it for $400/day. Seems like that hardly breaks even.

My point is $400/day is a very reasonable price. I know for a fact that if I were to tow my boat to Port A, with the $1000's worth of tackle and lures, fill it with gas as well as the tow vehicle, bait, ice, food, etc I'll easily spend close to $400/day average.

It's way cheaper to pay a guide and split the trip with a fishing buddy.

I think this may be the best way to go. Thanks! For all those who offered helpful information I really appreciate your responses. To those who think this thread is about questioning what and why guides charge what they do that is not what I was asking about. Just looking for an affordable way to do a little fishing. Thanks again!