I'm heading down to PINS in October and I have some questions for those experienced PINS members. Thanks in advance for the responses.

What, other than bull reds and sharks can I catch in the surf?
Does it make sense to go all the way down to the Mansfield Channel? I assume the further south I go the more likely to catch spanish, jacks or tarpon.

Is there a place to get water 24 hours a day before you enter the park? I don't want to hall 400 lbs of water from Weatherford if I can help it.

Is there a bulk ice machine in corpus or on the Island?

Where is the best place to buy shrimp? Catch crabs (no, not thet kind you ket in Juarez)?

It appears from the maps that the only places I can cut accross the island if I want to fish the bay are Yarborough pass and the Mansfield pass. Are there Others?

I have a truck tent but should I plan on being more mobile. I have t strike the tent to move the truck and I may just take an awning instead.

I know I will have other question. I plan on being down there 4 days (19 - 22) and yes, I have A 4WD (Ranger FX 4 level II with 4.1 rear end and limited slip, 31 inch all terrain tires 2 inch lift. I hope that will do the trick, we will see.).

Ok, I know there is someone who's been to PINS in October. I appreciate the help.

Try the forums from that area: www.corpusfishing.com or www.teamoso.com

There should be plenty of people there to help you.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I appreciate the links.

I have been there in October, we caught reds,trout and alot of rays. Your truck should work great just make sure you have tow straps and a shovel. I am not sure about the water but there is bulk ice machine behind the store at the turn off to go to Port A on the left. There are bait stands on both sides of the bridge when you cross over to the island, and Roys is on the right side as you leave town. The poass can be hit and miss driving through i have seen jeeps stuck in there, we go down about 24 miles and set up camp as far as driving to the jetties its a long trip and not worth it to me anymore. The park has a store and showers/bathrooms but its a long drive off so pack everything you need. Take some type of shade a firearm, bug spray. Hope it helps some

Thanks Searay. I will probably fish my way down to the jetties just to say I did. I am actually most excited about catching some pompano along with a bull red or two. Also, I am thinking if I go far enough south I will still see smacks and maybe tarpon. I really don't care though, I just want to disappear for four days and fish. Heck, I may pull a Billy Sandifer and stay there...ok, not realistic but it is nice to think about. I just hope the red tide stays managable. I've got two surf rods, one spinning and one conventional, the conventional will probably handle midsize sharks. I'll probably soak that one for bull reds. I've got my three bass rods, another spinning rod and my 9 weight. Definately overkill. Thanks for the info.

The last time I was down in October the weather was up and down at one point we built a fire next to the water so we coulkd wade out and cast our lines then stand by the fire to warm up
some old pics from down there

Cool. I like the flags. It looks like suntan weather one day and jacket weather the next. Did you find wood to burn or bring your own in?

we always take some, but there is always alot on the beach

The park headquarers has a water faucet you can use. Pull right up to it. May not be a hose though...can't remember. It is where the outdoor showers are to the left of the building.

yes, there are bulk ice places that the boats fill up. Closest to your route going to PINS would be at the intersetion of where you turn to go onto mustang island or keep going south to PINS. There is a place around there that i've seen.

The places you can cut across to the bay side, are probably not worth your time. its all really shallow tidal flats once you get there and not many fish. At least all the places I know of to cut over from the beach.

Thanks Endo. I probably will fish the east cut or the area west of the cut if I can safely put the yak in there. I really just plan to surf fish unless that isn't productive. Thanks for the help.