These
trails are some of the best in the Aransas Pass and Port Aransas trail
system. These four loops that make up the Lighthouse Trails are rivaled
only by the Shamrock Cove Loop trail. Multiple trails allow kayaks to
slide with ease through protected crystal clear waters. No motor driven
boat traffic will be encountered once you are in the Lighthouse Lake
trail system. However be careful of recreational and commercial boats
when crossing the Aransas Channel to enter the trail system from the
launch site.
Access
to the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling trail is about 4-5 miles from
Aransas Pass, Texas. The The entrance to the launch site is off
of State Hwy 361 before reaching the ferry landing to access
Port Aransas. Make a left off the causeway to the launch
site. Be careful as to which launch point you are at as some require you
to pay a small fee while the launch site further up the road to east is
free. The free site has limited parking. Look for the blue roofed
information kiosk if you want to launch here.
Before
you launch be sure to buy a map of the trails at a local retailer. A map
is located at the public launch site but it is nice to have you own one
your on the trails. Once you have parked and are ready to launch you
will have to paddle across the Aransas channel to enter the Lighthouse
Lakes Trail system. The Aransas Channel has some depth and can be a
little rough (especially when a shrimp boat pushes through)but is a
short paddle across.
Come
prepared to experience South Texas saltwater fishing at its finest. The
shallow Lake trails, inlets and coves provide outstanding site casting
and fly fishing. Oyster reefs, hard sandy bottoms and sea grass beds
provide plenty of cover for fish. Expect to have an experience to
remember. Bird watchers will find the Lighthouse Lakes as rewarding as
fishermen.
Practice Safe Kayaking
Where a life jacket, bring a compass, bring plenty of water and let
someone know where you are going. Weather can change fast on the island
so be prepared.