The Mustang Island Paddling Trail is made up of three individual trails.
All three trails are with in a few miles of
Port Aransas. Two of the
kayak paddling trails are not loops so paddlers should plan accordingly.
All three trails promise paddling in protected waters through pristine
wetlands as well as open waters along the bay's shoreline. The trails
all run along the backside of Mustang Island (opposite side to the Gulf
of Mexico) on the Corpus Christi Bay. In summer months the wetlands,
spoil islands and Mustang Island can provide protection
from the prevailing south-east wind. However be sure to check
weather conditions before venturing out.
North Trail
The North Trail is 8-9 miles long beginning at the put in located
in Island Moorings Marina. Paddlers twist and turn through
water trails bypassing spoil islands along the way before ending up on
the Corpus Christi Bay shoreline. The shoreline is exposed to north and
west winds so kayakers should take special note to weather conditions
during months when cold fronts can blow in with intense winds. The take
out for the North Trail is at Wilsons Cut on the Shamrock Trail Loop.
Plan accordingly for having a ride back to the Island Mooring Marina put
in.
Shamrock Loop Trail
The Shamrock Loop Trail is about 5 miles long. It offers the most
protection from windy conditions of three trails making up the Mustang
Island Paddling Loop. To reach this trail from Port Aransas head south
on State Hwy 361. Approximately 7 miles from town is the entrance to
Wilson's Cut, the put in and take out for this trail. The entrance to
Shamrock Cove is on the right hand side of the highway. The entrance is
easy to miss as there is no sign. Look for a dirt road opening with
several wooden posts. After heavy rains the entrance may be flooded and
the sand washed from the highway so take care as you make the turn of
the highway not to come in to fast. High clearance vehicles are
recommended. Shamrock Cove is an incredible location! This is a wetland
paradise for fisherman, bird-watching and anyone who enjoys getting out
and into nature. Redfish, trout, flounder and black drum are plentiful
along this trail. Expect to see herons, egrets, gulls, roseate
spoonbills year round. In the fall and winter months waterfowl are here
in extreme numbers.
Ashum Trail
The Ashum Trail is about 7 miles long beginning at the Fish Pass and
running along the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay. The trail enters
Wilson's cut (at the Shamrock Cove) and terminates. The Fish Pass was is
about 12 miles from Port Aransas driving south on State Hwy 361. The
turn to the put in at Fish Pass is on the right hand side and comes up
IMMEDIATLY after crossing a small bridge (there is a sign before the
bridge showing "Fish Pass"). The launch site at Fish Pass has sand/dirt
parking. The Fish Pass used to flow through to the Gulf of Mexico in the
early 1980s but has since filled in. The shallow pass now provides acces
for paddlers to Corpus Christi Bay. Paddling through the pass allows
birding opportunities and nature viewing. Once the trail reaches Corpus
Christi Bay and turns north toward
Port Aransas the shoreline is no longer protected from
winds. Excellent fishing is along this entire shoreline. In fall
flounder can be caught by bumping lures on the hard bottom. Again, as
with the North Trail kayakers should make plans to have a vehicle or
shuttle service to return to the put in at Fish Pass.
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.