2nd ANNUAL BIGBIRD COLLECTION TRIP AND BBQ Port Aransas Tex

[BIGBIRD123]

Everyone, I am a member of Maast and Marsh (in Houston). Last year for Marsh, my wife and I sponsored a BBQ and Collection trip to Port Aransas. We did all the BBQ and hosted the collection at the jetties. Well, this year we are trying to combine this with Maast for a dual group trip. The dates for the event will be the weekend of the 14th, 15th and 16th of July. What we are trying to do is have some kind of informal gathering on Friday night as people begin to arrive. Then, we are trying to get something like a trip to the CC Aquarium or a trip to the Marine Institute (PA) for Sat am. We will have the BBQ Sat afternoon from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm with a little mingling and conversation. We will then at 8:00 pm start towards the jetties. We are trying to make arrangements for discounted hotel/motel rates for those interested. This could be one of the best events of the summer, so I hope that everyone attends. As information becomes more available, we will post it. If anyone has any suggestions, options or questions, please feel free to post here and we will answer as soon as possible.

Also. in the near future, we will be having a "Design the T-shirt Contest" for this event. Details to come but the winner will receive a free T-shirt, Collecting net, bucket/lid and air pump.

This should be a GREAT Event, so please plan to attend.

Smooth Reefin'

Steve

[SAtiger]

Sounds fun. I'll look into it.

[brewercm]

I'd love to go this year since I didn't get to last year. I need to get down there for some good fishing anyways.

[Isis]

We had a great time last year. I can't wait... surfing, fishing, BBQing... good times.

[GaryP]

Here's an update folks.

We have gotten a group discount and behind the scenes tour lined up for Sunday at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus. So anyone that is interested can head up to Corpus and join us there. I think its only about a 30-45 min. drive from Port A to the aquarium and will allow you to take the hiway back to SA/Austin instead of the back roads.

We'll get back to you with details on this as they are available. We're still working on trying to get something lined up with the folks at the UT Marine Science Inst. (UTMSCI) in Port A. We are also trying to see if we can get some of the people from UTMSCI or the aquarium to join us on the jetties for collecting. We thought it might be nice to have some "experts" handy to help identify anything unusual that we collect. I talked to a local SW guy in Port A last year and he said he has seen queen angels and Atlantic blue tangs at the end of the jetties. Just remember that anyone that is collecting must have a valid fishing license and salt water stamp. I already checked with Texas Parks & Wildlife on that.

In addition, my wife and I are into flying kites on the beach. We will have hundred or so spare kites laying around in case the kids or other family members who aren't into collecting want something else to do. Hopefully we will have some good wind that weekend.

This is going to be a great weekend and we hope everyone has already marked their calender and making plans to attend. If not, please do so.

[BIGBIRD123]

BUMP^^

[Bug_Power]

where is he seeing the tangs and angels? On top or scuba?

[jap1]

Is this going to be on Sunday the 12th? Also, do you have to be a charter member to go? I'm not totally sure I can go, but it sure sounds like a lot of fun!

[taldrich13]

what sort of things can be collected?

[Isis]

We collected tons of peppermint shrimp. You can also get pipefish, pods, little fish that are reef safe. There are tons of things, but I can't remember what.

[BIGBIRD123]

You can find Blennies, gobies, butterflies, sgt, majors, urchins, rock anemonies and boooquoooo peppermint shrimp. Last year I caught about 400 peps and the year before we caught about 700 (two of us). Sometimes you get a surprise. Last year we caught an angler and something that look like a giant pipefish but I think it ended up being some kind of gar. This has always been a blast for me and should be even better this year. Everyone needs to mark this on theri calendar...14th, 15th and 16th of JULY.

You do not have to be a Charter member to attend but there are some requirements that we will be posting closer to the event time.

Steve

[GaryP]

Last year we caught an angler and something that look like a giant pipefish but I think it ended up being some kind of gar.
Could it have been this guy?

http://www7.taosnet.com/platinum/data/light/species/needlefish.html

[gjuarez]

In the link you provided Gary it mentions in the map that its not found in our area. I am thinking it was probably a valleyhoo.

[taldrich13]

stuff like this, right? http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=14862&pos tdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 what method do you use to catch stuff off the jetty?We just grabbed the seaweed out of the surf.
We went this weekend and caught a few things but I didn't keep anything again. One thing we did catch I'd like a little help IDing: I caught it in a bunch of seaweed. It looked like a minnow (long and torpedo shaped as opposed to short and fat like an angler). It had 'walking fins' like a Gourami and it's tail was pointed instead of fanned. Also it could move it's tail in the reverse direction to move backwards like an Eel. Any ideas?

[jap1]

Boy was I mistaken...I thought the event was THIS upcoming weekend. I should've read the first post a little closer. Hopefully I'll get to make it. I don't think I'll put anything wild in my tank since I only have a nano, but it'd be a blast to see what stuff we'll catch anyhoo. This'll be great!

[Bug_Power]

you can get sargassum triggers, some eels, and I've seen all other kinds of stuff out there. Weed is good for some odd looking creaturs.

[GaryP]

Have you ever seen any Queen Angels or Atlantic blue tangs?

[GaryP]

In the link you provided Gary it mentions in the map that its not found in our area. I am thinking it was probably a valleyhoo.
That particular species may not be in this area, but I have caught needlefish on the jetties.

[Darth-Tater]

Sounds like a good time will be had by all. I will try to attend. I am marking my calendar.

David

[pancho316]

Hey guys, I'm pretty new to this, but deffinetly want in. I have a 240gal tank that I am trying to fill with life. I've been pretty successful in getting some growth on my rock and have a few zoos and shrooms that are flourishing. I also have a brain an BTA that are doing great. I don't have many fish, a yellow tang, a purple psuedo, falses perc, an orange tail damsel (satan himself, any ideas how to catch this thing) and a Pakistan Butterfly that lives in one of my fuges. What sort of critters can I expect to find that will do well in this set up. Many of you have probably seem my set up, it used to belong to Alex Wolf. I bought his house and the tank/set up.

[loans_n_fishes]

you can get sargassum triggers, some eels, and I've seen all other kinds of stuff out there. Weed is good for some odd looking creaturs.

I bet "weed" makes the creatures look odd! :lol

I really hope I can make this...we're still talking about July right? Gary, are you talking about a separate trip to the aquarium in March?

If I come I will bring kids and husband in tow. Kite flying sounds great!

How do I go about getting a license to collect? Do I need one for each member of my family...or can we get a "family pass"?

I don't scuba, but I do snorkel. How do you collect most of your stuff? Is it possible to find things in 3ft or less water? My kids would be more comfortable in shallow water, and I would like for them to get in on the action.

What a great idea!

[watered_down]

*gasp* you mean i have a chance to wade around in the water and NOT have people think im insane?!?!? oh if only i knew then what i know now (or rather, if i had a SW tank when i was a wee lass) i would have amazing things running/swimming/crawling around in my tank. this is what ive been training for all my short life! :lol

[GaryP]

I bet "weed" makes the creatures look odd! :lol

I really hope I can make this...we're still talking about July right? Gary, are you talking about a separate trip to the aquarium in March?

If I come I will bring kids and husband in tow. Kite flying sounds great!

How do I go about getting a license to collect? Do I need one for each member of my family...or can we get a "family pass"?

I don't scuba, but I do snorkel. How do you collect most of your stuff? Is it possible to find things in 3ft or less water? My kids would be more comfortable in shallow water, and I would like for them to get in on the action.

What a great idea!

We are talking about hitting the aquarium on the way home on Sunday.

There is no special license required to collect. All you need is a Texas State fishing license and saltwater stamp. You can get one at any Academy, Wal-Mart, or most other stores that carries fishing supplies. Anyone collecting needs a license, although I don't think kids do. I will check and get back to you on what the age limit is on that.

We're talking about collecting stuff from the rocks on the jetties or in the water with snorkel gear and a hand net. A lot of cool stuff was collected last year that way. I loaned my net to Polkster and let him do all the work and just charged him two cool little blennies for the rental of my net. The peppermint shrimp come out at night and can be collected with a dip net and a flash light. You can get a long handled dip net for about $6 at Academy.

Also, ghost shrimp can be collected in the salt grass marshes across the ferry from Port A. If someone has a seine, that is the best way to collect them, but you can do it with a hand net or cast net too. Just be careful not to keep any undersized game fish like trout or drum that you happen to catch.

[GaryP]

Go here for info on who does and who does not need a license, as well as special limited time fishing licenses. Remember that in addition to the license you do need a salt water stamp. Kids under 17 do not need a license.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/licenses/

[Iknownothing]

Sounds like a great time. I will consider it! If i meet the upcoming requirements. I grew up in S. Florida doing this long b-4 I ever even dreamed of having a tank. I put it all back. :)

[Isis]

If I remember correctly, there is actually a limit on ghost shrimp collections. I will have to check my TPWD handbook to see, but I believe there is a limit of 100 per person.

[GaryP]

Yea, its 20 per person but I think we need to clarify that we are talking about the same species because the rule is in with regs on table species like blue and stone crabs. I actually contacted someone at TPWD in the enforcement section about rules concerning collecting and they answered right back. I posted it here somewhere. I think we need to bounce this one back to TPWD too. I'll ask TPWD what species thery are referring to in the regs.

I think what we call ghost shrimp are actually grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris or P. pugio). The two terms are used almost interchangeably.

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/acebasin/specgal/grashrim.htm

[GaryP]

Isis

After minutes and minutes of extensive internet research I think I have come up with the conclusion that TPWD is talking about Lepidophthalmus louisianensis. The regs talk about using a sand pump as a means of harvesting "ghost shrimp." Our guys don't live in the mud. They are usually in the grass. Lepidophthalmus louisianensis, otherwise known as a "ghost shrimp," on the other hand digs extensive burrows like a pistol shrimp.

[GaryP]

Here is a previous email I got from TPWD concerning regulations concerning collecting.


Provided the fish, shrimp, plants and live rock collected will not be resold, any adults involved would need to have their fishing licenses and a saltwater stamp. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from this requirement. There is, of course, no collecting allowed in any state park.

As far as the collecting of live rock and plants from the area, although it is not prohibited, we do advise strongly against it. The reasons for this are that, as you know, live rock and plants provide an important base for an ecosystem. Removing very much of either of these from an area can lead to a reduction in the natural productivity and filtering ability of the ecosystem.

Thank you for your concern and let us know if you have further questions.

Sincerely,
Karen Pianka
Wildlife Permitting Specialist
Texas Parks & Wildlife
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-8212

[GaryP]

OK, after another couple of emails and two phone calls I finally got hold of a very knowledgeable marine biologist with TPWD in Rockport that could answer my question. The "ghost shrimp" mentioned in the regulations is not the same as what we call "ghost shrimp." Our little guys are "grass shrimp" and there is no limit on them. So, we can collect as many as we like.

[Isis]

Interesting. Thanks for the clarification. I guess TPWD need to start listing there animals with scientific names along with the common names. Things like this can be confusing.

[GaryP]

Yea, when I talked to the compliance people they didn't know what I was talking about and just said that "all species" were covered. I finally got to the Science Director in Rockport and he knew exactly what I was talking about.

[GaryP]

I finally found a pic of what TPWD is talking about. Here is a link to page about them. Strange looking critters that are apparently more closely related to hermit crabs then shrimp.

http://www.whitney.ufl.edu/species/ghost-shrimp.htm

[TroyPham]

the ghost shrimp are cool little guys... i have one in my tank.. it makes little tunnels in the sand and just moves around in it.... i'm not sure what they eat. but i've had on in my tank for 3 months now and it's doing fine.... you can see him if u look from the underside of the tank...

i have a saine(sp) with handles if anyone wants to use it... i just would like to get it back. i also have ghost shrimp pump that can be used to collect all kinda cool stuff from the sand... i put if up for use last year but no one came to pick it up... i'm gonna try to make it out this year for sure. and can help with a few things if need be... just let me know

Troy

[Bug_Power]

I posted this over on Marsh, but we should check into the Redfish Hacheries in Flour Bluff. We toured there in HS and it was pretty cool. I also have a client who does sea turtle roundups in the AM's It would be awsome to see some collecting done.

[Yankee]

Here is something that I know something about. For the people that are going on this trip make sure you know what you get. I have two native tanks in my house since I go to Corpus a lot fishing. Here is a picture of my toadfish (oyster dog) that I have had since he was only 2" long. He is the only one in this tank because he will kill anything that swims even fish bigger then him.


http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/DSC_00911.JPG

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/DSC_00861.JPG

Also here is a frill fin goby that is a kool fish but I hear that he likes to eat the feet off clams.

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/DSC_0544.JPG

Here is some other pictures of stuff, I have more but have to look for the pictures.

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/DSC_00661.JPG

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/DSC_00791.JPG

If people are interested I can make some calls to the local shrimper that know and they always have interesting critters they bring up in there nets via the bays. I have had arrow crabs, mantis shrimp, rock shrimp, multi types of Sea Robins, 2 types of puffer fish, trigger fish, blennies, gobies, damsels, live sand dollars, different types of sea horses, crabs and a million different types of shrimp. The weed is a bad thing for us fisherman but a great thing to find stuff in. I am heading down there very soon since the weed is on its way in and I need to restock my tank. I will try to make this date; I have a couple of hot spots to go if you looking for certain stuff. The best thing I found out that works is a head lamp and small net. There are some places that are kid friendly too, me and both my kids (5yr and 10yr) collect.

[Hanali]

If I am not certified to scuba is this ok? I am unsure if you are going scuba diving or not but had to ask. Also how do you guys get your finds home?

Sorry for the questions I am kind of new to all this, and trying to learn more.

I would like to come but maybe to early to tell. I will be at the meeting this weekend.

[Yankee]

Scuba is not needed, all I do is look in the tidal pools off the jetties and other areas. All I do is to transport them is get a 5 gallon bucket and a air stone. Most of these fish are hardie that deal with changes alot. I do lose some but not much.

[GaryP]

I got something that looks like the frill fin goby from last year's trip. He's pretty cool. He was tiny when I got him and spent a lot of time in my overflow until I found him there.

Snorkeling gear is just about all you need to collect from the water. That is going to depend on how rough it is. You don't really want to be in the water when there is surf pounding on the rocks. Last year was pretty calm and it wasn't a problem. If you don't want to collect from the water, just team up with someone that does, and split the catch. There will be plenty for everyone.

You can get an inexpensive battery powered air pump from Wal-Mart or Academy in the fishing dept. Like someone said, a salt bucket or ice chest is all you need to transport stuff home. Just make sure its clean though. An ice chest is a little better because its less likely to tip over in your vehicle.

[don-n-sa]

Last year Scuba Stevo and I did a collection trip at the "big jetty" at Port A...it was very successsful, we caught over 100 peppermint shrimp, crabs, blennies, anemone's and others. We collected at night, only used buckets , nets, and flashlights no snorkeling equipment needed.

We stayed that night in a hotel and brought the livestock with us the next morning back to SA.

We brought a large 10g cooler/ bucket thing that is used for water, tea etc...
For air we used a small air pump, for filtration & circulation we used one of those little power head like filter pumps with a little carbon and filter floss in it, and also brought a small heater. Also I had a DC/AC adapter so we could run the pumps for the trip home...not one critter died!!

[Bug_Power]

I'd be more then happy to snorkle with a partner. I used to snorkel at the JP Luby surf pier on flat days and got a 30" drum one time WITH MY BARE HANDS! I had to take some photos with tourists who made some Crocidile Dundee references.

[Bug_Power]

ohh and other thing. Typically summer is prime time for flat surf. The spring and fall is when we see a majority of our larger surf. Unless we get a front coming in we should expect 2-3' surf.

[don-n-sa]

Oh and just so everyone knows...these peppermints that are caught on the jetties do in fact eat aptasia...Steve's used to be aptasia fuge proves it without a doubt!!!!

[Hanali]

I may come... gotta see what my pocket book looks like and if there are any plans. I have no snorkle gear or anything but I think that is something easy to find and buy.

Looking forward to it.

[Yankee]

You will not need snorkel equipment unless you want it. All my collection as been at night except going threw the weed and shaking it out in a bucket. The one thing I do recommend is a good pad to lay on. How I do it is go out on the jetties (not too far) and lay on your stomach and look over into the tidal pools and inbetween the waves (3rd) when everything clears you will see the critters and then you use your net. I will know later on if I can make it, but if I do there will be space in my truck for a rider or two if you don't mind hanging out with me and my two kids. All I would ask for is half the gas. There is also places right down by the jetty if you like to camp out on the beach. It looks like I will be going down on the 7-9 of April if the weather holds out. I will try to check out the jetties but this is a Spring Skark Fishing trip down the beach to see if they are in or not.

Here is another one of my hobbies, I do it for the APEX Predator Research Program.

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/blacktipcrop.jpg

http://www.yankee-fishing.com/pic/blacktipcrop1.jpg

[Isis]

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Event_Registration

Please register here if you are planning on going. We are trying to keep track of the number of people attending.

[Isis]

Here is a list of motels for everyone to reserve rooms at. This is a list of price per night. We couldn't get a group rate since there was no way to commit to a number of rooms with out guarantees from the attendees.

1)LaQuinta CC South $109
2)LaQuinta CC North $95
3) Best Western Naval Station Inn $95
4)Days Inn Aransas Pass $115
5)Quality Inns and Suites CC $67
6)Hawthorne Suites Ltd. Aransas Pass $110
7)Driftwood Motel Port Aransas $129

[SGTDirk]

That link is to just register with your website. You can count on 4 of us to be there from my household. I also need to know what the water conditions are gonna be like. I wanna know if it might be worth it to bring my scuba gear.

[BIGBIRD123]

What we are trying to do is combine the registration to one website to lessen the confusion and get an accurate head count. This trip started with MARSH last year and MAAST had their own but this year we decided it would be great to combine forces and turn this into a "Party on the Jetties". I can imagine the water will be fairly warm but as far as the surf conditions...that changes with each wave and tide. The collecting will be done after dark.

Steve

[GaryP]

That link is to just register with your website. You can count on 4 of us to be there from my household. I also need to know what the water conditions are gonna be like. I wanna know if it might be worth it to bring my scuba gear.
Water conditions are really going to depend on the wind & waves. Snorkeling gear should be good enough for collecting. Visibility can be anywhere from 3-20 feet. You really need to get offshore to get to water that really requires dive gear.

[Isis]

I am really excited this year. This is will be a fun event.

[Isis]

It seems like we will have a nice turn out this year, but we need an ACCURATE head count since we are ordering the food for the Saturday Night BBQ. If you haven't already registered for this event on the MARSH site, please do so. If you you need, you can even post here to confirm. Please note how many people you are bringing with you.

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Event_Registration

[loans_n_fishes]

I've posted my reply before, but just to be on the safe side...

2 adults and 2 kids

[brewercm]

I posted three with my son and not including my 2 year old. Not positive if he'll be there or not, if not still 3 just include my 2 year old into the count.

If anything changes I'll pm bigbird and Isis to let you both know.

[Isis]

There is about 16 people coming in from Dallas, which will be nice.

[Darth-Tater]

Registered on Marshreef and it is two of us. Wife finally said OK :lol


David

[Ram_Puppy]

I might be there iwth a buddy, not sure...

[Isis]

Come one!!! Come all!! It is time for another collection trip in good ole' Port Aransas, hosted by our own member Steve Byrd, aka Bigbird123. The festivities will officially begin on Saturday afternoon, July 15th around 4:30pm with a BBQ until about 6:30pm. We will then head to the main jetty near the Maritime institute before walking out to begin our collection for the night.

For those who will be coming in on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, individual and group rates are availabe for those who want to go to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

Reg Rate: $12.95 Adult
Kids (4-12) $7.95
Kids (0-3) Free
$1.00 off for groups of 10+
There is a a larger discount for larger groups
Advance Reservations required large groups will need to call 361-881-1307.

Gary P from MAAST has made arrangements for their group to go on Sun on their way back to SA/Austin but the MARSH group could go on Sat to eliminate the back-tracking on Sunday, so if you would like to see if there is room for you, please send him a PM on the MAAST site or feel free to arrange a group trip if you would like. GaryP has an abundance of kites and will be bringing about 50+ with him. Anyone interested in kite flying can participate and he has kites for use and for sale. Anyone is welcome.

We will have a nice RAFFLE with numerous items, of which, including:
1) Deluxe top-off unit from Top-Off.com
2) $50 gift cert from Ocean Homes, Etc.
3) Anthony Calfo book from Coral Reef Bazaar
4) 2- 13w power compact retros from Maroon Lagoon

MARSH and MAAST will also be donating items/gift cert to the raffle. The raffle is open to ALL who participate. The monies raised will be split between MARSH and MAAST to help cover the cost of this event.

We also will have T-shirts for all participants FREE with a $5 donation to help with the costs of this event. We need to try and get a head-count of how many people would be interested in a T-shirt so we have enough but not an over-kill. We need this ASAP, so we can get them ordered. Please send an email to me at kim.price@marshreef.com to reserve a shirt(s). Please note your size so we can try to accomodate thie.

If there is enough interest, we may even have a beach bonfire on Friday Night to just hang out and get to know each other.

For more information please see the discussion thread on this topic!!!

[Isis]

Please make sure you RSVP your shirt size and quantity with me ASAP, or I can't guarantee that you will get one of the right size.

[ou812pezz]

I hope to be out there with my son on Sat.

[SBreef]

Due to work, I will not be able to make it.

Have fun you all!!

[ou812pezz]

What's the address of the place we are going to meet on Sat during the day? I need to map- quest it. Thanks

[Isis]

PM Bigbird so he can post here....

[Bug_Power]

If conditions stay the way they are. SHould be NICE and green. Cast netted some lookdowns last week. Hope I can find some again this week! Kiddo's killed them playing with them while I was fishing.

[Bug_Power]

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/product_info.php?products_id=1236&parent_category= 4&category_search=61&root_parent_id=4

109.00 each...makes me sick I had $300 of fish in a bucket for bait!

[SGTDirk]

Please let me know where we are meeting up too. I need an address to put in my GPS on the laptop. Thats how I find any place.

[Isis]

We are going to be ordering shirts in the next few days. If you haven't sent in your shirt size, we can't guarantee one will be available for your. These are going to be free to those who attend.

[BIGBIRD123]

We will be holding the BBQ at La Palma Villa, located at 224 E. Cotter Avenue, Port Aransas, Tx 78373. My cell is 254-458-4791 and my wife's is 254-458-4817. The BBQ will start at 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Sat the 15th and after the BBQ, We will lead the group to the jetties for the night collection. The jetties are located behind the Marine Sciences Institure in Port Aransas.



You will need to bring the usual stuff for collecting: sunscreen, rubber-soled shoes, dip nets (either the large aquarium-style nets or the long-handled nets available at Academy with a small mesh), buckets, an ice chest for your creatures (temperature regulation is crucial), a battery-operated air pump (air is crucial too ) along with tubing and an airstone (and an extra set of batteries), flashlights, a camera is a nice thing to bring, drinks, maybe a can of Off! or other bug spray, bandaids and peroxide if you get an owwie, sunglasses, a light-colored shirt and hat with a brim (for those of you who don't want to get roasted), aloe vera (for those of you who do get roasted), and a fishing license with a saltwater stamp (we've never been bothered by any game wardens while collecting, but it IS the law, although we won't be checking you for a license).

Steve

[Euclid]

Sounds like a blast! :D

[Isis]

I am getting excited about it all!!!

[brewercm]

Do we have a list of who has RSVPd as going?

[JimD]

Man I wish I could make this one, sounds like a blast. Can I get a t-shirt? The 15th IS my birthday after all.... lol

[GaryP]

We're going to get to the jetties fairly early on Sat. (before noon) and set up the MAAST canopy. Look for the MAAST banner. Also look for kites. If the wind is cooperating we'll have a bunch in the air.

We should have some loaners available if you want to fly. We should also have some nice kites available for sale. Just be cool about it, we don't have a Port Aransas beach vendor permit. I think you have to at least be the mayor's idiot 2nd cousin and apply on the 5th Thursday of months with a Z in them to get one.

[Isis]

I have a list of who RSVPed shirts, but I am waiting to make sure the shirts got printed. (We were having pricing conflicts from the printer)

[brewercm]

Actually since Gary mentioned that the Flag and canopy will be up it should be easy to find everyone then. I just wanted to know who to start looking for other than Steve and Gary.

[brewercm]

So we won't be staying in the 1 mile that they require you to buy their stupid sticker to be able to park there for 30 minutes then.

[Bug_Power]

So far the wave models I've been looking show a falling wave conditions through Friday. I haven't seen anything for Saturday YET. Winds will be lightest in the morning and evening LATE. If anyone get's down there Friday run down to the south side of the end jetting look for small shallow rocky pools and chuck some fish heads in there. We'll have pep's by the 100's the next day. Also I plan on getting there kinda early and spending the day. I'll have my snorkle gear and some cast nets. I caught some look downs last beach trip, and if I can get some more this time, I'm going to keep them. I was kinda upset I lost the last ones, but you can't really yell at a 4 year old who doesn't know any better. She was just excited to see all the little fish.

[GaryP]

OK, the Aggie war wagon is loaded to the gills with nets, kites, canopies, and chairs and we'll be heading that way soon. We hope to see all of you down there.

Roy, you are in charge while I'm gone. Keep these guys in line. :)

[TroyPham]

let me know if you need help Gary

361-779-7327

[brewercm]

Same here, and I'll see you soon TroyPham

[brieman]

Were taking off in the next few minutes.

[Bug_Power]

Winds should be calm in the AM. I think they were forcasted to be around 5-10's tomarrow. I've got a 10am appointment, but will be heading out to the beach looking for some more lookdowns in the surf around 2 or 3pm. I'm grilling some shark for lunch :)