Annual Port A collection trip

[hobogato]

Summertime is upon us and we've been hard at work planning another great MAAST event!
It's the event you've been waiting for, so mark your calendars and start making plans for...
MAAST Port Aransas
Collection Trip
July 15 - July 17, 2011





Accomodations:

Plantation Suites
http://www.plantationsuites.com/ (http://www.plantationsuites.com/)
Plantation Suites
1909 State Highway 361
Port A
877-836-FUNN or 361-749-3866



$149 per night - let them know you are with the MAAST group when making reservations.


All rooms are non smoking unless smoking room is requested at time of making reservation
On premises: pool, spa, sand v-ball courts, bbq pits
Free continental breakfast every morning with at least one hot item
Rooms would be held at that rate until June 15, 2011. after cutoff rooms are subject to availability and group rates will not apply.

Friday night bonfire on beach - 8:00 pm
we will gather near the jetties around 8pm - look for the MAAST banner

Saturday morning Texas State Aquarium tour - 9:00 am
Self guided tour through Texas State Aquarium with additional half hour option of a behind-the-scenes tour of the inner workings of their system. Children 2 and under are free.
Basic tour only:
$9.00 / children age 3 - 12; $13.50 / adults (13 years +)
Tour including behind-the-scenes (must be at least 6 years of age):
$11.50 / children age 3 - 12 ; $16.00 / adults (13 years +); $13.50 / MAAST Charter members
RSVP by 6/30/2011


Saturday Afternoon Boat Cruise - 2:00 pm - meet at Woody's Sports Center (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=woody%27s+port+aransas&sll=27.844616,-97.06275&sspn=0.057451,0.072699&ie=UTF8&ll=27.836685,-97.068114&spn=0.028728,0.036349&t=h&z=15&iwloc=A) at 1:30pm
Dolphin Watch boat tour of the Coastal area, to the lighthouse, and around the bay.
$22.50 adults and $14.50 ages 12 and under
MAAST Charter members $15
RSVP by 6/30/2011

Saturday daytime collection on the beach - 2:00 pm
we will gather at the base of the jetties at 2pm

Saturday Evening Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers
5:30 - 7:30 in Plantation Suites conference room
$10 / person (children 13 and under free)
MAAST charter members with one guest free

BBQ Dinner and a panel of local reef enthusiasts discussing local collection techniques

Saturday night collection trip along jetties
after the dinner, we will head over to the jetties

Reminder: reserve your room at the Plantation Suites if you want to take advantage of the discounted group rate! 877-836-FUNN (mention MAAST group)

[Jarob]

Man this sounds awesome! Ill be in California all of July :(

[Big_Pun]

ok so Gabe, Cedrod, made our reservations all ready at the plantation suites. looking forward to bonfire and BBQ hosted by Gabe. hope we have a good turn out!

[Neptune@gabesfish]

Is it possible to get a head count for bonfire BBQ ...

[bfoleyiii]

The wife, two boys (6,4) and I will be there.

[Sherita]

I will be there.


Is it possible to get a head count for bonfire BBQ ...

[Sherita]

I see there is a daytime collection on the beach.....can someone tell me what sorts of things we might find?

I heard that one can find virgin nerites under the causeway bridge in Corpus. And that porcelain crabs can be found in the Port A area??? Must have.

[profntbtr]

i am trying my hardest to convince the rest of the family, but not sure i'll make it as we'll have a 3 week old baby boy.

[Elizabeth]

I'm going to try to convince the SO that we should go...sounds like so much fun!

[Elizabeth]

Alright, I'm coming and bringing along the whole family-I don't think we'll make the barbecue, and we're not going to stay with the group (we have a place to stay already). 2 questions-
1. how hard is it to hook up with the MAAST group if we're staying somewhere else (i.e. are there meeting times made available beforehand for activities, etc).
2. What sorts of things should be brought along for the collection trip, and are there licenses required or limitations we should be aware of? Just want to be prepared!

[cowboy572]

Well it looks like I will be missing this year's trip. I had planned on it to be in Aug like the last two years. I have a cousins wedding to go to in NB that weekend. Just curious, why was it bumped up also a month in advance from the previous two?

[hobogato]

it was july 23-25 last year. it has been in july as long as i can remember, sorry you wont be able to make it :(

[kitcat72]

Aww I am upset that the date was changed. I took off for the first initial trip and cannot switch out now. Why was it changed?

[hobogato]

the date has not been changed. it is july 15th thru 17th.

[kkiel02]

I should be able to make this one! We still need to talk over where we are going to be staying though.

[pepper]

We will be there, but we won't be staying with the group.

[txav8r]

Alright, I'm coming and bringing along the whole family-I don't think we'll make the barbecue, and we're not going to stay with the group (we have a place to stay already). 2 questions-
1. how hard is it to hook up with the MAAST group if we're staying somewhere else (i.e. are there meeting times made available beforehand for activities, etc).
2. What sorts of things should be brought along for the collection trip, and are there licenses required or limitations we should be aware of? Just want to be prepared!


There will be an itinerary posted before the trip. That should give you meeting times and places.

A fishing license is required to collect or harvest marine life. As far as things to bring, I would recommend some nets of various sizes, buckets or ice chests to transport critters and a red and white head lamp if you are going to collect peppermint shrimp.

[roscozman]

Eve and I have been going for the past couple of years. Here is what we take with us:
1. Bucket (old salt bucket will do) and air pump like this one


2. Small medium net with rubber/metal guard around net. This one is perfect:
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_134501_-1?Ntt=net&Ntk=All


3. Head lamp w/red and white lights. You need the white lights to navigate the Jetties and the red lights when looking for the shrimp. Energizer are perfect and cost about $15. Also, take a few extra batteries. You don't want to be out there and the batteries run out.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/img/energizer_ledessentials/energizer_ledessentials_package.jpg

4. Salt water fishing license.

5. Good sneakers to navigate your way though the jetties. Don't wear flip flops, the jetties are slippery and quite a few people to a hard spill last year.

[roscozman]

here is a link to the air pump:
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_12047_-1?Ntt=air+pump&Ntk=All

[ZeroHour]

If you have the ability a pair of shoes with FELT glued to the bottom like waders would be suggested. I took a good spill last year and actually hit my head pretty good (prob why i still spend money on this hobby...braindamage..)

The headlamp is very helpful

I used a carrier bucket for the collections and then had a small cooler with 2 pumps in it for the ride home.

I will try and make it perhaps I can talk the family into goin.

What do you plan to find during the day. I would say someone should bring a few fishing rods with heavy line and trebles and you can then snag mats of grass and find some anglers.

I also snagged some mats and caught some sweet looking shrimp as well.

[Intermingl]

what are you guys collecting?

[BSJF]

I think we are going to try and make this afterall. Here's hoping!

[bfoleyiii]

My wife was talking to one of our neighbors about the our trip and they might be interested in attending so I wanted to check what options they might have or what they would need to do to attend if they decide they want to?

[BrianA]

This trip sound very interesting, I'm going to see what I can do to get on board! :)

I would also like to know where to find one of those headlamps. I have never seen them in Red & White.

[Mr Cob]

I would also like to know where to find one of those headlamps. I have never seen them in Red & White.

wal-mart dude

[Mike]

Also Academy. Plus you can get your nets, fishing lic. etc...

[BrianA]

LOL Thanks Dude, I will try to find it. I have just never seen ones like them before. Learning new things everyday :)

[Kristy]

My wife was talking to one of our neighbors about the our trip and they might be interested in attending so I wanted to check what options they might have or what they would need to do to attend if they decide they want to?

They are totally welcome to join the group! All you have to do to get the group rate is make your reservations by saying you're with the MAAST group. Then with all the different activities for the weekend, we'll be listing how much it costs to attend and in several cases the discounted rate for MAAST charter members, and sometimes that discount can also be extended to a spouse, etc.

(I know that with all the discounts last year one could buy a charter membership and pretty much break even.) :) this is always geared for families and friends so bring your friends and plan on good times, good food, and hopefully some great collecting!!

[Chaz the Impaler]

Hello all,

Chalk up another couple and our three girls (all 9 or under).

We still don't have the 200 gal rig setup (I haven't completed the stand :blushing:), but we will be glad to help others to increase their tanks livestock while learning more about our marine life.

So excited, can't wait till July!

[nubz]

Can't wait for this years trip!!! Went collecting yesterday and got three pistol shrimp and a VERY nice orange porcelain crab (there will be pics :) )

[Kristy]

NUBZ!! Our personal guide to the jetties :D how you been? Glad to see you are planning to participate again this year. You were such an asset to the collection trip last year.

[allan]

We got to the cottage late last night so I didn't get into the water, but my son did.

Looks like we have a set of jetties about fifty feet to our left, planning on snorkeling that later to see if tree is anything interesting there.

330 in the morning... Got to get back to sleep. Have fun at port A guys.

[Sherita]

I will actually be coming down Thursday for the collection trip. Does anyone want to get together Friday and go snorkeling on the jetties or over at the Goose Island pier?

Also, I would love it if someone would tell me where I could find porcelain crabs in the area. I really want some for my tanks.

Thanks!

[hobogato]

only two more days to make hotel reservations at the group rate. detailed time schedule coming soon...

[Pennies2Cents]

only two more days to make hotel reservations at the group rate. detailed time schedule coming soon...

Reserved. :) C-ya'll there... (2)

[tebstan]

only two more days to make hotel reservations at the group rate. detailed time schedule coming soon...

Thanks for the reminder! I've had it on my To-Do list for weeks... finally got to it. :D

[hobogato]

just spoke with shawn at plantation suites while making my reservations and he extended the deadline to friday. if you have been putting it off, now is the time. looking forward to a great weekend!

[aquaman72]

I am new to MAAST. I am curious, is there a spot in Port A where members go to gather fish and inverts? What has been found in the past on these trips for example? I would like to participate. Does everyone stay in the same hotel or everyone for themselves? Thanks in advance, Tony

[hobogato]

several of us will be staying at the plantation suites (contact/group rate info in first post of this thread). that is also where we will have the dinner and speaker on saturday evening. we all go collecting peppermint shrimp on the jetties saturday night and we are planning to do some group collecting during the day saturday as well. more details and time schedule for the whole weekend will be posted soon.

[Sherita]

Add one more, I have a friend coming with me.

[sampsonndelila]

Have we found out yet who the guest speaker is going to be? We love the collection trip. But last year we had a really hard time keeping everything alive. I think we make it back with 5 shrimp. We will be better prepared next time.

[sampsonndelila]

Is anyone a diver? I am thinking about bring my stuff.

[Sherita]

Both I and the friend coming with me are divers. We aren't bringing tanks, just going to snorkel off the CC jetties and over at Goose Island on the grass flats. You are more than welcome to join us :)


Is anyone a diver? I am thinking about bring my stuff.

[hobogato]

well, then we have the speakers for you! this year we are going to have a small panel of Texas Gulf Coast MAAST members talking with us about everything we ever need to know about collecting and keeping local species :D


Have we found out yet who the guest speaker is going to be? We love the collection trip. But last year we had a really hard time keeping everything alive. I think we make it back with 5 shrimp. We will be better prepared next time.

[ShAgMaN]

Count me and some of the familia on a few events. To start with, I'm really interested in snorkeling with you guys/gals who are looking to go out. Is Friday the only day you are going out snorkling (if so I might have to change my plans - planned on leaving Friday after work)? I wanted to take my 9 year old girl snorkling for the first time in the ocean (we've been practicing in the pool). If anyone doesnt mind and wants to hang please let me know.

I would also like to attended the bon-fire on Friday night, but I'm not sure if it's family orientated...if not no worries.

There's a few other events we are interested in, but we'll wait to see the details...aquarium, dolphin watch, bbq dinner ect.

Looking forward to this!!!

[hobogato]

I would also like to attended the bon-fire on Friday night, but I'm not sure if it's family orientated...if not no worries.

yes, like last year, it will be a family atmosphere at all events including the bonfire.


There's a few other events we are interested in, but we'll wait to see the details...aquarium, dolphin watch, bbq dinner ect.

Looking forward to this!!!

details have all been posted in the first post of this thread :wink_smile:

[SoLiD]

OK guys and gals; we are getting close to the date. I will try to start posting a list of the "optimal" equipment to use out here. I've been out collecting in Port A least 50+ (not kidding :-/) times and in the surrounding areas over the years and I have some favorite equipment that will help you be successful. I have found through trial and error what works best. I will work on posting a list with links and pictures soon.

[Sherita]

Do we RSVP here?

[Sherita]

The whole trip is family oriented, so you should have no troubles. Might be someone drinking a beer or something at the bonfire, but certainly kid-friendly :)

Since Saturday looks to be pretty busy, Carol and I were going to spend most of Friday snorkeling and sightseeing (she has never been to the Texas coast). We will also probably snorkel again on Sunday before heading home, you are welcome to join us then as well. Locations haven't been determined yet, will do that once we get down there and I get a look at water clarity and tide tables. I know for sure we are going to snorkel the flats at Goose Island state park. LOTS of things to see there as far as fish go.

For anyone who wants to get together Friday during the day, pm me and I will shoot you my phone number.

Can't wait to see everyone again!


Count me and some of the familia on a few events. To start with, I'm really interested in snorkeling with you guys/gals who are looking to go out. Is Friday the only day you are going out snorkling (if so I might have to change my plans - planned on leaving Friday after work)? I wanted to take my 9 year old girl snorkling for the first time in the ocean (we've been practicing in the pool). If anyone doesnt mind and wants to hang please let me know.

I would also like to attended the bon-fire on Friday night, but I'm not sure if it's family orientated...if not no worries.

There's a few other events we are interested in, but we'll wait to see the details...aquarium, dolphin watch, bbq dinner ect.

Looking forward to this!!!

[pepper]

We changed our reservations and are now going to stay at the Plantation Suites--it is just way easier that way!

Here are our RSVP's:

Friday night bonfire on beach
txmike, pepper, Noah, and Liza Allen

Saturday Evening Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers
Two Charter Members and Two Guests (I just renewed my membership and it should be in effect soon)
Names: TXMike and Noah Hodge, pepper and Liza Allen

Saturday daytime collection on the beach
txmike, pepper, Noah, and Liza Allen

Saturday night collection trip along jetties
Possibly txmike

[Sherita]

Here's the RSVP for Carol and I (1 charter member, one guest):

Bonfire on the beach
Texas State Aquarium Tour, behind the scenes
Daytime beach collection
Beachside BBQ/speakers
Jetty Collection

We are staying in Rockport at Balboa Courts, arriving Thursday afternoon. Look forward to seeing everyone!

[sharkboy]

Is this the same as the annual "Big Bird" Trip????

[Big_Pun]

Is this the same as the annual "Big Bird" Trip????

umm the what....... lol. this the annual Maast fun trip to the coast. :)

[kenny1]

Green porcelain crabs and limpets can be found on the jetties, just turn over the small rocks. Also green pistol shrimp can be found on low tides in the rubble. Nerites are usually found in the local grass beds. Thanks to David (Solid) for showing me the Nerites a couple of weekends ago.

[Sherita]

kenny1! Where did you find those nerites?? I looked last time I was down there, must have been in the wrong spot. Which grass beds? Carol and I would like to do some snooping on Friday for snails and crabs, if we can.


Green porcelain crabs and limpets can be found on the jetties, just turn over the small rocks. Also green pistol shrimp can be found on low tides in the rubble. Nerites are usually found in the local grass beds. Thanks to David (Solid) for showing me the Nerites a couple of weekends ago.

[tiger_eyed1]

RSVP: Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags

Friday night bonfire on beach
Saturday morning Texas State Aquarium tour
Saturday daytime collection on the beach
Saturday Evening Catered BBQ Dinner
Saturday night collection trip along jetties

[Big_Pun]

won't be making this trip after all.

[nubz]

Also, I would love it if someone would tell me where I could find porcelain crabs in the area. I really want some for my tanks.

Thanks!

They live in oyster reefs, very easy to catch if you know what to do, I'll be happy to share my methods

[BSJF]

Saturday Evening Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers - 2 MAAST Charter Members (BSJF and Scrapiron)
Saturday Afternoon Boat Cruise - 2:00 pm - 2 MAAST Charter Members (BSJF and Scrapiron)

Saturday daytime collection on the beach - maybe (BSJF)
Saturday night collection trip along jetties - maybe (BSJF)

We will only be staying Saturday evening.

[hobogato]

this is the current rsvp list:



updated list moved to my latest post


if i forgot to include you, please let me know. if you would like to rsvp, please send me a pm or post here in this thread.

[tebstan]

Sorry to RSVP so late...
Stephen (txg8gxp) and I will be at the Friday bonfire, and the Saturday collecting.

[hobogato]

no problem, here is the updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[tate1]

Chad and I plus our two kiddos will be attending the bonfire, maybe the day collection trip, the dinner and the night collection trip.

[Sherita]

Ace,
Carol and I will be at the Friday night bonfire.

[hobogato]

ok, got you added



updated list in my last post

[Elizabeth]

Now I will get specific about events! Completely forgot to update my post. I'll be bringing myself and 4 others (we're staying elsewhere in Port A, but we do want to participate in some group activities!). We want to attend the saturday daytime and nighttime collections, as well as any snorkeling excursion on Sunday. We're going to shoot for attending the bonfire Friday night, but who knows when we'll get in!

[Texreefer]

I may actually attend this this year!! still looking into it..

[hobogato]

ok, updated the list again. i have to finalize reservations with the texas state aquarium by tuesday afternoon, so please speak up before then if you want to attend that event. also, we had to have at least 10 for the dolphin watch and that must be finalized by the beginning of next week as well.


updated list in my latest post

[Bluepowdertang]

my mother(fishphan), and i will be down in corpus the 15th through the 18th and we would love to attend as many things as we could, is it to late to sign up for the colletion trip and stuff?

[hobogato]

Not at all, would be great to have you join us. What specific events were you planning on attending?

[butwa20]

Can't go I want to bad but just booked flights to go to my little brothers graduation. Bring me back something :)

[bfoleyiii]

My wife, two boys (6 and 4) will attend the bonfire Friday, aquarium Saturday morning, the dinner and night collection so long as the boys are up for it.

We will be staying in Corpus so just need to have an idea where to meet up for the bonfire and I am guessing the evening collection will happen sometime after the dinner?

[Bluepowdertang]

we were wanting to attend the saturday collecting, and the aquarium

[ShAgMaN]

Put us down for one MAAST member, one adult, and one child for the behind the scenes aquarium tour. We are also going to attend the Saturday night BBQ and night collection trip.

[hobogato]

updated list:



updated list in my latest post



cutoff for aquarium and dolphin reservations is 3pm tuesday

btw, i guess i did not mention this before, but the aquarium behind the scenes tour is for ages 6 and up - they will not allow children younger than 6 to go behind the scenes.

[Pennies2Cents]

Ace can you put Ross & I down as pending.. We want to go but unsure at this moment..

Rosco & P2C:

Friday Night Bonfire
Dolphin Cruise
Dinner/Speaker
Night Collection

[ShAgMaN]

updated list:



cutoff for aquarium and dolphin reservations is 3pm tuesday

btw, i guess i did not mention this before, but the aquarium behind the scenes tour is for ages 6 and up - they will not allow children younger than 6 to go behind the scenes.

We have a 15 month old, so if he's not able to go behind the scenes, just put me down for that and my wife will take care of the kids...only a 1/2 hour anyway right?

[kkiel02]

Sounds like another fun trip. Unfortunately we can't make this one. Next year we will for sure though.

[hobogato]

this is less than two weeks away, really looking forward to seeing everyone. we are putting together a nice raffle for this including some sponsor gift certificate packages, some peppermint shrimp collection kits and an eco-pico tank setup :D

updated list:



updated list in my latest post


please remember, the cutoff for aquarium and dolphin reservations is 3pm today

[jrsatx20]

Me + 5Friday bonfiresaturday day collectingsaturday night collectingThanks ace.

[hobogato]

updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[jrsatx20]

Oops forgot dinner n speakersme + wife n kidsx4

[hobogato]

no problem, i fixed it.

[Dee]

My husband and I will be attending the following:morning collectionBonfireBBQEvening collection

[hobogato]

updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[Mike]

Ace, I have been waffling back and forth about going. With Kristy in Germany, I wasn't going to go, but now thinking may just go down for the day, Saturday and driving back late after the dinner/meeting. I am trying to talk Justin into being my +1, so I don't have to drive down solo. Are we going to need the projector? I have the MAAST box of food supplies/products also. Did we ever buy MAAST drink dispensers? We broke the spout off of one of ours at the Frag Swap. Not worried about it, but nice to offer water and tea to drink.

If I do make it, I will be doing the daytime collecting and meeting/dinner and possibly the nighttime collecting, depending on how I feel. I will firm up plans and let you know for sure, but for now put me and Justin in the maybe column.

[hobogato]

updated list:



updated list in my most latest post

[profntbtr]

i am in the same boat as the other mike. i'm trying to convince my spouse it is a good idea to drag a 5 year old, a 16 month old, and a 3 week old to the coast. making headway, but not as far as i'd like to be. if i can pull something, i will likely attend the day trip, the dinner, and the night trip, before the long haul back here.

[Bluepowdertang]

just to confirm, i will be attending the saturday daytime collection me+1, the aquarium tour me+1 and the saturday night collection just me

[tate1]

OK guys and gals; we are getting close to the date. I will try to start posting a list of the "optimal" equipment to use out here. I've been out collecting in Port A least 50+ (not kidding :-/) times and in the surrounding areas over the years and I have some favorite equipment that will help you be successful. I have found through trial and error what works best. I will work on posting a list with links and pictures soon.

Just curious to see if you have the list of items yet....Thanks...Belinda :)

[hobogato]

just to confirm, i will be attending the saturday daytime collection me+1, the aquarium tour me+1 and the saturday night collection just me

i will have to call the aquarium tomorrow to see if we can add you to the reservations. was that for behind the scenes also or just the self guided tour?

talked to the aquarium on 7/8 and they said no problem :)

[kenny1]

kenny1! Where did you find those nerites?? I looked last time I was down there, must have been in the wrong spot. Which grass beds? Carol and I would like to do some snooping on Friday for snails and crabs, if we can.

Sorry the is late, just read it tonight:). We found them in the top of the grass (at water level) on the west side of the bridge right before the island , the same exit as Snoopies and Clem's Bait. Also, I've had better luck at the corpus jetties finding the porcelain crabs. Smaller rubble than at the Aransas jetties.

[hobogato]

updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[Sherita]

Is the Friday night bonfire going to be in the same place as last year......by the jetty? Look forward to seeing everyone!

[Kristy]

Wow. Looks like a great turnout... really sorry to have to miss this!

[hobogato]

Is the Friday night bonfire going to be in the same place as last year......by the jetty? Look forward to seeing everyone!

that is the plan :) i will post more specific details about everything in a couple of days.

[Bluepowdertang]

awesome! thanks :)

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Add me and one guest, please. The only events we will be attending, is the Speaker/Dinner and collecting, since we already participated in the same events previously.

[hobogato]

awesome! thanks :)

no problem, glad you can make it.

updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[Texreefer]

So, Turns out I will have a meeting for work on sat morning and will not be able to make this trip... bummer

[hobogato]

put some nice raffle items together for this event, including a peppermint shrimp catching kit, two port a collection and transportation kits, and a nice little eco pico. looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!

[hobogato]

we will also have the brand new maast shirts for sale at this event, i will let john post prices and a picture since he worked so hard getting these shirts with rob's awesome design printed for us!

[FireWater]

In case anyone misses the other post. Here ya go!

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?67095-Newly-designed-MAAST-t-shirts!&p=829188#post829188

[jrsatx20]

what time is the day time collecting

[hobogato]

2 pm at the base of the jetties


what time is the day time collecting

just updated the first post with more specific schedule info:


Friday night bonfire on beach - 8:00 pm
we will gather near the jetties around 8pm - look for the MAAST banner

Saturday morning Texas State Aquarium tour - 9:00 am
Self guided tour through Texas State Aquarium with additional half hour option of a behind-the-scenes tour of the inner workings of their system. Children 2 and under are free.
Basic tour only:
$9.00 / children age 3 - 12; $13.50 / adults (13 years +)
Tour including behind-the-scenes (must be at least 6 years of age):
$11.50 / children age 3 - 12 ; $16.00 / adults (13 years +); $13.50 / MAAST Charter members
RSVP by 6/30/2011


Saturday Afternoon Boat Cruise - 2:00 pm - meet at Woody's Sports Center (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=woody%27s+port+aransas&sll=27.844616,-97.06275&sspn=0.057451,0.072699&ie=UTF8&ll=27.836685,-97.068114&spn=0.028728,0.036349&t=h&z=15&iwloc=A) at 1:30pm
Dolphin Watch boat tour of the Coastal area, to the lighthouse, and around the bay.
$22.50 adults and $14.50 ages 12 and under
MAAST Charter members $15
RSVP by 6/30/2011

Saturday daytime collection on the beach - 2:00 pm
we will gather at the base of the jetties at 2pm

Saturday Evening Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers
5:30 - 7:30 in Plantation Suites conference room
$10 / person (children 13 and under free)
MAAST charter members with one guest free

BBQ Dinner and a panel of local reef enthusiasts discussing local collection techniques

Saturday night collection trip along jetties
after the dinner, we will head over to the jetties

[Joe31]

okay count me in +3. attending dinner/speaker and night collection.

[hobogato]

glad you can make it joe.

updated list:



updated list in my latest post

[Gseclipse02]

is there a real time line of whats going on ?? like for sure times incase people split up and want to meet back up ???


maybe a cell phone of one the head people so we can call if we get lost or something ?

[Elizabeth]

This is probably a really silly question, but we're not staying with the group and I've only stayed in one place in Port A before and we didn't really leave that immediate area. So...where exactly are the jetties? I want to make sure we manage to successfully meet up with the group!

[hobogato]

is there a real time line of whats going on ?? like for sure times incase people split up and want to meet back up ???


maybe a cell phone of one the head people so we can call if we get lost or something ?

Friday

8:00 pm - bonfire on beach - near the jetties(look for the MAAST banner)

Saturday

9:00 am - Texas State Aquarium tour


2:00 pm - Boat Cruise - 2:00 pm - meet at Woody's Sports Center (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=woody's+port+aransas&sll=27.844616,-97.06275&sspn=0.057451,0.072699&ie=UTF8&ll=27.836685,-97.068114&spn=0.028728,0.036349&t=h&z=15&iwloc=A) at 1:30pm
2:00 pm - daytime collection on the beach - base of the jetties at 2pm

5:30 - 7:30 pm - Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers - Plantation Suites conference room

8:30 pm - collection trip along jettie - jetties

since i will likely be at each event at least at the beginning, feel free to call me if needed 2108466784.


This is probably a really silly question, but we're not staying with the group and I've only stayed in one place in Port A before and we didn't really leave that immediate area. So...where exactly are the jetties? I want to make sure we manage to successfully meet up with the group!

we will meet at the jetties at the end of E. Cotter Ave.

map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=port+aransas+south+jetty&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl)

[Mr Cob]

man...so jealous...have fun everyone, wish I could make it.

[ShAgMaN]

Ace, sorry if you stated this already but who is the contact for picking up aquarium tickets and is there a meeting point - or is this just Will Call pick up? Thanks.

[hobogato]

i will be there to get everyone in. i will pay with a single check from maast and give everyone their tickets.

[Pennies2Cents]

Ross & I will be attending the following: If you need anything feel free to contact us
210-667-0877. We should be there early Friday afternoon. :) C- Yall there!

FRIDAY:
8:00 pm - bonfire on beach - near the jetties(look for the MAAST banner)

Saturday


2:00 pm - Boat Cruise - 2:00 pm - meet at Woody's Sports Center (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=woody's+port+aransas&sll=27.844616,-97.06275&sspn=0.057451,0.072699&ie=UTF8&ll=27.836685,-97.068114&spn=0.028728,0.036349&t=h&z=15&iwloc=A) at 1:30pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm - Catered BBQ Dinner / Featured Speakers - Plantation Suites conference room

8:30 pm - collection trip along jettie - jetties

[txg8gxp]

It's almost time

[jrsatx20]

all the rooms are gone everywhere. only thing left is in corpus. still going but might pack into parents trailer like sardines

[Gseclipse02]

did u call the hotel maast is staying at ? i called 24 hours before you posted and they had 4 rooms ruban

[SoLiD]

Ace, sorry if you stated this already but who is the contact for picking up aquarium tickets and is there a meeting point - or is this just Will Call pick up? Thanks.


i will be there to get everyone in. i will pay with a single check from maast and give everyone their tickets.

The Texas State Aquarium has a "New Kiddie Splash Park" in place of the old playground so bring some shorts, towels and enjoy.

http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=124

[ShAgMaN]

The Texas State Aquarium has a "New Kiddie Splash Park" in place of the old playground so bring some shorts, towels and enjoy.

http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=124

Thanks!

[jrsatx20]

did u call the hotel maast is staying at ? i called 24 hours before you posted and they had 4 rooms rubanThanks. Called n all they have is friday. If N e body cancels let me know.

[profntbtr]

i have family coming in from out of town, and helping another family member move. wish i could make it, but looks like my clan and i will have to call out

[Gseclipse02]

Thanks. Called n all they have is friday. If N e body cancels let me know.



i have family coming in from out of town, and helping another family member move. wish i could make it, but looks like my clan and i will have to call out

:thumbs_up:

[profntbtr]

but i had no reservations, so :thumbs_down:

[Sherri]

PayPal confirmations:

Sherita, Pennies2cents, Roscozman, bfoleyiii, Chaz the Impaler (and Charter Membership), Tiger_eyed1, ShAgMaN, bluespotjawfish, scrapiron

Thank you! Have fun!

[Gseclipse02]

but i had no reservations, so :thumbs_down:


darn lol

[BSJF]

Add me to the paid list. It's still Thursday isn't it?

[Sherri]

Add me to the paid list. It's still Thursday isn't it?

Yep, sure is. Got your PayPal....added above.

[SoLiD]

Add Me and 1 Guest for the Saturday Dinner/Speaker

[hobogato]

gotcha david

updated list:



Friday Bonfire
txmike, pepper, Noah, and Liza Allen
ace(hobogato) and christy
adrienne(tebstan)
stephen(txg8gxp)
Sherita and Carol
Chad and Belinda plus two kiddos
Elizabeth +4
Bob(bfoleyiii), wife, two sons
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters
Rosco & P2C
Mizeny and Jose
ruben(jrsatx20) +5
Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags
Dee +1

Saturday daytime collection
TXMike and Noah Hodge, pepper and Liza Allen
Sherita and Carol
Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags
BSJF
ace(hobogato)
adrienne(tebstan)
stephen(txg8gxp)
Chad and Belinda plus two kiddos
Elizabeth +4
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters
ruben(jrsatx20) +5
Dee +1
mike (mike)
justin (justahobby)
Bluepowdertang +1


Aquarium
Sherita and Carol (+2 behind the scenes)
Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags
Bob(bfoleyiii), wife, two sons
Terry(shagman), and familia (+1 behind the scenes)
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters (+1 behind the scenes)
Bluepowdertang +1


Dolphin cruise
BSJF and Scrapiron
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters
Rosco & P2C
jt +1


Dinner/speaker
txmike, pepper, Noah, and Liza Allen(two charter + two guests)
Sherita and Carol (1 charter member, one guest)
Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags
BSJF and Scrapiron (two charter members)
ace(hobogato), Christy, two boys
Chad and Belinda plus two kiddos
Bob(bfoleyiii), wife, two sons
Terry(shagman), and familia (one charter and guest and one child)
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters
Rosco & P2C
Mizeny and Jose
ruben(jrsatx20) +5
Dee +1
mike (mike)
justin (justahobby)
mrsbigbird +1
joe31 +3
david (solid) +1


Saturday night collection
txmike
Sherita and Carol
Tiger_Eyed1 (Marcus) + Wife + 2 frags
BSJF
ace(hobogato)
adrienne(tebstan)
stephen(txg8gxp)
Chad and Belinda plus two kiddos
Elizabeth +4
Bob(bfoleyiii), wife, two sons
Terry(shagman), and familia
Bluepowdertang
Charles(Chaztheimpaler), wife and three daughters
Rosco & P2C
Mizeny and Jose
ruben(jrsatx20) +5
Dee +1
mike (mike)
justin (justahobby)
mrsbigbird +1
joe31 +3
david(solid) +1

[hobogato]

here is the list of raffle items for this event:





item
value


wet acrylic Da Kine Softie Rubble Box
$16.95


river city aquatics gift certificate
$25.00


acrylic photobox
$10.00


coral creations gift certificate
$20.00


peppermint catching kit (net & headlight)
$25.00


bird dog & catfish gift card
$20.00


port a collection kit(net, headlight, bucket & aerator)
$50.00


reefcleaners gift certificate
$50.00


port a collection kit(net, headlight, bucket & aerator)
$50.00


mrcobscorals gift certificate
$50.00


ecopico tank kit
$110.00

[SoLiD]

Oops.... and the night collection... please

[tate1]

FYI...the Allister Inn has vacancies for anyone still needing a place to stay. We stayed there a few years ago.

[Texreefer]

everyone have fun.. really wish I was going just to hang out with everyone

[hobogato]

what a great time last night at the bonfire!

[Texreefer]

Yeah, Rub it in!!!

[Mr Cob]

lol, yeah thx Ace

[buck27]

Myself and Kenny would like to attend the collection trip tonight.

[BSJF]

Somehow we msut have signed up for a different adventure. Sitting in the er in CC waitin to see if he broke his hand

[Kristy]

Somehow we msut have signed up for a different adventure. Sitting in the er in CC waitin to see if he broke his hand

Oh no!!! Hope you guys are ok.

[Pennies2Cents]

All turned out well. Dinner , presentation and collection out to jetty were great! :-)

[ShAgMaN]

Thanks to everyone who helped out - Ace for organizing the aquarium visit, Solid and the guys (alton & nubs) for the dinner presentation, ect. Plus thanks for the raffle prizes MAAST!

I'm real interested to see what everyone collected. We weren't out long because of our little guy (15 mo.), but collected plenty of Peps, a little blenny, snails, and sgt. majors. We're staying for another couple days so we released ours and will try again before we head back.

Lorraine, pretty sure I saw you guys when we took off from the jetties...so I'm thinking everything was ok - Hope so.

[Gseclipse02]

had a good time for sure i dont know how yall walked all the way down the jetties and carried buckets back lol


thanks for everything

JT-Vic

[txg8gxp]

I had fun, we just got back about a hour ago. Tebstan and I got some cool macro, TONS!!!! of grass shrimp and around 30 peps. After some time sorting and cleaning they are all in their QT tank. Macro is all cleaned and checked for hitch hiker, we got (I may have some names wrong, Owell..... potato scroll, ulva, gracillia and agar. Tebstan netted a really cool baby seahorse ( I was shocked, we let it back go after a quick look), and almost had a grouper eat her toe....hahahahaha good times :)

[BSJF]

As most have heard by now, the hand is broke. We managed to salvage a great trip anyway. Thanks for saving us a plate of the BBQ, we were starving! I decided not to risk getting hurt on the jetties, but enjoyed the pool with Christy and the boys. This morning Buster, Stella, Kriss and I went running, running, running, running, splashing, splashing, splashing on the beach (well ok, Kriss and I were hobbling, the dogs were running). I even had a stingray at my feet! It was cool until I realized my next step would have been on top of him if I didn't notice him.

[tate1]

We had a great time as always!! It was nice to see some familiar faces. Really enjoyed the bbq and the presentation was very informative. We learned that you could catch puffer fish out there...funny enough, I ended up catching one that is about as small as my pinky nail. She is so cute and we named her Patti. Here are a couple of pics.

11940

11941

[hobogato]

that is so cool! what are you gonna feed her?

[tate1]

that is so cool! what are you gonna feed her?

Fed her earlier and she ate cyclopeeze :)

[tate1]

She threw her first couple of temper tantrums last night and puffed up while I was transferring her into her own little container. Looked about the size of a green pea...lol

[hobogato]

wow! that is really tiny!

[pepper]

We had a great time! Thanks to everyone who helped coordinate this. Can't wait until next year!

[Sherita]

Carol and I had a wonderful time! I brought home two coolers full of new livestock.......pep shrimp, grass shrimp, four porcelain crabs (thanks Nubz!), some kind of really neat looking blenny (thanks again Nubz!), some little sand sifter gobies, some beautifully colored rock nems (thanks Ace!), a red sea urchin and some ulva. Thanks go to David (Solid) for directions to new collecting grounds, and to David, Alton and Chris for the great information they gave at the dinner.

It was great, I can't wait for next year :) Carol is coming again, and another friend of mine wants to join in as well. We are going to make it a girls week out on the beach next time.

[Elizabeth]

That little puffer is pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life!

We had a great time, missed the bonfire thanks to some delays driving in, but we did get to collect on saturday day and night. Got a ton of peps, some ? clear shrimp, a few dinky porcelains, several assorted (unknown) crabs -lunch for my predators, a few of those sand sifting blennys (their tiny pink mohawks are the best), some of the oh-so-plentiful whip gorgonians, kept one dinky sargeant major, and a sand sifting star.

All of the maast members we ran into were awesome and incredibly helpful! Thanks to everyone who gave my group tips/helped us out!

[tebstan]

I had a great time! I didn't really think I'd get anything, so I was pleasantly surprised.

I've never done this before, so was unprepared and didn't know where to go or what to do. Sherita told us a great spot to check out, but we didn't know our way around as well as we thought we did.... so we ended up stopping on the side of the road anywhere we saw people. If they were there, there must be something in the water right?

I got the feeders and peppermint shrimp I wanted. I got a few whips too, I'm surprised they survived the rough handling as I was more concerned with the shrimp. Mostly I have some great memories. Netting a baby sea horse was awesome! I put him back right where I found him, hope he's okay. I nabbed a few eatin' size crabs, but let the creapy critters go as soon as I could get them to let go of the net. Seeing a grouper was a trip! I assume it was a grouper. It was big and wanted to eat me.

[z28pwr]

Thanks to everyone that helped bring this together, we had a great time.

[ZeroHour]

I am so bummed I missed this one, hope to make it again next year.

[clone]

anyone have any extra peperments

[Mike]

Yes... Marcus (Tiger_eyed1) brought back a bunch of stuff from the trip. He had them in a holding tank and has taken what he wants. He offered me the extra peppermints as feeder shrimp for the lion fish and FOWLR tank. He also gave me the rest of the stuff, including a bunch of molly millers of various sizes and some small sgt major damsels. I now have them in a holding tank and will offer them up free if anyone needs/wants a few. I fed 2 peppermints and a couple of damsels to the lion. He was very happy.

I am posting them free in the sale section. PM if interested. Please just take what you want for yourself, no taking for resale/LFS credit.

[Chaz the Impaler]

Hello everybody,

Sorry it has taken so long for me to post this. Jackie, the girls and I had an awsome time. Thanks to all the people who worked to make it happen.

We will definately be going again next year, and our youngest will be old enough for the behind the scenes tour then:bigsmile:

Wasn't expecting to bring back anything as this was our first trip (and our main tank is still in the works), but came back with an anemone, about a dozen peppermints, a common? shrimp, a bunch of beach clams (most dying though) and possibly some white coral on a shell netted on the dolphin tour (probably dead, not sure yet). All this thanks to the help of Solid, Ace, Tiger_eyed1, and many others whose names slip my limited memory :hypnotyized:

Look forward to next year, and maybe the tank tour if I can get an hour or two off work sometime.

Thanks again everybody!

[zerreissen]

Heading down to Port A next weekend, where's the best place to collect?

[Mike]

Usually by the jetties, although I am sure there are other sweet spots. You can catch different things at night and during the day.