![]() Trying to keep more than 63 miles of beach clean is a monumental task and we do the best with the resources available. Most of these objects will, of course, be those that fall in closest to our shore and these tend to be objects from the fishing/shrimping industries and offshore natural gas platforms. As a result, anything that falls or is tossed into the Gulf eventually ends up here. The predominant southeast wind drives the currents in the Gulf of Mexico to our location in the Northwest corner. Why is there so much trash on the beach, and is anyone doing anything about it? However, be aware that after the five-mile marker a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed because of the frequent pockets of deep, soft sand. Other than that, it would be best to go to an isolated area down island where few people venture, and thus there are fewer shell collectors to pick them up before you. Large storm surges push large amounts of debris and shells far up onto the beach. Shelling is best after a storm has passed through. Shelling is less a matter of "where" than a matter of "when". Powerful cold fronts can produce winds that may reach 50 to 65 miles per hour! During winter, the wind shifts direction more frequently with strong north winds blowing as cold fronts push south from the plains. Prevailing winds blow from the southeast in spring, summer and fall. ![]() The average wind is approximately eleven miles per hour. For more information on birds and birding go to the Nature and Science section of the park's main website. Bird Island Basin is an excellent spot for watching marsh and shorebirds as well as raptors. Driving the park road will often enable one to see raptors and birds often associated with grasslands. Anywhere along the seashore is excellent for spotting a large variety of shorebirds including the endangered Snowy Plover and Piping Plover. There are three main areas for good birding: the shore, the park road, and Bird Island Basin. For more information on pets in the park, click here. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your control at all times. ![]() Please be courteous to other visitors and clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed on the visitor center deck or the beach directly in front of the visitor center. Pets on a leash are allowed everywhere in the park except for the Malaquite Visitor Center area. Mansfield Channel forms the southern boundary of the park at the 60 mile marker and there is no bridge or ferry over it to get to South Padre Island. Even with a four-wheel drive vehicle, you cannot reach South Padre Island from here. After that, four-wheel drive is necessary as there are frequent pockets of soft sand. How far can I drive down island? Can I get to South Padre from here?ĭepending on current beach conditions, two-wheel drive vehicles may safely drive down on the first five miles of South Beach. To learn more about camping in the park, please click here. Campers may also pay their camping fees at the kiosks.There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups in the park. Campers, including beach campers, must have a camping permit, which is available from the kiosks at the entrances of each campground. No reservations are accepted, as camping is first-come, first-served. But fishing is not without its rules and regulations, so read up before you cast that line.How can I reserve a campsite? Do you have electric hookups? These fish are attracted by the high levels of nutrients found in the Padre Island waters, so consider Padre Island your new holy grail for fishing. What sort of fish will you catch, you ask? Speckled Trout, Southern Flounder, Black Drum and Red Drum, Blue Marlin and Sailfish. Both of these must be purchased at a gas station or tackle shop outside of Padre Island. All locations require that you have a valid Texas fishing license, as well as a saltwater stamp. Padre Island is a designated national seashore, and you can fish along the entirety of the Gulf of Mexico beach, as well as in the Laguna Madre, Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town at Padre Island, and if you didn’t come here to catch a big one, you might just pick up a new hobby by the end of your trip. Read moreįishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town a. Fishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water.
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