Traylor Island @ Cove Harbor Sanctuary

COVE HARBOR WETLAND SANCTUARY PARKING LOT

LAUNCH POINT AT COVE HARBOR WETLAND SANCTUARY

We've launched many times at the Cove Harbor Wetland Sanctuary in Rockport, TX. We put out there, rather than the Cove Harbor public boat ramp, because no one is ever there and it has a nice sandy area to launch from, rather than concrete. Just North of Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack on 35 is the turn off for this small public parking lot. As you pull in, to the right of the dock there is a ditch and harbor. When the tide is high, you can actually put your kayak in the ditch which connects to the main part of the harbor. Or if tide is low, you'll have to walk the kayak over to the beach at the harbor. There are no public restrooms here -- but there are some up the road at the Cove Harbor public boat launch -- typical nasty public park bathrooms, but they'll do in a pinch. From the sanctuary, we usually head to a couple different points on Traylor Island.

LAUNCHING AT THE HARBOR DIAGONAL FROM THE WETLAND SANCTUARY PARKING LOT

COVE HARBOR TO NORTHERN MOST TIP OF TRAYLOR ISLAND

If we don't want to paddle far, we'll take the above route to the Northern most point of Traylor Island and fish around the channel, reef and guts in that area. Our most recent trip there was in the Spring, caught decent size Red Fish, Trout, and Sheepshead -- we did a mixture of wading, drifting and anchoring.

If we're up for a long day of paddling, we'll take another route (shown above) South down the channel, through Estes flats, and around the West side of Traylor Island which will eventually land us a little further down the Northern tip of Traylor Island on the East side. This route around the island provides decent protection from wind. Close to the end of our destination is a cut/channel with a small shell beach that dumps out into Aransas Bay -- this is a good place to stretch and catch Mullet. Then, we'll anchor just off the island and fish off the edge of that channel. On our way to our destination, we may throw out a bait into the channel or drift with a lure a few times down Estes flats.

CHANNEL WITH SHELL BEACH -- GOOD PLACE TO CATCH MULLET

East Galveston Bay @ Stingaree Marina

IN SUMMARY: 

I recommend kayaking this area when there is little to no wind -- well under 10mph. With no wind, this could be a great area to fish and paddle. There aren't any islands to provide protection in this large, wide open bay -- the flat marshlands and limited brush don't do much either. Also, keep in mind the current is fast moving throughout the area. Compared to the bays we normally fish, this this one is pretty deep (3ft). Water is really muddy. Plenty of motor boats and jet skis (but not a bothersome number in my opinion), barges use the channel frequently -- if you are opposed to waves and wakes in general, probably not for you.

Really like the restaurant and marina. Not so busy that we felt rushed or like we were in the way. Marina restrooms were typical outdoor bathrooms, as you can imagine, but not unusable. Bait stand is super convenient - but they run out early at least in the summer. Concrete boat launch is great for 'yakers because its completely under water which comes right up to shore. Restaurant - great food, good prices, great service.

For the full experience keep reading below...

EAST GALVESTON BAY

For our newest kayaking destination, we decided to check out Point Bolivar and kayak East Galveston Bay (above). Stingaree Restaurant and Marina (1297 North Stingaree Drive, Crystal Beach, TX 77650) looked like a promising place to launch -- with boat launch, bait stand, restrooms, and a restaurant that gets pretty good reviews. It's only $2 to use launch and park (as of July 2013). We've never been to this area -- so we really had no idea what to expect.

STINGAREE BOAT LAUNCH -- WATER COMPLETELY COVERS IT

  At Stingaree Marina (above), there is a concrete boat launch. But I'm guessing Hurricane Ike may have done a number on it. Water completely covers the gently sloping, concrete boat launch (which I've never seen before) and comes up to the gravel parking area. This actually makes it easy for 'yakers, but it can be a challenge (though not impossible, several boats put out there) for motor boats and jet skis. 

IN RED, THE ROUTE WE TOOK

We arrived at the Marina close to 9 and there were people around, but it wasn't annoyingly busy. Hit the water at 9:35 in the morning and set out across the channel. My husband thought it would be funny to race across the ICW as a barge was headed our way -- those things move faster than they look -- I won't be doing that again!! The ICW is pretty busy with motor boats and lots of barges. After making it across, we stayed along the eastern shoreline as we made our way over to Yates Cove. 

The morning was pleasant, wind wasn't bad and was a fairly easy paddle. But as we made it through the cut at Yates Cove rainstorms popped up in the distance over the Gulf and kicked up a North East wind to near 20mph gusts. As we made it through the cut into the open bay there was no reprieve from the wind and it was nearly impossible to move forward or turn the boats. Ended up turning around and heading back to Yates Cove. This area was a bit better, but the flat grassy marshes offer very little protection. We were also surprised by the very strong currents -- between the high wind and current it was difficult to paddle or fish. We attempted to drift and use lures, but it didn't go well.

Ended up heading back in around 1:30pm to see if there was any bait left at the bait stand at Stingaree Marina. We thought it might be better to just anchor in one spot and fish. Only thing left was a pint of teeny shrimp. The place was pretty packed by then with people eating at the restaurant and lots of motor boats and jet skis. Headed back out with our pint of shrimp and caught a few tiny trout and skip jack using that. Headed back in around 4pm to pack up and try out the restaurant.

BREAD PUDDING

GRILLED MAHI WITH FRIED SHRIMP IN TEQUILA LIME SAUCE

The Stingaree Restaurant has two parts -- an air conditioned up stairs and a bar area downstairs that is open air. It was busy, but we were seated right away. The grilled Mahi was the special for $17.95 -- really really good! My only complaint is the seasoning on the Mahi was a little too salty, but other than that it was amazing. The bread pudding was a bit thick and firm for my taste -- I usually like it soft and gooey with raisins -- but overall not bad by any means. The atmosphere was nice, place looked clean enough, service was attentive, food was good. I would definitely give it 3.5 - 4 stars -- very enjoyable experience.

AREA I WOULD LIKE TO TRY

If I had it to do all over, knowing what I know now. I'd like to give this marshy area right next to the marina a try -- looks like there is a big maze of natural trails in there where motor boats wouldn't venture and could be potentially good fishing.