Maybe moving to Texas.

No Bail · Oct-18-2009, 01:05 PM

The spouse and I are considering moving to Texas. She has a sister in Conroe, Tx and heck, they could save money on airfare. They take turns flying and staying at each other's homes for a month twice a year now. May as well make it a driving experience.

So, Although I've been in and out of Houston and driving to Conroe, I've never visited the coastal areas. Where is a good place to look for a 1600-2000 sq ft house with access to salt water fishing. I fish for albacore, halibut and salmon up here, I'm not interested in bass fishing at all. If it ain't salty, it's got no flavor.

Even across the State line to Venice might be possible. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

ps I'd be looking to buy a 2901 Striper on arrival. My Alaskan cabin 2601 would be too hot down there. Heck, it is too hot up here in the summer and fall.

coryellk · Oct-18-2009, 01:31 PM

You don't really need a place on the water. Water access is so amazingly prevalent that you can buy a pair of waders and fish hundreds of miles of inland and gulf coast bays. You can fish a new mile of flats or surf every day for years to come. The redfish, speckled trout, and flounder fisheries are phenomenal there. You can even get out to the oil rigs often enough to use your tuna gear.

divegod1 · Oct-18-2009, 08:17 PM

Son, you are in for alot of fun,and as said above you don't even need a boat. But having one to make it out to the floaters is tits.
Start hanging out on 2coolfishing.com for ALL the great state of Texas info you'll ever need.

And let us know when you get there, I am always looking for a trip when i'm in Humble. And pm me and i'll get you a realtors # I know there.

Day0ne · Oct-19-2009, 09:31 AM

As stated, you don't need to be on the water, but if that is what you want, the closest to Houston/Conroe would be the Clearlake area, Bolivar, Galveston, San Luis pass area and Surfside/Freeport area. As you head down the coast, you have Palacious, Port Oconner, the Rockport/Aransas area. Great fishing. The Texas coast is 367 miles as the crow flies, and all the nooks and crannies are about 624 miles. If you're in to tuna, it's about a 120 mi run from Galveston/Freeport/Aransas. The further south you go down the coast, the closer the deep water gets. I am most familiar with the Galveston/Freeport area but I am thinking about moving to the Middle Coast when I retire. As stated, 2coolfishing.com is a great resource and a boat with a lot of range is a plus

No Bail · Oct-19-2009, 09:52 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking for larger tuna so it is noteworthy how far that run would be. I've spent the time since posting on GoogleEarth and looking at marinas that might be close to a route to Conroe. Looked at Bolivar, Freeport and the area around Kemah. After penciling out the move it looks as if we will stay put a couple more years. The market loss on our home is just too much to take, not to mention wanting a larger boat with a reach for long range runs to tuna. The sales tax in Texas is also a shock to our system, but that is less than Oregon's income tax.

Thanks again for the advice, I'll have to continue to support the airline industry.

divegod1 · Oct-19-2009, 10:07 AM

That may be true but if still working they have no state income tax. <g>

got bent · Oct-20-2009, 12:37 PM

have you ever been in 110 degree weather with 100% humidity?? welcome to fishing at the coast.....

squirtis · Oct-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Wind and a 100+ mile run for tuna,wahoo,etc..

Its ALWAYS windy in texas making it very important to have flexibility in order to score!

That being said there is not only Tuna and Wahoo...theres Marlin, swords, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Mahi etc...and thats just offshore...

inshore theres great redfishing, trout, tarpon, kingfish etc...

If you have flexibility then you are set!

Skip the 29' and buy yourself a nice 32' center console with some power....100-130 mile runs are common...but worth it because you won't be using 30's...youll need 50's and 80s!!!!

Good luck!!

word-doctor · Oct-21-2009, 08:35 PM

I'm just south of Houston, bout 2 hours from Conroe. You can look to store your boat in Freeport or up in one of the many bays/bayous that have storage. Go to 2coolfishing.com and look at their bluewater board. For more specialized tuna info, go to 360tuna.com.

What you ought to do is move near me. I can steer you clear of all the marginal Mexican food and dry BBQ in exchange for trips to the floaters. I have gas money and am not afraid to gaff.

Drew

Spots and Dots · Oct-22-2009, 11:48 AM

i have a 1100 sq ft condo for sale in Rockport Texas, on the canals of Key Allegro.

PM me for more details.

CJFAB · Oct-22-2009, 06:03 PM

What do you want for the Condo?

CaptainScotty · Oct-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Sorry you can't make it out there! I'm in CA right now and cannot WAIT to get the hell out of here - bought a home already, on the lakes, packing up the kids, the biz, the boat, buying a truck (we live on an island now) and MOVING. Good bye crazy california...Hello Texas!! BBQ - good fishing, good people - a home to call my own. What else could a man ask for!!