Valley International Airport in Harlingen
The next closest, and most popular airport is the Valley International Airport in Harlingen located 45 miles from the island. Continental Express, SouthWest Airlines and Sun Country are the main airlines that serve this airport.
www.flythevalley.com
Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise, Hertz and National Car Rentals are located at the Airport in Harlingen. Valley Transit Company provides Airport Shuttle and Charter services in a variety of equipment types including vans and 33, 52 or 57 passenger buses. Charters are provided within the local area as well as for long-distance trips.
McAllen Miller International Airport
There is also the McAllen Miller International Airport located about 90 miles away in McAllen, Texas served by Continental and American Airlines.
Private Planes
For corporate jets there is also the Mid Valley Airport located in Weslaco (about 65 miles away) and the Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport located just 15 miles away. If you're planning to fly your own plane here you should check out airport-data.com for detailed reports about airports all over the country.
Air Service to the Area
If you have made arrangements for us to pick you up. Please plan your arrival time into Harlingen to be no later than 1:00 p.m. Departures are recommended to be scheduled for the late afternoon or early evening. Many private aviators fly into Cameron County Aiport, call us for more information.
Valley International Airport, Harlingen Texas - (956) 430-8600
Services many major carriers - two of the most popular:
Continental Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Arrival In Harlingen
Upon arriving in at the Harlingen Airport and if you have made arrangements for an airport pickup, you will be met by one of our staff outside of the baggage claim area. After claiming your bags, exit to curbside, it is here you will be met and assisted to your awaiting ground transfer to the Casa.
Arriving At The Casa
If you have made arrangements for an All Inclusive Package, upon arriving at the lodge, whether you drive in or arrive via airport transfer, you will be met by your host. The host will help you with your room & guide assignments, luggage and orientation.
If you do not have an All Inclusive Package, upon arriving at the the lodge, you will be met by your host who will provide you with a key, a tour of the facilities and a general orientation.
Departing The Casa
If you have made arrangements for an All Inclusive Package, upon departing the lodge, whether you drive in or arrive via airport transfer, you will be seen off by your host. The host will arrange for your airport transfer (if needed) and help load luggage.
If you do not have an All Inclusive Package, upon departing the the lodge, you will seen off by your host who will collect the key.
Guests Planning on Fishing while at Casa Arroyo City should think about the following:
Casting Preparedness
All fly fishers planning on fly fishing the Lower Laguna Madre are best served if
they have at least a basic understanding and some practice executing the "Double
Line Haul Cast". At times the Laguna Madre area can become quite windy,
particularly during mid day. An angler who has the ability to present a fly using
the double haul will consider the wind to be a minor impediment, thus resulting in
more quality opportunities when stalking fish.
Fly Rods
Fly fishing for redfish, trout, flounder, black drum and snook require very similiar
tackle. In general, the ideal rods for these species are stiff, fast action rods, 7 to 9
weight. A quality 7 to 9 weight, with the appropriate line, will effectively punch out
a line in a fairly stiff breeze. We recommend that you bring at least two 9 foot salt
water rods is sizes 7 to 9 weight.
Fly Reels, Lines
Reels should be anodized, corrision resistant saltwater models that will hold a full
fly line plus at least 100 yds of 20lbs backing. Reels with a high quality, smooth
drag are essential to prevent break offs. Floating fly lines are all that are
necessary on the flats. We recommend high quality tapered leaders. We also
recommend that you carry at least one extra spool with line in case you damage
the line you have spooled.
Leaders
Bonefish tapered leaders in sizes from 8 to 15 pounds will work fine. Suggest
you’re prepared with a few leaders of 8, 12, and 15 pounds. Additional spools of 6
to 12 pound tippet to add length can come in handy.
Fly Selection
A variety of poppers, sliders, bend back shrimp, deceivers, clousers and
streamers will cover most fishing situations.
Shrimp, baitfish & crab pattern are the basic styles - size 4 / Clouser Minnows
sizes 4 or 6 / Bend Back Deceivers sizes 2 & 4 / Epoxy Spoon Flies sizes 4 & 6 /
Poppers size 6 / Sea Ducers sizes 2 or 4 / Deer Hair Sliders sizes 4 & 6
Colors - white/red, red, white, white/chartreuse, gold, pearl, tan with flash are all
very good. The waters we fish vary from crystal clear sand bottoms to tannic
color with mud bottoms to crystal clear with grass bottoms to murky muddy
waters (on those inclement weather days.)
Here is a list of items that you might want to bring with you:
Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a must for every angler. They are essential for spotting
fish. The shape of you face will determine which style you choose. The lenses,
though, should be light amber to brown in color. Buy the best you can find. Bring
a spare in case you break or lose them.
Shirts and Pants
There are many brands of clothing which are specifically designed for fishing.
Most include extra pockets or other features you will find useful. Unfortunately,
many brands are made of synthetic material. We have found cotton shirts to be
much more comfortable than the synthetic variety. In spite of manufacturers'
claims to the contrary, cotton still appears to be more comfortable and it does not
hold the heat from the sun the way synthetics do. Be sure to choose shirts with
collars and tightly woven cotton fabric which provides sun protection. If you like
knit fabrics, a cotton pique' knit is excellent.
Cotton is great for shorts and pants, as well, if you plan to fish exclusively from a
boat. If there is a possibility that you might do any wading, synthetic shorts or
wading pants are usually more functional than cotton since they will dry faster.
Most guests find themselves in the water occasionally, so a good combination
might be a cotton shirt with synthetic shorts or pants.
Foot Gear
You may do some wading. We highly recommend that all guests bring neoprene
type wading shoes with a rigid sole while in the water. Many guests improve
comfort by using athletic insoles to improve the arch support of their wading
shoes.
Fishing Hat
A wide brimmed hat or a hat with front and rear visors and a dark underbill will aid
in sighting fish. The dark underbill enhances the polarizing qualities of
sunglasses. Forget style. Go for function.
Lightweight Rain Gear
Rain is always a possibility in the tropics and the weather can change quickly
during the day. A lightweight rain suit is a must.
Climate
Temperatures can range from the low 50's in January up to the low 90's in July.
Isolated afternoon thunder showers are a possibility year round. Occasionally we
experience a northern weather system that brings cooler, wet weather. If you
check the weather report prior to your trip, you will have a sense of what to
expect.
Clothing at the Lodge
In the evening, dress is still relatively casual around the lodge. Shorts are fine at
dinner for both men and women, but please, no short athletic attire and no tank
tops for men. Sport Coat - leave it at home
Slacks / shorts - lightweight fabric
Long sleeved shirts (for sun protection) are the best for on the water - light
color/fabric
Cotton sweater, sweatshirt or jacket for cool mornings and evenings (October -
April)
Shoes
Bring at least one pair of rubber soled athletic shoes or non slip boat shoes.
Tennis shoes and sandals are great around the lodge. Ladies: leave your heels at
home.
Laundry Service
Casa Arroyo City offers a very limited laundry service. You may have articles hand
washed, line dried and folded. There is a charge of $1.00 per article of clothing
laundered.
Clothing For Fishing
Whatever style of fishing attire you plan to wear, it is important that it provide you
with excellent protection from the sun. We cannot over emphasize this point. The
sun can be very intense and a sunburn can ruin your trip - or at very least, make it
uncomfortable.
Non Resident Texas Hunting & Fishing License Information
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-resident Freshwater Fishing Package (Type 250): $55
Non-resident Saltwater Fishing Package (Type 251): $60
Non-resident All Water Fishing Package (Type 252): $65
Required of any non-resident who fish in the public waters of Texas.
This license is not required if you are a:
* non-resident under 17 years of age;
* Louisiana resident 65 years of age or older who possesses a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License (includes Senior Fish/Hunt License); or
* Oklahoma resident 64 years of age or older
Non-Resident One-Day All Water Fishing License (Type 214): $15
Fishing Stamp Endorsements & Tags
Freshwater Fishing Stamp Endorsement (Type 256): $5
This stamp endorsement is required in addition to a valid fishing license if you take or attempt to take freshwater fish in the public freshwaters of Texas. If you are not required to hold a fishing license, or if you hold a lifetime combination or fishing license, this stamp endorsement is not required.
Saltwater Fishing Stamp Endorsement (Type 211): $10
This stamp endorsement is required in addition to a valid fishing license if you fish in the public coastal waters of Texas. If you are not required to hold a fishing license, or if you hold a lifetime combination or fishing license, this stamp endorsement is not required.
Red Drum Tag:
This tag is required for an individual to take one red drum per license year over the maximum length limit of 28 inches. Included free with the purchase of the following licenses: Resident Combination Hunting and Fishing Packages, Super Combo, Resident Fishing Packages, Special Resident Fishing Packages, Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing, Non-resident Fishing Packages, Texas Resident Active Military Super Combo. A valid saltwater fishing endorsement is required if you only hold a freshwater fishing package. Holders of a resident or non-resident one-day all water fishing license will need to ask for item 598 (one-day bonus red drum).
Bonus Red Drum Tag (Type 599): $3
This tag is required for an individual to take an additional red drum per license year over the maximum length limit of 28 inches. Provided for $3 at any license sales location upon presenting a valid fishing license, a fully executed original or duplicate red drum tag, and providing the following information about the red drum retained under the authority of the Red Drum Tag – total length of the fish, date caught, place where caught, and designate bay or Gulf. Only one bonus tag allowed per person per year.
Saltwater Trotline Tag (Type 307): $4
Required for each 300 feet, or fraction thereof, on all non-commercial trotlines and sail lines placed in the coastal waters of Texas. Available at TPWD Coastal Law Enforcement offices.
Individual Bait-shrimp Trawl Tag (Type 334): $35
Required for sport shrimp trawls used to take shrimp for personal use. Available at TPWD Coastal Law Enforcement offices.
Non-resident General Hunting (Type 105): $300
Valid to hunt any legal bird or animal. Stamp requirements apply.
Non-resident Spring Turkey (Type 118): $120
Available after February 1st
Valid to hunt turkey only during the open spring turkey season. Holders of this license are exempt from the Upland Game Bird Stamp. (Unlawful to possess both this license and a valid Non-Resident General Hunting License.)
Non-resident Special Hunting (Type 107): $125
Valid to hunt: Exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkeys), all nongame animals, squirrel and javelina (not valid for alligators or other game animals).
Non-resident 5-Day Special Hunting (Type 157): $45
Legal for any period of 5 consecutive days (valid hunting dates will be printed on the license when issued).
Valid to hunt: Exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkeys), all nongame animals, squirrel and javelina (not valid for other game animals or alligators).
Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting (Type 120): $25
Valid only to hunt banded game birds on private bird hunting areas.
Trapper’s: Resident (Type 106): $18;
Non-resident of any age (Type 115): $300
Required for all persons to hunt, shoot, take, or sell those species classified as fur-bearing animals or their pelts.
Hunting Lease License (Types 132, 133 and 134)
Required of a landowner or landowner’s agent who leases hunting rights to another person on property they own or control for pay or other consideration. The license must be displayed on the property.
License fee:
$75 for 1 through 499 acres;
$140 for 500 through 999 acres; or
$240 for 1,000 acres or more.
note: Record book no longer required.
Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit Endorsement (Type 590): free
In addition to a hunting license, this permit endorsement is required of all sandhill crane hunters; available at all license sales locations. All permittees should keep a record of hunts and harvests, because 26% of permit holders will be chosen for a federal harvest survey.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification (Type 137): free
This certification is required to hunt any migratory game bird.
This list is meant to be used as a guide to help you prepare for your kayak adventure. Not all items are necessary when Kayak Fishing with us.
The following list is basic. Each paddler will wish to add items according to personal needs and to match the weather and type of adventure. However, keep it light and compact!
Kayak Gear:
o Bilge pump or bailer
o Bungy cords or net
o Dry bags
o Emergency float line
o Emergency signal devices
o Extra paddle
o Kayak
o Kayak repair kit
o Paddle (with drip rings)
o Paddle float
o Personal floatation device (PFD)
o Sponge
Clothes:
o Backpack
o Bandana – 2
o Boots/camp shoes
o Fleece top/pants
o Hat with brim (sun hat)
o Neoprene booties
o Neoprene gloves
o Quick drying pants – long & short
o Rain suit (also wind suit)
o Sandals
o Shirt – cool (or t-shirt)
o Shirt – warm (wool or synthetic)
o Socks – 2 pairs (3 for long trips)
o Undershorts (and bra) – 2 (3 for long trips)
o Underwear – long (wicking - not cotton)
o Watch cap / toque
First Aid Kit:
o Adhesive bandage
o Adhesive tape
o Antibiotic ointment
o Antihistamine tablets
o Aspirin (or Tylenol)
o Band-aids
o Gauze pads
o Maalox tablets (or equivalent)
o Merthiolate
o Moleskin
o Needles
o Scissors
o Tensor Wrap
o Tweezers
Utensils:
o Bowl
o Cup (graduated)
o Leatherman
o Pot (kettle)
o Pot gripper
o Spoon (fork and small spoon)
o Squeeze tubes
o Stove and fuel
o Wash basin
o Water bottle(s)
o Water filter
o (Fry pan on occasion)
Fundamentals:
o Compass & Cell Phone
o Ditty bags (stuff bags)
o Fire starter
o Flashlight or headlamp (2, or extra batteries)
o Food (snacks)
o Leatherman
o Maps/chart in waterproof case
o Matches in waterproof container (and lighter)
o Pins (safety - 5)
o Repair kit
o Rope (nylon, 50’)
o Rubber bands
o Sunglasses
o Sunscreen
o Survival kit
o Trip plan (left with a friend)
o Watch
o Water
o Water tablets
Shelter:
o Backpack
o Ground sheet
o Mat
o Sleeping bag
o Tent
o Tarp
o String or twine (for tying down)
Toilet and Wash-up Kit:
o Dish rag / scouring cloth
o Hand and body lotion
o Insect repellent
o Lip pomade
o Pot scraper
o Soap (biodegradable or white unscented)
o Toilet paper
o Toothbrush
o Toothpaste
o Towel – 2 small, lightweight terry or 1 viscose towel from backpack shops
Desirable Extras:
o Barometer
o Binoculars
o Book
o Digital Camera
o Day pack
o Gloves – camp
o GPS
o Pencil & pad of paper
o Plastic bags (2 garbage, 3 small)
o Swimsuit
o Trowel
o Whistle
o Mask & Snorkel
Note: For long trips pack an extra day’s supply of food, preferably dry items. Keep a complete change of clothes waiting at the take out point.
Soap and fuels MUST NOT be packed where they could contaminate any food.
