Christmas Bay and San Luis Pass

Ok, well I cheated a little. I posted my first blog post after my last adventure. Last sunday (2/28/2010) I was feeling a little couped up so I headed to the coast to get some outdoor relief. I woke up in Houston at 5:30am, loaded the kayak, fishing rods and gear, and headed an hour and fifteen minutes south to Freeport. I got to the Bluewater Hwy around 7:15am and as I came across the causeway bridge on 332 I was amazed to see that there were virtually no waves breaking on the beach head.
Let me prelude by saying this was to be a very exploratory trip for me. I've only kayaked once in the salt water, which was in Port Aransas and for only half a day. So this trip was for me to get acquainted with paddling in the bay and if conditions permitted, the Gulf. Although I'd brought a rod and artificials I also brought my camera to snap whatever great shots mother nature permitted.
I began by launching in the west end of Christmas Bay. It was chilly, around 43 degrees but there was almost no wind and clear skies. After launching I spotted a channel through the flats so I paddled up snapping pictures and casting as I desired. The sun crept up slowly and the calm conditions let the water sit steady enough to reflect whatever image that resided above it. The only sound was the distant moaning of a periodic boat motor and the cry of the beloved laughing gulls. I could smell the flats in what breeze hinted by. After several weeks of hard and stress filled work days it was well worth whatever effort it took to get there. Much to my chagrin I didn't catch any fish; however, I snapped several interesting shots (which I'll post soon) and headed back to the truck.
Since it was still relatively early I took in a quick snack at the truck crossed the hwy to do what I've never done, paddle out into the gulf. The calm conditions lent themselves to a first timers experience. After wading into knee deep water passed the 10" breakers I hopped in with my camera and bay rod and began paddling. I paddled straight out about two miles while throwing a golden spoon. I could still clearly see the condominiums my truck was parked in front of. While not too far off shore and still no fish on the stringer I still got some satisfaction by just being out there. I headed for a hot shower and begin planning for this weekend. This time my sights are set a little higher.... maybe good shots and a fish!