Camping PINS on South Beach or Yarborough Pass for Spring Break?

[hoythitman]

I need some help from the green screen brain trust. A few friends of mine from Arkansas were asking me about camping PINS, either Yarborough or way down south beach at spring break. They love fishing and camping, they also all have built jeeps and trucks with air systems so they can air down and winches, so capable of getting into either area. I've camped both areas but not around spring break. Spring break up here is 2 weeks after the south Texas schools and most colleges. It's the week of the 23-27th. I told them there would most likely be people but I if they can get far enough down south beach they should be pretty thin. Their kids are all 13-17 range so no little ones, they don't mind other folks around just don't want to deal with insane crowds. Anyone have an idea of if it would be crazy at that time or should the main spring break madness be gone by then? Either area be better for fishing around that time. Targeting trout, reds and flat fish, snook if they could get one.

[sotx]

Fio

[toomuchsun]

I grew up in the area and much family still there. I never even considered Anything during spring break. Lots of folks will be crowding/blocking the better accessible drive paths. I do not like passing even if light crowds. If a beach trip during spring break I Would choose PINS as it is Not so much a party area but I would probably Not travel far if a lot of parked vehicles were found just due to the discomfort of passing etc.issues. Plus be careful for Biting flies and often horrid mosquitoes at Yarborough. I would sleep on the beach and wade quickly in the flats if they are too bad. Noting as these folks may not understand these lovely bugs may be waiting.Fishing can be good even while still in 2 wheel drive territory but I love the fast depth drop beach edge further down for great easy fishing from the shore. Never know. Many drive, stop, cast, move on, until productive area found. Hope everyone has a great trip. Now I am itching to go.

[Tx_Wader]

Pins?

Padre Island National Seashore.

OP, If driving conditions are good I'd send them to the Port Mansfield jetties. Tell them to go armed and to lock up what they want to keep. A couple was murdered not long ago on PINS and the murderers stole their truck and got caught.

[toomuchsun]

I was warned by a local guide if at PINS and a van or SUV is on the beach, a boat comes in and beach lands get out of there. You maybe just witnessed smugglers who are not known to be friendly. I never saw this but listened and remembered the warning. I can not imagine landing a larger boat on the beach and getting back out but appears it happens. It can be secluded so watch your back. I will Not stop going due to a few threat possibilities but be aware.

[S-3 Ranch]

Pins down to pm jetty’s should be fine regarding crazy partying( do take some forms of self protection as it is remote) . I would definitely recommend alternative plans Incase the weather isn’t cooperating
The jetty has decent mangrove snapper and of course sheepshead, trout, reds , some snook
Also some very worthwhile red snapper fishing right near the beach 2/3 down the drive if y’all have kayaks and depth finder & gps ( I have the #’s) good luck and enjoy sounds awesome

P.s. some people pack out some extra trash if they have room In a vehicle ( hint, hint )

[hoythitman]

The group are all law enforcement, several I worked with at the sheriffs office, as well as a DEA agent. So they will be armed and well trained, I told them about all of those concerns already, I;ve heard all sorts of stories growing up down there. Fishing at Mansfield pretty good? I've fished that area on the laguna side on the flats from a boat plenty, but not from the island. I've always waded out around bird island for fishing over on the island.

Padre Island National Seashore.

OP, If driving conditions are good I'd send them to the Port Mansfield jetties. Tell them to go armed and to lock up what they want to keep. A couple was murdered not long ago on PINS and the murderers stole their truck and got caught.

I was warned by a local guide if at PINS and a van or SUV is on the beach, a boat comes in and beach lands get out of there. You maybe just witnessed smugglers who are not known to be friendly. I never saw this but listened and remembered the warning. I can not imagine landing a larger boat on the beach and getting back out but appears it happens. It can be secluded so watch your back. I will Not stop going due to a few threat possibilities but be aware.

[hoythitman]

A few updates, several are bringing kayaks, going to fish the intercostal side and in the Mansfield cut area primarily. Anything to avoid in that area?

[trjones87]

with 60 miles of beach, its not too hard to find you a little spot

[SmTx]

The group are all law enforcement, several I worked with at the sheriffs office, as well as a DEA agent. So they will be armed and well trained, I told them about all of those concerns already, I;ve heard all sorts of stories growing up down there. Fishing at Mansfield pretty good? I've fished that area on the laguna side on the flats from a boat plenty, but not from the island. I've always waded out around bird island for fishing over on the island.

For the sake of the spring breakers wait for another week

[hoythitman]

For the sake of the spring breakers wait for another week

I'm sure he'll be on the bottle too hard to notice any such things that might be going on.

[stickman]

Depends on the wind. Springtime can bring strong winds and high tides. Not sure PINS is ideal in those conditions. I’d make that decision maybe a week or so out from the actual trip.