PORT ISABEL

Population 4,691

Altitude 15

General

A small, picturesque village on Laguna Madre, the body of water between the Texas Mainland and Padre Island. named for Spanish Queen Isabella who financed Columbus's voyage. Seaside atmosphere with accommodations, RV parks, shrimp boat fleet. Was supply base for Gen. Zachary Taylor's army in Brownsville during the Mexican War form 1846 - 49, port saw flow of gold seekers from the East, landing here to begin overland trek to California.

FISHING

LADY BEA

PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE

TOURIST INFORMATION

Attractions

• FISHING - In Port Isabel - Padre Island area, fishing is available from beach, piers, and jetties where catches may include reddish, speckled and sand trout, sheepshead, flounder, croakers, skipjack, and drum Group boats provide bay and deep-sea fishing for half and full days; charter cruisers are available for offshore sort. Offshore species may include tarpon, sailfish, marlin, kingfish, mackerel, ling, pompano, bonito, red snapper, warsaw, and others. Marinas provide fuel, bait, tackle, launching ramps, and boat rentals. Small boats with guides available for bay fishing.
• LADY BEA - 54 foot shrimp boat in dry-land cradle- authentically restored, rigged, and equipped. Visitors climb aboard to see the wheelhouse, galley, crew bunks, engine room, and tackle. Open daily on Texas 100 downtown Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - About 17 miles northwest.
• PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE - Built in 1853, remained in use until 1905. Always a popular subject with ;photographers. Visitors may climb spiral staircase to the top, overlooking the flat coastal plain, with a fine view across Laguna Madre go South Padre Island. Off Texas 100 downtown. Admission is charged.
• TOURIST INFORMATION - The latest tips about fishing-boat schedules, bay fishing guides, tackle rental, restaurants, and all kinds of accommodations at the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to noon. 213 Yturria Street. Telephone 210-943-2262

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