Another example of fresh water near its salty counterpart is Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis. This 21,000-acre body of water is just 35 miles northwest of the city of Corpus Christi. The saltwater bays of Nueces, Corpus Christi, Copano and Aransas are only a short jaunt away. Rockport and Fulton are nearby as well. Professional fishing guides work these regions, but again, reservations are recommended.

Hidalgo County's Delta Lake, between Edinburg and Raymondville in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, offers great catfishing. No boats are allowed on this 2,321-acre reservoir; it's all bank-fishing. Head east or southeast toward the Gulf and you'll end up in Port Mansfield or Port Isabel for fabulous saltwater angling.

WHAT ELSE TO DO
The cost of things to do on your family fishing vacation can run the gamut, starting at free and going all the way up to quite costly. From camping on the beach or in a park to renting simple cottages to lounging around a luxurious 5-star resort, the choice is yours. Some places are easy to get to while others require a bit more time and effort. And that's just a place to stay!

There are numerous historical places to visit along the Gulf Coast or a short distance inland. Check out the Fulton Mansion in Fulton, the famous King Ranch outside Kingsville and the only lighthouse open to the public, the Port Isabel Lighthouse on South Padre Island. The World War II aircraft carrier USS Lexington is a historic floating museum resting in Corpus Christi Bay at Corpus. It offers a great place to self-tour and explore.

Many towns and cities have their own unique museums that may be free, but a donation is always most welcome. It may surprise you what can be found if you just look. And don't overlook dining along the way. There are just too many good places to eat to list them here. It simply depends on what you're hungry for at the moment.

For nature lovers, and especially bird watchers, there are countless places to wander and watch, just one of which is the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell. Many coastal towns, especially the larger ones, offer various types of other water options. Dolphin tours, party boat sunset rides in the bays and Gulf, wind surfing, personal watercraft rentals, parasailing and deep-sea fishing adventures are only a few.

The chamber of commerce in a town or city is a wealth of free information. An area visitor's bureau is too. It's the staff's job to know what's available in their domain, plus they welcome the prospect of bringing visitors as well as income to their area and local businesses. Sources of recreation, entertainment, lodging, dining, etc., may be broken into separate categories, making it simple and easy to check out. If you're unable to find information on a tiny town, go to the next largest one closest to it.

So, what are you waiting for, now that you've read about so many possibilities? Don't wait until the last minute, start planning now. Gather the family together to pick where you want to go and start from there. The rest will fall into place.

Take plenty of sunscreen, perhaps some insect repellent, and don't forget the camera. Memories are sure to be made. Each time you see that favorite photo on the wall, desk or coffee table you'll think, "Now that was some family summer fishing vacation!"

Then get ready to do it again!