Kayaking and canoeing in the waves of the Coastal Bend is a favorite pastime for fishermen and those who just like to play in the water. One of the best paddling trails in the Gulf of Mexico can be found at Mustang Island State Park. The Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail features several trails:

• Shamrock Loop Trail (5.24 miles) — skirts waters of Shamrock Cove, where it connects with the North Trail

• North Trail (8.5 miles) — follows the shoreline to East Flats; meanders through marsh and spoil islands to the Island Moorings Marina in Port Aransas

• Ashum Trail (6.8 miles) — follows the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay over a firm sand bottom; great for bird watching and sight casting and allows for outstanding bird watching and sight casting

All follow the western shoreline of Mustang Island in Corpus Christi Bay. They pass through some of the best shallow-water fishing areas in the state. There are three put-in and take-out spots:

• Wilson's Cut, on the (right) west side of Hwy 361 approximately 8.4 miles from Port Aransas Ferry dock, directly across from the Seagull and Sandpiper Condominiums signs

• Fish Pass on the west side of Hwy 361 about 13.1 miles from the Port Aransas Ferry dock

• Island Moorings Marina, about 4 miles from the ferry dock off Hwy 361; turn into Piper Blvd and drive down to the Marina.

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