What to Bring

What to Bring

At Getaway Lodge our goal is to make your visit as easy, relaxing and trouble free as possible. With that in mind, we try to provide everything we can but there are certain things that you will want to bring yourself. These are some recommendations to help make your visit more enjoyable.

  • Personal items such as medicines and medical devices like CPAP machines.
  • Phone chargers.
  • Waterproof camera for use on the water. Most phones have pretty good cameras these days but dropping one in the salt water is usually fatal.

Fishing Tackle & Gear

Rods, reels and tackle will be provided by your guide, but we realize that many anglers prefer to use their own equipment. With that in mind, we provide the following guidelines for bay fishing tackle:

  • Light to Medium action baitcasting or spinning tackle with rods from 6 to 7 feet. Reels filled with 12 pound test mono or 20 pound test braid line.
  • Wading box loaded with top waters, suspending baits, 1/16 – 1/4oz Jig Heads and your favorite style/color of soft plastic.
  • Wading belt with high quality fishing pliers: Getaway Lodge offers wading belts with pliers, net and stringer for rent.
  • Wading boots: Many anglers prefer to wear stingray guards or use boots with integrated guards. Getaway Lodge offers Foreverlast RayGuard or Bart’s Bay Armor boots for rent.
  • Stringer: Most anglers prefer the slick plastic-coated stringers.
  • Wading net: Plastic mesh and floating nets are popular.
  • May – October Fishing Clothing

    Our weather can be hot and humid during these months. Bring light weight vented fishing shirts or performance tees, quick dry wading pants or shorts, high quality polarized sunglasses and a good hat. Your feet will get wet on the boat, so boat shoes or light weight sneakers are recommended. Flip flops are okay around the lodge, but shoes are recommended on the boat to avoid stubbed toes and sun burned feet. Lightweight sun gloves are also a good idea.

    If you wade fish, good wading boots are a must. Don’t try to use an old pair of sneakers. If you don’t have wading boots but would like to try wade fishing, we rent Foreverlast RayGuard or Bart’s Bay Armor wading boots. See our rates page for information. A sun gaiter (Buff) or a bandanna will help protect your face, neck and ears. Finally, bring a swimsuit for lounging in the pool after fishing.

    November – April Fishing Clothing

    Unpredictable is the only thing predictable about the weather in South Texas during these months. Temperatures can go from the lower 40’s in the morning to the lower 80’s in the afternoon. Everything about the warm weather clothing above can apply plus you need to plan for much cooler conditions. Bring and wear layers that can be removed as needed to stay comfortable. Wear one more layer than you think you will need because it seems to be ten degrees colder out on the water. A wind and waterproof jacket is a must. Water temperatures will be between 45 and 70 so waders are required if you get in the water. Lightweight, breathable waders with a couple of layers of thermal underwear are recommended. Be sure your wading boots will fit over your waders. Two sizes larger than normal is usually required.

    Sun Protection

    Sun protection is required year-round. It is possible to get a sun burn on cloudy overcast days. Long sleeves and pants are recommended along with a sun gaiter (Buff) and lightweight sun gloves. Apply sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher before you leave the dock and re-apply every couple of hours (or more often). Don’t forget your feet. Bare feet that are usually covered by shoes will burn in a hurry and it is very painful.

    Licenses

    At Getaway Lodge we strive to comply with all applicable game laws and regulations. Anglers must have a valid Texas Parks and Wildlife issued Fishing license with Saltwater Endorsement and hunters must have a valid Texas Parks and Wildlife issued Hunting License. Waterfowl hunters must have a Federal Migratory Bird stamp and any hunter born on or after September 2, 1971 must have proof of hunter education certification or proof of deferral of certification. Licenses may be purchased online at https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/ or purchased locally in Port Mansfield.

    Beer, Wine, & LIquor

    We do not have a liquor license and do not provide alcoholic beverages. However, you are welcome to bring your own. Mixers, water, soft drinks, club soda, tonic water, limes, ice and cups are provided.

    There is a small liquor store in Port Mansfield which we encourage our guests to patronize for any last minute needs or additional supplies. Beer and wine are also available in the local bait & tackle/convenience stores.

    You are welcome to take beer or liquor on the boat while fishing. For safety reasons glass containers are not allowed on the boats. Please be sure all beverages are in aluminum or plastic containers.