Texas Hatchery Tour with Fin Addict Angler Foundation

Texas Coast Hatchery Tour with Fin Addict Angler Foundation

My parents and BFF joined me for a weekend getaway in Corpus Christi, Texas. It started out by leaving San Antonio very early in the morning for an educational field trip I knew they’d enjoy. I was invited by the Fin Addict Angler Association to take a private tour of the Texas Parks & Wildlife – CCA Marine Development Center Hatchery. Growing up a fisherman’s daughter and as I much as I enjoy the Texas Coast, I had to take advantage of the opportunity. 

The CCA Marine Development Center is truly a hidden coastal gem. The first state operated hatchery and visitor center produces juvenile red drum and spotted sea-trout that are released into Texas bays for stock enhancement. On our field trip along with the Fin Addict Angler Foundation, the hatchery gave us a run down on the beginning to end stages on the process.  We were able to see 3,000-gallon saltwater spawning tanks, massive adult fish, an incubator room with fish eggs and larvae, and lastly, the outdoor ponds.  The Fin Addict Angler Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to bring people in communities back to the great outdoors by combining an appreciation for the sport of fishing with a respect for one of our greatest natural resources – water. The foundation is stationed in San Antonio, but, make their way across Texas teaching children how to fish using a variety of methods in local lakes, rivers, and streams while promoting conservation awareness in a fun, family-friendly environment. Founder Oscar Castillo is from the Southside of San Antonio, Texas just like I am; being an ambassador for the South San Antonio Chamber, I felt it was important to share the foundation and their mission with our community, city, and my readers. I support their mission as some of my favorite childhood memories are fishing at the lake, rivers, and the coast with my family. I know the great impact spending a day with your family fishing can do for you as a a child and as an adult; it strengthens bonds, creates magical memories, and develops a great respect for nature and wildlife. 

So, what did we do when the hatchery tour was over? Well, some fishing of course! In conclusion to our private tour, our group could fish the outdoor hatchery ponds. All ages, children, teens, and adults had a great time catching and releasing different kinds of saltwater fish. If you and your family are interested in learning how to fish, keep up with the Fin Addict Angler Foundation’s events by visiting their website. 

The CCA Marine Development Center is located at 4300 Waldron Road in Corpus Christi, Texas. To reach the hatchery, take SH 358 (South Padre Island Drive) off I37 and proceed south to the end of the island. Take a right on Waldron Road and drive about 4 miles to the Barney Davis Power Plant Station. Tour times: Monday-Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and Sat at 2:00 p.m. Tours of the hatchery last approximately one hour and are available by appointment only. Please call (361) 939-7784 or email shanon.quaranta@tpwd.texas.gov. Admission is free but, your donations are greatly appreciated.