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GULF CHECK · LOADING
Know before you throw.
One clean read on the weather, water, tide and bite before the boat leaves Port A.
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COASTAL CASTReading the Gulf…Pulling fresh conditions
Fetching current Port Aransas conditions…
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Feels like --
Nearshore estimate
Sunset --
NOAA STATION 8775237
Tide swing
Loading NOAA predictions…
CONDITION-BASED OUTLOOK
Today's bite
GAME PLAN
Calculating the best windows from wind, tide and daylight…
NEXT 5 DAYS
Run forecast
BOAT CHECK
Before the ramp
Weather can turn fast offshore. Always confirm official advisories and use your own judgment before launching.
RENEW BYAUG 312027
CAPTAIN'S REMINDER
Texas fishing license
Craig's license was purchased September 5, 2026. Most Texas fishing licenses run through August 31, 2027—renew before the next license year and verify the exact package in the Outdoor Annual app.
HELM QUICK REFERENCE
Simrad GO7 XSE guide
Manuals and practical starting settings for Craig's 7-inch GO XSE. Menu names can vary slightly by software version and installed chart card.
Chart & navigation
- Confirm the chart source matches the inserted C-MAP or Navionics card.
- Use full chart detail and turn on useful depth contours.
- Use Course Up or Heading Up while running; North Up is best for planning.
- Turn Look Ahead on and confirm the internal GPS has a solid position fix.
Sonar starting point
- Use High CHIRP or 200 kHz in shallow bays and channels.
- Start with sensitivity on Auto, then make only small adjustments.
- Try Colorline around 70–75 to help separate bottom from targets.
- Start Noise Rejection at Low or Medium and Surface Clarity at Low.
Safety & maintenance
- Set shallow-water alarms from the boat's real draft plus a safety margin.
- Verify depth, distance and speed units before leaving the dock.
- Use full daylight brightness and switch to the night palette after dark.
- Back up waypoints and routes before updates or any settings reset.
LOCAL INTEL