Port Aransas Junior Boatmen

If you are a student in the Port Aransas ISD, and you like to fish, duck hunt, give back to your community, hang out with other kids who like to do the same things, the Port Aransas Junior Boatmen might be for you.

PAISD students in sixth through 12th grade are invited to join the Junior Boatmen to improve their outdoor skills when it comes to hunting and fishing, while learning the rewards of giving back to the community that supports them.

The group was organized in 2008 to offer a means for kids to share their love of fishing and the outdoors.

Originator of the Junior Boatmen was Julie Shodrok, who organized events for the first several years. Now, Ronnie Stuart and Kim Zahn Winton head up the program with help from Josh Garcia, Thomas Winton,Tray Clark and Chris Creeman.

In a normal year, the Junior Boatmen take kayak trips, trips to the north jetty, go flounder-gigging, fish from Horace Caldwell Pier as well as offshore. They also typically volunteer at the CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) Take-A-Kid Fishing Tournament. The last few years, with Hurricane Harvey and the coronavirus pandemic, things haven’t been normal – but there’s always next year!

During this year’s Deep Sea Roundup, Junior Boatmen again will be on hand to sell raffle tickets, help with weigh in and the Piggy Perch Contest.

The junior boatmen meet monthly during the school year. Meeting information is announced at Brundrett Middle School and Port Aransas High School, and interested youths may go to the group’s Facebook page to learn more. 

You may also contact the Junior Boatmen by email pajrboatmen@gmail.com