While some of us are true locals, many have spent summers, holidays, and spring breaks in Port A. We’ve grown up here. The town evokes plenty of nostalgia for us Texans! We like to think “things were better then or better when” – (fill in the blank). Maybe they sometimes were.

But passing down the good stuff to the next generation and continuing traditions year after year keeps us in the present. And before you know it, new memories are made to reflect back on and treasure.

-Pictured above, teenage Des holds up a kingfish (1980) and young Kai hoists his own catch about 30 years later.

You’ve heard of “take-your-kid-fishing day?” Well, some folks live by it. This Then and Now slideshow shows four generations of the Kidd family reliving their good stuff- fishing and hanging at the beach.

I joined the family in late 80s and learned to wade fish solo in the flats. Took me awhile to understand why I had to slide out of a nice, solid boat and into murky water before sunrise to catch fish. I eventually got the hang of it this routine and even used all the gear: a belt with hook outs, rod holder, drink holder and the attached stringer and bait bucket to trail behind me. However, the 9 am snack of mustard sardines on saltines and cold beers were easy to like from the get go.

And, why fish and drink a beer so early? Summer days start hot and only get hotter!