Matagorda Island State Park
May 25-27, 2012

Matagorda Island, in Calhoun County, is separated from the mainland by San Antonio and Espiritu Santo bays and is one of the barrier islands that border the Gulf to protect the mainland from the great tides and strong wave action of the open ocean. For many years, the Island was designated as a Texas State Park and was operated by Park personnel. However, the Park Service is no longer operating the Island and it is now designated as a Texas Wildlife Management Area. The wildlife management area occupies about 43,893 total acres. 

Matagorda Island did not exist until about 5000 years ago but it is rich in history. Karankawa Indians used the island until they were driven off by European settlers. Often six feet tall, carrying giant bows, and covered with dirt and alligator grease to repel mosquitoes, the Karankawas appeared fierce and imposing to the Europeans. Historical highlights include visits by Cabeza de Vaca, Rene Robert Sueir de La Salle, and Jean Lafitte. The island also featured prominently in the growth of Texas in the 1800s. Traces of the past activity can be found at civil war trenches, an abandoned Air Force base, an 1852 vintage lighthouse, and the now submerged Fort Esperanza. Major storms of the 1800s and 1900s destroyed many area towns and slowed economic growth, but the area is now becoming known as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.  

 Bruce Behrens (click here to send a message, 281-206-4038)

We will meet at Clark’s, located in Port O'Connor on 7th Street at and the ICW at 8:00 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2012. We’ll depart as soon as we finish loading. There is a parking area to leave your car.

Transportation arrangements will be provided by Capt Henry’s Guide Service http://www.capthenry.com/ . The cost will be $40 a person. Space is limited on the transport so you must reserve a spot in advance. Four people plus kayaks and gear will be transported at a time.

If anyone has transportation questions or wants to arrange transportation they should contact one of the trip leaders. 

If you want to go, contact the trip leader (or sign up at a monthly meeting) and provide: name, email address and phone number (preferably cell phone). or Register for a PACK login account and then use the Auto Enroll link above to automatically have your name added to the list below.

We will meet at Clark’s in Port O'Connor (7th Street at ICW) for transport to the island. Click here for directions and map to Port O'Connor. When you arrive at Port O’Connor stay on Hwy 185 until you get to 7th Street, then turn right (the last map image shows the streets).

As an alternative you could paddle to the Island from the Port O'Connor launch site. The paddling distance is about 9-12 miles depending on the route you take, with excellent fishing all the way to the island. The Port O'Connor Paddling Trail Photo Map would be a good reference if you choose to paddle over or back. Another alternative would be to use your own power boat. You could moor it at the dock at the park.

See Standard PACK List for items to consider for any PACK outing

Important items:

• VHF Radio for communication and emergency contact
• First Aid Kit 
• Lunch, Water, snacks
• Kayak Drift Sock 

Recommended guidelines for participates:

• Make sure trip leader or an officer has your emergency contact
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up. Make sure the trip leader knows your experience level
• Communicate with the trip leader, if you are unsure of your skill level required
• Member dues are current
• Guests are invited to particpate
• Have performed deep water entries
• Cary a first aid kit
• Have a life jacket
• Have a VHF radio
• Inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Sign in and sign out at the launch site. Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.

Recommended for Trip Leaders:

• Insures proper authorizations
• Secure sites
• Prepare emergency preparedness plan
• Keep abreast of weather conditions that might effect the trip
• Point out any potential area hazards
• Maintain a head count
• Have available a first aid kit
• Have a VHF radio

The bunkhouse which was available when the Island was operated by the Parks Service is now closed. Thus, this will be a primitive camping trip. Plan on packing out everything you pack in -- let's be environmentally responsible.

We have been advised the Army Hole sites will be on a first come basis. These primitive campsites are on the bay a few yards from the Island boat dock and have shaded picnic tables and fire rings. Be aware that:

There is no drinking water or running water.
There is no concession.
There is no restroom.
There is no electricity.
There is no telephone.
Mosquitos are likely so definitely bring repellent and keep it handy!

Expenses/Fees:

Capt Henry's Guide Service will charge $40.00 per person to transport us to Matagorda Island and back. Please bring cash. 

Matagorda Island offers outstanding kayak, wade and surf fishing opportunities without crowds. Prime fishing areas are the Army Hole, Pringle Lake, and Lighthouse Cove on the northern side of the island. And on previous trips we often saw good stringers taken from directly in front of the camp area. There is a lot of grass and good hard bottom for wading. Stingrays can be plentiful so bring your guards. The surf is another option but the island beach is 2 miles from the boat dock. The shuttle service, formerly provided by the Park staff between the dock and the beach area, is no longer available. 

(We prefer for you to create a login account on this website so that you can have your name added to the auto register list below. If you don't have a registered login account on this website we can list your name here; please contact the trip leader to request your name to manually added. If you have a login account then use the enroll feature at the top of this page to become part of the auto enroll list below)

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