Matagorda Island State Park
May 25-27, 2007

Trip Description:

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.

Leader:

Bruce Behrens (click here to send a message, 713-306-3318)

Date/Time:

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, 2007. We’ll depart as soon as we finish loading. There is a parking area to leave your car. The ferry, which for many years was available to transport visitors to the Island.

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.

How to Sign Up:

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.

How to Get There:

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.

What to Pack/Bring:

All food, water, stoves, etc. must be brought to the Island via the transport boats. The boats being used for transport are large guide boats. It is anticipated that there will be two boats for both the kayaks and gear. Space will be at a premium so please don't over pack. See Standard PACKing List for items to consider for any PACK outing.

The Island has no potable water so bring enough drinking water/beverages for the weekend (suggested @1 gal/day). You also need to bring food for all your meals. A VHF radio would be helpful for keeping in touch while at the island (let's tune to channel 69). Cell phone communication from the island is spotty

Accommodations:

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:

Fishing Options:

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.

For More Information:

Call Matagorda Island State Park at 361-983-2215 (note: it is difficult to contact anyone now that the park is closed).

Also, for information see:

• TPWD Matagorda Island webpage
• Limited Public Use Permit
• TPWD map of Matagorda Island

(if you don't have a registered login account on this website we can list your name here; 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) 

1.  Joel M. (Larry M. Guest)
2.  

Bob R: Bruce power boat

Bruce B: Own power boat

Larry M: Own power boat

Joel M (Larry M. Guest): Lary M Power boat

Craig N: Own power boat

Jason: Craig's power boat

Marcos E: Own power boat

 

Ron R: Capt. Henry - Paid

Ken J: Capt. Henry - Paid

Barry S: Capt. Henry - Paid

Mat B: Capt. Henry

Will H: Capt. Henry - Paid

Jim R: Capt. Henry - Paid

Buzz B: Capt. Henry - Paid

Mike M: Capt. Henry - Paid

Donald D: Capt. Henry - Paid

Andrew D: Capt. Henry - Paid

Eric T: Capt. Henry

PACK had another successful trip to Matagorda Island State Park. The weather could have had a few less showers.

Everyone arrived Friday morning with 11 people making way to the park via Captain Henry’s Guide Service. Larry and Joel came in Larry’s boat, Craig and Jason came in Craig’s new boat, and Bob and Bruce arrived in Bruce’s boat. After the group arrived on Friday showers set in for the rest of the afternoon. As the rain stopped we were greeted with very strong southeast wind.

Friday’s catches included flounder caught in the park marina, Redfish and trout caught near Pringle Lake. Friday evening everyone had dinner and watched the beautiful sunset. Friday night from dark to midnight Matt, Mike, and Bruce fished the channel by the Army Hole leading into Pringle Lake. Mike landed his personal best redfish 24 inches. During this time the three landed many trout and red fish.

Saturday we were greeted with calm winds with rain clouds in the distance. Boat traffic was light due to possible rain showers. Everyone headed out early to catch the early bite. Half of the group headed towards Light House Cove while the other half went towards Pringle Lake. Majority of the group arrived back at camp around lunchtime with the exception of Bob and Jason. Lots of Trout and Redfish were caught with Bob thinking he was going to win the big trout pot with a 21 inch trout. As the afternoon passed we started cooking for the group feast which included fried fish, French fry’s, beans, Larry’s homemade homney with cheese and chilis, and for desert Pecan and Apple Pie. Jason arrived back at the campsite while the group was preparing dinner with a big smile on his face. He had caught his personal best trout a 27 inch trout that was caught in knee deep water.  Little did he know at first when it hit his topwater that it was a trout becuase he had been catching a lot of redfish.  He had dreams of entering the trout in the CCA Star tournament.  Lots of pictures were taken and stories of Jason’s new fishing spot he found were shared.

Sunday we were greeted with calm winds and sunshine. Majority of the group fished the channel in front of the park with lots of trout landed. The area was loaded with crazy power boater’s. The fox was seen again this year. At 11 AM everyone headed in to pack for the trip home. As the group was getting ready to head back to POC Larry’s boat motor would not tilt down, with the help of Bruce Larry was on his way. Shortly after the group had made back to POC the skies opened up with heavy rain showers. Jason had his trout weighed, it tipped the scales at 6 pounds 12 ounces (CCA requires the trout to weigh a minimum of 8lbs).

Big fish pot contest results: Bruce – 24 1/8 inch Red Fish, Jason – 27 inch trout, Barry – 15 inch flounder.

The trip was accident free and everyone had a great time. I'm looking forward to a repeat trip next year.
 
Bruce Behrens