PANTHER POINT is a cape (at 28°13' N, 96°42' W) on the western end of Matagorda Island that extends into San Antonio Bay (Southeast Shoreline) in southwestern Calhoun County. The local terrain consists of tidal marshes with poorly drained sandy loam soils; the water stands twenty inches deep in the marsh. There is little vegetation except for some coastal grasses. The PACK Group will camp at Panther Point on the bay side adjacent to Panther Lake.
From Panther Point to the Second Chain of Islands - The south shoreline between the second chain of islands and Panther Point is a legendary spring and summer wade-fishing hotspot. With areas of dense grass and potholes, it supports a large trout and redfish population. In a south or southeast wind, this shoreline is crystal clear; its grass can maintain water clarity in some surprisingly adverse wind. In past trips in the Fall club members have been most successful paddling down this shoreline and entering the lakes and sight casting to redfish. There are often holes in the channels which seem to hold the majority of the fish.
The deeper tidal lakes are boggy in spots, but yakers who start at Panther Point and paddle northward will find an extensive shell reef that runs for about 3 miles. Panther reef is about 200 yards off the point. At normal tides, most of the reef is about 2 feet below the surface. The west side of the reef drops off to about 6 feet. To date club members have not focused on the reef however several people have fished towards the reef with DOA shrimp and been successful in landing trout.
The stretch of shoreline from Panther Point to the Second Chain of Islands is good for wadefishing, with many channels and depressions. With its many small creeks, it is similar to Green’s Bayou on the Matagorda Peninsula.
Those heading to the First Chain of Islands should also check out the Point of Ayres shoreline. Redfish will hold on this stretch of shore, which is good for wadefishing.
