Trip Initiator:  Chris Arceneaux

Trip Description:   This is a 4-DAY Trip Friday to Monday, $65 per person. If paying the guide directly, use CASH.  If paying Chris  beforehand, any system is OK. 

This is a 4-day trip Friday 12 thru Mon 15 May limited to 16 in total so that he can support us returning on Monday.  The 4-day trip is starting on the morning of Friday 12 May - and returning on Monday 15 May.

First run:  Meet up at Clarks Marina in Port O'Connor on May 15 Friday morning at 6:30 am to start loading at 7 am on the first run and loading at ~9 am for the second round.  This is listed as a Matagorda Trip, but Van is ok if we choose Rahal Bayou instead.

***** MOSQUITO ALERT!!! MOSQUITO ALERT!!!*****

Limited Public Use Permit Required for Matagorda

Every year there is a debate about this, but it is required by the TPWL.  If you have had it before it will show up when you renew your license on the system. I have heard of others having a problem getting it but I know that it is available online and at all of the stores.  You will need to go to the main computer where they print the license since they struggle at the register.

Locating lodging the night before on Thursday is a possibility, just communicate with other participants if you are looking for roommates.  I will be sending out a list of participants in a separate email so that we can plan for transport and dinners etc.

Trip Details,

Take bay boat guides / shuttle trips from Port O'Connor to the old state park camp ground. Set up camp, fish, eat like kings and be merry. This is a primitive’ish trip so if you can leave it at home please do. We can bring ice chests and cook stoves but there is no running water. And only island vegetation for bathrooms.

Space is limited to 16 on the bay-boat transport so you must reserve a spot in advance. Four people plus kayaks and gear will be transported at a time / per bay boat.
Every year we always over pack, please limit what you bring to essential kayak, fishing & camping gear, food and Ice Cream. Your kayak should be empty except for rods, reels or perhaps a paddle and life jacket. The use of dry bags will help with the organized bay-boat packing. By the way, this is primitive camping so no amenities.  

Planning on using two boats, two runs each. Shuttle fee is $65 each 

Participants paddling or sailing on their own will be registered too, participant number will reflect both methods of transportation. 

More details after the April meeting. 

How to Sign Up:

Current Waiver  and Membership is required.

If you want to go, login, and click the [Enroll for this Event] link on the top of this page to automatically have your name added to the list. This is one of the premium trips and fills up fast so sign up to avoid disappointment.

We will be sending an email to arrange for payment and ask that it is paid on or before the April meeting to reserve your spot.  After the April meeting those that have not paid may be bumped from the list to open it up for other participants, first paid gets signed up.  If the trip is cancelled for any reason and cannot be re-scheduled everyone will be refunded.  Tips are appreciated and we ask that you support this on you own. If you like the service please show your gratitude.

 How to Get There:

It's the "Inn at Clarks"
 

Clarks Marina

Address: 701 Commerce St, Port O'Connor, TX 77982

Phone: (361) 983-2300
 

Parking is per vehicle- Need to confirm price but will about $8.00 a day. CASH!!

What to Pack/Bring:

 How about a TENT and make sure it has the correct POLES!??

***** MOSQUITO ALERT!!! MOSQUITO ALERT!!!***** Last year the mosquitos were not too bad, but two years ago they were ferocious, bring plenty of spray and a head net was nice to have.  Maybe some insecticide to spray your tent as well.  Do not use a mosquito coil in a tent!!!  Hopefully they will not be out in force this year but it is better to be prepared.  Also don’t forget about the possibility of Ants….

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

Important items:

§  VHF Radio for communication and emergency contact

§  First Aid Kit 

§  Tent, tarp & line for the shelters if you like, HEY LOOK A TENT??? AND POLES???

§  3-4 days of food & water, snacks  

REQUIRED READING:

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 and waiver are current

§  Have performed deep water entries

§  Carry a first aid kit

§  Have a life jacket

§  Have a VHF radio

§  Dry bags for critical gear, keys, electronics

§  Inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.

§  

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. 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 and camping area.