Matagorda Island May 2017

One of the things that a multi-day PACK trip initiator is always checking is the weather forecast. 10 days out from last Friday looked good and it only got better after that. In order to get an early start Joel, Bruce, Blaine and I stayed Thursday night at the Captain’s Quarters in Port O’Connor. We had plenty of time in the morning to hit the Shop Rite / Exxon for coffee and breakfast tacos before showing up at Clark’s to meet our motherships. As usual, Brad sailed and fished on his way down to the island. Andrew met us later with his power boat.

Our mothership guides Van Critendon Jr and Sr. arrived exactly on time along with the rest of our crew to load up their bay boats to the hilt with our camping, fishing, and kayak gear. (what’s a hilt?) With a little planning we could have made it all in one run, but what the heck, we had all day. The early arrivals hit the water striking out for Pringle Lake. Others knew where to wet a line in Army Hole. If you were mad at the fish, you strung fish. It worked out that we had plenty of fish for the famous Matagorda Island Shrimp and Fish Tacos! See photo link.

This time of year it’s hit or miss with the weather. It was a HIT, the light NW breeze kept us cool and dry and almost mosquito free. On Matagorda Island, almost free is big when it comes to mosquitos. Most campers had to cover up a bit to stay warm. Saturday meant more Fishing and Exploring. One of our most successful fishermen headed East over to Fish Pass for victory over there. Steve brought in some monster specks. Michael and Bill did real well in the trout division also. Dinner Saturday night was a mixed bag of isolated meals including boudain. (Thanks Blaine!) Sunsets and sunrises were awesome with the clear skies. Sunday meant another morning on the water, with full limits for some.

Although there were some dinks to release for another day’s fight, respectable reds and trout made it to the cleaning table. Sunday noon we got our $#^+ together and loading everything as if we were shuttle payload specialist. The outboards were grinding as we made our way back to POC in less than 30 minutes. Great trip, thanks for all y’alls help to make it happen, the gear loading and the group meals.

Lesson’s learned, pair down the gear using Ken’s adage: “If you didn’t use it last year, don’t take it this year”. Keep the cook stoves to maybe 2, not 6. Be ready to fish, practice catch, photo and release if you are not taking fish home. Hell, you can brag back in camp and we’d believe you. And lastly, if choose not bring tent poles, just bring some line, there’s a spot just for that. See ya, Chris
If you need a mother ship or bay boat guide in that area, call Van at 361-648-1886