Matagorda Island 2019

Stepping off of Capt. Van's shuttle boat at the Matagorda Island WMA always brings me back to my first visit to the island in 2001. It wasn't even a PACK trip, but I did bring a rod. Each visit is like walking up to see an old friend. There is something special about Matagorda Island. I really became attached to the place after reading Wayne and Martha McAllister's books, Life on Matagorda Island and Matagorda Island: A Naturalist's Guide. They revealed the island is more fish, birds, and wind.

Something that does sadden me though, is the total neglect of the boat dock and camping area by the murky governmental bodies that are the responsible parties. Its not politics, its now longer a state park and now jointly owned by the Texas General Land Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is cooperatively managed as the Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area. Texas Parks and Wildlife manages the Area for public use and the Fish and Wildlife Service has the main responsibility for managing the wildlife and habitat on the island. Like I said, murky. In short, the federal wildlife officials would like to see people just forget about coming there and save it for the critters. I like critters, I like camping there too, hopefully under a shelter that won't come crashing down on us.

The fish were there. The high water levels due to the constant southerly winds dispersed the bait and predators alike into back ponds. The speckled trout fishermen stuck to their pattern of setting up in known areas to cast the baits they have the most confidence in. I stuck some nice reds, trout, and flounder in the Army Hole area. Walking to the lighthouse I came upon my first bonafide rattling, reared up, mad diamondback rattlesnake. Then we found two more in the next 30 minutes.

This could be a fall destination too. Hats off to Captains Van and Brandon for getting us, our kayaks, and gear to island. They are great. I encourage you all to book him. Here are some comments by fellow PACK members on this trip. Can you guess who they are? Chris


“If the fish had been biting like the mosquitoes, it would have been the best trip of my life.”

“Incredible trip with strong SE winds, beautiful sunrises, too many mosquitoes and lots of fish caught. I look forward to returning next year.”

“I wanted to express my appreciation again for organizing this trip.  Friday, was a productive day for me.  I had four (4) trout ranging from 18" - 21" in the boat when Brad and Mike Smalley decided to "join" me directly on either side of my kayak where I was fishing.  I was never able to find my last trout to get my limit, but Brad limited out while visiting my hot spot.  LOL  We all had fun with it.  During my paddle back to camp, I hooked up with a 27" red.

On Saturday, the winds and all the boats flying around made for a tough day on the water.  I landed three (3) trout with none over 20 inches.  I also found a couple flounder - the 1st one came in about 13" or so, but I never considered keeping it.  I cast to the same place and immediately hooked up with a much bigger one.

Lesson learned from this trip.... always.... ALWAYS ensure you bring all your meds.    This is the 2nd best trip we go on.”

“Love the island.  I wanted to get some bird pictures on this trip and was not disappointed.  There were crested cara-caras, great egrets, reddish egrets, roseate spoonbills, gulls and vultures visiting our campground.  Fish were also found by all.  Love eating the catch of the day on our camping trips. Trout were on the menu both nights.    Weather also cooperated for us.”