Matagorda Island State Park 
May 25-27, 2012

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.  

 Bruce Behrens (click here to send a message, 281-206-4038)

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, 2012. We’ll depart as soon as we finish loading. There is a parking area to leave your car. 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. 

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.