| Kayak Fishing Matagorda Island State Park |
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While my first trip to Matagorda Island didn’t turn up a mess of fish, no thanks to some unexpected weather, it did leave a lasting impression. Matagorda Island is one of many Islands that make up a chain of barrier islands that protect the Texas Coast line. The Island is 38 miles long, ranges from ¾ mile to 4 ½ miles wide, and is 22 feet above the mean high tide. There is an 1852 vintage lighthouse on the Island that is still in operation. The park has some old but decent sleeping accommodations. The visitors center and an old army barracks building have group type accommodations perfectly suited to fishing buddies, but less so for families. Not that a family couldn’t stay, they could, but it would be certainly less than private. These buildings are somewhat in need of repairs, but have good air conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and showers. There are also camping areas where you can set up a tent right near the water. You do need to bring all your food and drinking water with you, as there is none on the island. The only access to the Island is by boat. The Park service runs a ferry, which will take you and your kayak (no cars) to the Island for a reasonable fee. The only drawback on the ferry is that it doesn’t run on a schedule friendlier to a fisherman’s timetable. It leaves from Port O’Connor for the 11 mile trip (more like 6 as the crow flies), and gets you there mid-morning. Because of the late morning arrival, your best bet is to spend a couple of nights if possible. You will be fishing mostly on the Northern side of the island, which will protect you from the normally southerly prevailing winds, not so with my trip due to Tropical Storm Allison. There is lots of grass so be sure to bring some weedless hooks for the trip, something I overlooked. You’ll want to fish Army hole and Pringle Lake for sure. Pringle is a shallow inland saltwater lake that has ultra-clear water. Concentrate your search for tailing reds on the south shoreline of this lake. Along this shoreline you’ll notice lots of pot-marks in the sand where the reds have been rooting around for crabs. Wear your stingray guards though as stingrays are as plentiful as the redfish. I saw several in the clear water of Pringle Lake. If you like to fly fish, be sure to take your equipment, as Pringle is really suited for this. The paddle to Pringle is via a winding waterway that cuts through the island, be on watch for speeding boats going through there, they apparently don’t see many kayakers.My personal feeling is they should close the Lake altogether to powerboats (at least the larger variety). I saw too much evidence of props cutting through the grass in this lake. This is an area that ought to be protected. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox. The kayak is perfectly suited for this lake; I got so close to tailing reds and one sheepshead that I almost drifted right over them. This is a place that will certainly be on my list of those worth returning to. Visit this gem on the Texas coast and you’ll be glad you did too. |
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