Day 1: HASK trip on Port O'Connor Paddling Trails - Loop to Sunday Beach or Mule's Slough
[Note, Day 2: San Antonio Bay Partnership trip on Powderhorn Ranch Shoreline - register through SABP website]
We will meet at The Fishing Center at 8:30 with paddles wet at 9 AM. From The Fishing Center on the Intercoastal Waterway, we will proceed to Marker #1 at Fisherman's Cut and into the 'Back Bay' system. We will be paddling along interconnecting trails along the shores of Matagorda and Espiritu Santo Bays and through their boundary saltwater marsh Mules Slough / Fish Pond, and the Gulf's Sunday Beach. The small islands that border the trail and Matagorda Island support a wide variety of shore and migratory birds including pelicans, herons, egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, ducks, Sandhill Cranes, grebes, loons, gulls, terns, willets, curlews, and plovers. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is spotted along the trail, and a large heard of whitetail deer can sometimes be seen on Matagorda Island, along with the occasional alligator. The area is known for producing redfish, speckled trout, drum and other popular fish.
Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch and snacks.
Please bring your radios and GPS - if you have them!
GPS Coordinates for all Port O'Conner Paddling Trail Markers from:
We have 12 mi and 13.5 mi options, depending on wind, weather, and participants.
Plan A: Paddle on the Paddling Trails along the western most side of Matagorda Bay towards J-Hook and Pass Cavallo, continuing along the west of Pelican Island until we reach the back side of the Gulf's Sunday Beach where we will take a break for lunch and possibly swimming. Our return will be on the marked paddling trails through the marsh and back to The Fishing Center.
Additional information on these Paddling Trails can be found at:
DIRECTIONS FROM HOUSTON TO PORT O'CONNOR:
- Take Hwy 59 south toward Victoria
- Just before you get to Victoria, take Loop 175 (south)
- Travel approximately 7 miles to Hwy 185
- Proceed southeast on Hwy 185 for approximately 26 miles to Seadrift
- Continue on Hwy 185 east for 15 miles to Port O'Connor
DIRECTIONS TO PUT IN:
The Fishing Center is a privately owned boat ramp and bait stand offering a ramp and parking. Fishing supplies, snacks and drinks, and ice are available for purchase. A restroom is available in the store. The Fishing Center offers the closest access to Marker #1 at Fisherman's Cut which provides access to the 'Back Bay' system.
Directions once in Port O’Connor:
- Turn right on S 16th Street (at Speedy Stop Convenience Store).
- After several blocks, turn left on Maple Street, then right on 15th Street.
- The Fishing Center is located at the corner of 15th Street, Water Street, and the GIW.
- To get to Marker #1, paddle across the GIW and enter Fisherman’s Cut.
Lat - lon of the put-in is 28° 26.321'N, 96° 24.862'
OPTIONS FOR B&B FOR FRIDAY / SATURDAY NIGHTS: Please text or email Karen directly.
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Trip Leader
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Karen Newcomb
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Trip Assistants
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Bob Scaldino
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Trip Rating*
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2
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Ready to Launch at
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9:00 AM
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Duration (hours)
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6-7 hours
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Paddling Miles
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13.5 (can be shortened to 12)
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Emergency Initiator
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Calhoun County Sheriff
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361-553-4646 |
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Latest Expected Return
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4:00
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Auto Description/Lic #
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Silver Toyota Sequoia
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Distance from Houston
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115 miles from downtown HOU
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This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
- Add Smartwaiver with email address “noreply@smartwaiver.com” to your address book to ensure emails do not go to junk/spam.
- Select a link below to complete the online waiver.
- HASK members should always choose the Annual Waiver option and leave the Name of the Event and Activity Date blank
ACA-HASK Adult WaiverACA-HASK Minor Waiver
- Respond to the “Confirm your E-Signature” email from ACA / HASK to confirm your email address. Wavier is now complete and valid.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Please download and print a copy of the waiver and bring it to the trip put-in.