The Matagorda Peninsula Ranch is a very unique beachfront getaway just off the coast of Port OConnor, TX. This property consists of 120 acres, with undivided interest access to approximately 5,735 acres on the Matagorda Peninsula. The property is also available in smaller 20+ acre tracts. The ranch is a recreational sportsmens paradise with direct water frontage on the Gulf of Mexico and West Matagorda Bay, as well as private access to numerous backwater lakes and marsh. Due to its ideal location, Port OConnor is widely regarded as one of the top sportfishing and waterfowl hunting destinations in Texas. Fishing opportunities are endless with large numbers of redfish, speckled trout, flounder, as well as offshore fishing opportunities. The backwater lakes and marshes provide habitat for thousands of coastal birds and wintering waterfowl, including heavy concentrations of desired redhead ducks. Featuring secluded beaches, beautiful natural scenery, and a plethora of recreational opportunities, the Matagorda Peninsula Ranch is truly a sportsmen's paradise.

History:

The rich history of the Matagorda Peninsula is extensive and includes expeditions by explorers, Civil War battles, pirates, and military bases. French explorer Sieur de la Salle used Pass Cavallo on the Peninsula in 1684 to enter Matagorda Bay for his ill-fated mission of establishing a settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Pirate Louis Michel Aury used Pass Cavallo on the Peninsula in 1817 to establish a base on Matagorda Bay, once his former base of operations in Galveston was overtaken by infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Throughout the Civil War, the Matagorda Peninsula was a crucial location to control supply routes leaving and entering Texas through Matagorda Bay. Small skirmishes and battles occurred on the Peninsula throughout the war, most notably the Matagorda Incident that cost the lives of 22 Confederate soldiers when a cold front sunk their boats during a raid on a Union fort located on the Peninsula. Most recently from 1941-1945, the US Army declared eminent domain over the Peninsula during WWII and established the Matagorda Peninsula Army Airfield on the ranch.

Location/Access:

The ranch is located on the Matagorda Peninsula and its boundaries are the Gulf of Mexico, West Matagorda Bay, and across the ship channel almost to Pass Cavallo. The property is most easily accessed by a short 10-15 minute boat ride from Port OConnor. Port OConnor is just under 3 hours from San Antonio, 3 hours from Austin, and less than 2.5 hours from Houston.

Wildlife:

The Matagorda Peninsula is a thriving ecosystem with a plethora of diverse wildlife. Thousands of different species of marine animals inhabit the waters surrounding the ranch including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, fish, crabs, and shorebirds. The mainland of the property is home to thriving populations of dove, quail, wild hogs, coyotes, and bobcats. Migrating birds call the Peninsula home throughout the year, most notably in the winter due to the influx of waterfowl in the area. Large populations of ducks and geese thrive during the winter in the shallow water lakes and marshes surrounding the ranch. The occasional endangered Whooping Crane has been spotted in the bays and marshes around Port OConnor as they make their migration south to Aransas Wildlife Refuge. The fishing opportunities around Port OConnor cause it to be widely regarded as one of the top destinations in the state. Providing quick access to West Matagorda Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Espiritu Santo Bay, Port OConnor has inshore and offshore fishing opportunities for every angler.

Terrain:

The interior of the ranch is primarily rolling coastal prairies and low lying grassland. The Gulf of Mexico side is primarily sand dunes and pristine beaches. The Matagorda Bayside consists mostly of backwater lakes and marshes.

Water:

Gulf of Mexico, West Matagorda Bay. Water wells can be dug.