Fish Tales
WHAT'S A LAND-LOCKED COUNTY HAVE FOR FISHING?
By JUDY BISHOP JUREK

When a person thinks of a land-locked county, fishing opportunities don't quickly come to mind. This is especially true if the county isn't noted for a great lake within its boundaries, but there are many opportunities to bring home a variety of tasty fish, both fresh and saltwater species.

The Colorado River runs through Wharton County from north to south, right through the county seat of Wharton only blocks from the County Courthouse. The San Bernard River is Wharton County's eastern boundary line. The Tres Palacios River begins near El Campo and flows into Tres Palacios Bay to the south of Wharton County and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous creeks, such as Sandy Creek and East, West and Middle Mustang Creeks, fall into Lake Texana to the southwest.

Wharton County is traversed with multiple waterways. However, all have limited public access as most of the land alongside each is privately owned. For public freshwater fishing on a grander scale, Lake Texana offers up catfish, crappie, bass and gar. The 11,600 acre lake only about 30 miles from El Campo also provides much recreation for camping, hiking, biking, water sports, wildlife and bird watching at its state park and neighboring Brackenridge Park.

Saltwater fishing enthusiasts have a long shoreline of bay and gulf water opportunities. Matagorda Bay sits to the east, Lavaca Bay to the west with Carancahua, Turtle and Tres Palacios Bays to the south of Wharton County. Several small fishing communities such as Port Alto, El Campo Club, Jensen Point and Schicke Point are located along with many others up and down the coastline. Some border the Gulf Intracoastal Canal while others stand along cuts, inlets or a bay itself.

There are numerous places to fish off the shore or wade fish as well as various places to launch a boat, for free or for a small fee. Professional fishing guides are also available throughout the Gulf Coast. Captain Tom Perilloux is a guide who lives in El Campo, but takes his clients from Matagorda Bay all the way down to Baffin Bay.

"The closest place to fish saltwater is Palacios," Perilloux said. "The middle Texas coast is really just now being discovered for its fine fishing."

The most popular fish along the Gulf Coast are red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, black drum and sheepshead. Offshore fishing offers up shark, marlin, amberjack, ling, dolphin and too many other species to name. There are many types of fish that, although not the finest dining, will provide lots of action when hooked.

Some months and seasons are better prospects than others, but truly fishing is good anytime. This is where using the services of a professional guide will most certainly enhance your fishing experience. Please remember to purchase a fishing license with necessary stamps and know the laws, regulations and limits for the type of fish you are after.