Hunting
Waterfowl hunting the Texas coast is without a doubt the most satisfying hunt that this state has to offer especially when it comes to its prized jem… Matagorda Bay. The open skies and deep marsh lands create an bountiful, one of a kind environment for the birds during the winter months which allows for large numbers and countless species to thrive!
Whether your looking to cross off a bucket list bird or fill up the freezer we got you covered by using some of the best equipment in the industry partnered with some of the best minds in the field. We actively hunt out of lay-out blinds which keep a “low-profile” allowing us to fool even weary late season birds into the professional spread of over 300 decoys (most hunts). We recommend shooting a 12ga shotgun with steel (NO LEAD SHOT ALLOWED ONTO THE BOAT) 1, 2, or 3 shot with a modified or full choke.
Every individual adventure is different so please contact your guide for specific needs however here are some items you will be responsible for bringing on nearly every trip:
- Acceptable clothing for the days weather (wind breaks are highly recommended)
- Waders (HIGHLY recommended and are required on the majority of our hunts)
- Shotgun
- Ammunition
- Valid Texas Hunting license will appropriate stamps & endorsements
- Personal snacks/drinks (water is provided on the trip)
Fishing charters
Matagorda Bay has an amazing fishery with species such as Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder living in abundance. This provides unmatched opportunity for those wanting to get out and enjoy a worry free atmosphere filled with memorable adventures! There are 2 types of fishing which consist of either drifting or wading. Although these two methods target the same species they are both very different experiences.
Drifting/Trolling are for the more relaxed angler wishing to stay high & dry on the boat. Typical fishing methods on these trips include throwing live shrimp, cut mullet, soft plastics, and even lures over submerged structures, drainage channels, and flatts throughout the day. Wade fishing is for the more skilled angler who wish to be more personal with their catch by entering the water to battle the fish head on. These adventures have limitless possibilities when it comes to choice of baits/lures however we do have our favorite which include live croaker, top water lures, and big soft lures such as corkie.
All charters are fully inclusive which means that the only items that the clients need to bring consist of personal snacks/drinks, appropriate clothing for the days weather, and their valid Texas fishing license with necessary endorsements/stamps (small children will need a fitted life jacket per safety codes). SSO provides everything else which includes fuel, rods/reels, tackle, lifejackets/safety gear, iced coolers, and bottled waters for the group.
All charters are fully inclusive which means that the only items that the clients need to bring consist of personal snacks/drinks, appropriate clothing for the days weather, and their valid Texas fishing license with necessary endorsements/stamps (small children will need a fitted life jacket per safety codes). SSO provides everything else which includes fuel, rods/reels, tackle, lifejackets/safety gear, iced coolers, and bottled waters for the group.
Below are some quick details when constructing your charter:
- Morning charters run from ~6am-12:30pm
(begins at sunrise) - Afternoon charters run from ~1:30-8 (concludes at sunset)
- Dead bait & lures are charged by the bag (typically $7 per), recommend 1-2 bags per trip
- Ammunition
- Live Shrimp is charged by the quart (typically $20 per), recommend 2-4 quarts per trip
- PLive Croaker is charged by the dozen (typically $12 per), recommend 4 dozen per angler
- Deposit is 100 per day and the remaining balance is due upon completion
Dog Training
There is nothing like hunting with your furry friend especially when he/she is an obedient partner in the blind. Our sole goal behind our school is to create a well-rounded pup that not only minds well but is also metaphorically hungry for the hunt! The kennels are located on a 2.5-acre property in Wharton TX that has prime access into the Colorado River. Land and water retrieves are regularly performed with plastic/burlap bumpers, wings, dead/live farm-raised birds. During their downtime, the canine will have his/her own kennel slot where they will await their next training session. All of the 6 kennel slots (90sq foot each) are outfitted with water bowls & extra large dog houses to give advanced protection from the elements. These extra-large set-ups assure that your pup will have
plenty of room to stretch and stay physically healthy during their stay.
Interior & perimeter lighting has been installed so late night appointments are available upon request. Firearms are used during the many training cycles to ensure that gun fires something to be excited about. This is another crucial skill that must be completed before their return home and it is
introduced to each individual dog depending on their level of skill (typically introduced to gunfire within 2-4 weeks of their arrival date). Live/dead birds such as ducks, quail, etc to allow your pup to become familiar with the taste, smell, and texture of the game birds. The safety of our animals is a top priority and to better our complex we have it under 24hr surveillance so you can rest assured that your family member is not only comfortable but safe & secured.
Having a high performance retriever requires a high performance food and for that reason we feed Victor High Pro Plus. We have had extremely good luck with this brand with a 99% success rate meaning that the pups do not get stomach problems when fed this (the 1% of dogs that do get sick will be switched to a specialty food at the owners expense). This brand of food (Victor) is included provided at no extra charge during the pups stay.
The duration of time spent at our facility can vary however the broad time frame one could expect for one to stay is 3-9 months. The actual amount of time will depend on the specific challenges the canine will need to overcome as well as their end goal set by their owner. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome to the homestead and we look forward to being able to pass on the
knowledge on how to become a successful hunting companion!
