Explore Laguna Madre, the only hypersaline coastal lagoon in North America, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. This beautiful wetland, described by TPW as “remote and pristine,” is protected by surrounding large ranches and the Padre Island National Seashore and is perfect for exploring in a kayak. Port Mansfield, Texas is one of the many cities located along this bay.
Climate
Laguna Madre is divided into an upper and lower bay that is divided in the middle by Saltillo Flats, a land bridge stretching approximately 20 miles long. The two bays were joined in 1949 by the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, also known as the Land Cut. Laguna Madre is located approximately 9 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, approximately the same latitude as Palm Beach, Florida. Kayak enthusiasts enjoy gentle sea-breeze and clear, warm weather most of the year.
History
According to TPW, the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan Indians were probably the first to discover the bay. However, the first Europeans to set eyes on the area were in the 1500s, when Spanish explorer Alonso de Pineda was commissioned by the Spanish government to chart the Texas coastline. Pineda named the bay Laguna Madre, meaning “Mother Lagoon.”
Kayaking
You can begin the adventure by launching your kayak at one of the nine kayak launches into the Upper Laguna Madre, located in and around Port Mansfield. Then, you can set to explore this shallow area, taking in the natural habitat famous in South Texas. Laguna Madre provides preserved shorelines, rock reefs and excellent fishing opportunities to explore by kayak.
Protected Shorelines
You can explore the Padre Island National Seashore, located on the east side of the bay and view the seagrass meadows that provide a nursery area for juvenile fish as well as shrimp and crabs. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, this area is home to approximately 80% of the remaining Texas seagrass habitat. Stretching from Port Isabel to Port Mansfield is The Laguna Atascotia National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot a herd of white-tailed deer or maybe a coyote or turkey.
Rock Reefs
There are two types of rock reefs located in Laguna Madre that serve as a habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The first is comprised of remnants of Gulf Beaches, such as shells and sand bound together by calcium carbonate cement, and is just south of Baffin Bay, in the upper Laguna Madre. The second reef began formation 3,000 years ago from serpulid worms and is located in the Baffin Bay.
Fishing
The Laguna Madre is one of only five hypersaline coastal lagoons in the world, according to TPW, and anglers know it for its world-class fishing. The most popular species among anglers in Laguna Madre is the spotted sea trout; however, the water is abundant with species such as red drum, black drum, gray snapper and Florida pompano. Even a barracuda could be waiting at the end of your line. Locals and guides can take you to obscure fishing spots that are only 6 to 8 inches in depth for a great fishing experience.
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