Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday Blog
Stay on the Texas Coast Starting at Just $40/Night
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From 172 South: continue south (crossing highway 35) 1.4 miles, coming to CR 302 (at Calhoun County sign), make a left, continue 1.4 miles, and the campground will be on your left.
From 35 South: make a right on 172 (towards Olivia), continue 1.4 miles coming to CR 302 (at Calhoun County sign), make a left, continue 1.4 miles, and the campground will be on your left.
From 35 North: make a left on 172 (towards Olivia), continue 1.4 miles coming to CR 302 (at Calhoun County sign), make a left, continue 1.4 miles, and the campground will be on your left.
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, there’s no fishing achievement more iconic or brag-worthy than landing the Texas Saltwater Slam. You may hear seasoned anglers talk about it with a mix of pride, luck, and a little superstition — and for good reason. The Slam is a true test of skill, timing, and understanding how Texas inshore species behave.
But what exactly is a Saltwater Slam? Why does it matter so much? And what makes these three fish — Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout — the most legendary trio on the coast?
Let’s break it down.
These species represent the backbone of inshore fishing along the Texas coast. Each one behaves differently, lives in slightly different environments, and requires anglers to adjust their techniques. Landing all three in one day means you’ve mastered a wide range of fishing skills — and got a little lucky, too.
Some anglers also chase versions like:
But the classic Saltwater Slam is the big three everyone talks about.
Scientific name: Paralichthys lethostigma (Southern Flounder)
Where they live: Near the bottom around sandy flats, marsh drains, and structure
Why they’re part of the Slam:
Flounder are sneaky. They lie flat on the bottom and wait for prey, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. Catching them in the same day as Reds and Trout means you adjusted to slow, bottom-oriented fishing.
Fun fact: Flounder undergo a dramatic metamorphosis — one eye actually moves to the other side of their head.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus (Red Drum)
Where they live: Shallow grass flats, bays, marshes, and around oyster reefs
Why they’re part of the Slam:
Redfish fight hard and feed aggressively, but they roam different water depths throughout the day. Anglers may find them tailing in shallow water early, then cruising deeper channels later on. Patience and searching pay off.
Fun fact: Their iconic black tail spot is believed to distract predators away from the head.
Scientific name: Cynoscion nebulosus (Spotted Seatrout)
Where they live: Grass beds, reefs, channels, and slicks
Why they’re part of the Slam:
Trout can be picky eaters and often require lighter tackle or a more subtle approach. They bite differently than Reds or Flounder, which makes them a true test of finesse and timing.
Fun fact: When feeding aggressively, Trout will create an oily scent on the surface called a “trout slick.”
The Texas Saltwater Slam isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding the ecosystem.
To catch all three in one day, anglers must:
Landing a Slam means you successfully navigated the entire inshore food chain that day. It’s a bucket-list moment.
If you want to chase one during your stay, here are helpful, practical tips:
1. Start with Trout at sunrise
They’re most aggressive early and will hit topwater lures.
2. Move to Redfish mid-morning
Look for wakes, tailing fish, and shallow flats.
3. Target Flounder last
Work slow, bounce soft plastics near the bottom, or fish around drains on falling tide.
4. Keep an eye on tides
Outgoing tides concentrate all three species near cuts and marsh drains.
5. Don’t ignore structure
Oyster reefs, grass lines, and creek mouths can hold all three.
From Matagorda Bay to Port Lavaca and down toward Rockport, Texas offers:
This combination makes our coast one of the best saltwater inshore fisheries in the United States.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, the Texas Saltwater Slam is a thrilling challenge — and the Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay coastline is one of the best places to chase it.
Bring your rod, pick the right tide, and maybe you’ll walk away with bragging rights to the famous Texas threesome:
Flounder. Redfish. Trout.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
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