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Shallow Encounters Flounder Gigging Charter in Galveston
Southern Flounder Fishing in Galveston
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Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) are masters of camouflage in Galveston's inshore waters, with their flat, oval bodies perfectly adapted for life on the bay bottom. These fascinating fish range from 12-33 inches in length and typically weigh between 1-4 pounds, though trophy specimens can grow larger. - Both eyes are positioned on the left side of their body, giving them excellent visibility while remaining hidden in the sand. - Their ability to change color to match surrounding substrate makes them nearly invisible until illuminated by gigging lights.
Fishing Charter by Captain Mike Aguirre in October
Meet your Captain Mike Aguirre
- Galveston Flounder Gigging at Night
Summary
Join us for an exciting Thursday October night flounder gigging adventure in Galveston Bay. Our specialized 4-hour charter focuses on Southern Flounder using proven gigging techniques in shallow waters. Captain Mike Aguirre leads these productive trips where LED lights illuminate the bay flats, revealing flounder hiding in the sand. Whether you're new to gigging or an experienced angler, this Galveston fishing charter offers a unique nighttime fishing experience. We provide all specialized equipment and local knowledge to maximize your success. The calm, protected waters of Galveston Bay create ideal conditions for targeting flounder, with consistent action throughout the evening hours. This trip accommodates 2-6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families looking for a memorable Texas fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Mike Aguirre – Rates & Booking
Captain Mike Aguirre of Shallow Encounters Flounder Gigging Charter offers Thursday October night trips priced at $600 for two anglers, with capacity for up to six people at $100 per additional guest. This 4-hour excursion begins at 8 p.m., focusing on the productive flounder grounds of Galveston Bay. Captain Mike provides all specialized gigging equipment and guides you to his proven spots using LED lights to illuminate the shallows. His local knowledge of Galveston's waters ensures you'll target not just Southern Flounder but potentially Sheepshead and Drum as well. When booking, remember to bring your Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp, plus any preferred snacks and beverages. Be aware that deposits are non-refundable, but the potential reward is a cooler full of fresh catch at night's end.
Highlights of Galveston Flounder Gigging Charter
Our night flounder gigging trips in Galveston Bay offer a completely different fishing experience than daytime charters. Under the glow of powerful LED lights, the shallow flats come alive, revealing flounder nestled in the sand. The thrill of spotting and successfully gigging these camouflage masters provides instant gratification that traditional hook-and-line fishing can't match.
The evening conditions in Galveston Bay are often ideal for gigging, with calm waters and minimal boat traffic. Captain Mike navigates the shallow areas where flounder concentrate, particularly during their seasonal movements. This specialized technique allows us to target Southern Flounder with remarkable precision, and our success rates are consistently high. Even beginners can quickly learn the spotting and gigging techniques under Captain Mike's guidance, making this an accessible adventure for anglers of all skill levels.
Local Species Insights: Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder in Galveston Bay thrive in the diverse ecosystem where freshwater meets saltwater. These ambush predators prefer sandy or muddy bottoms near structure, making the bay's channels, inlets, and passes prime habitat. Captain Mike targets these areas using specialized gigging equipment that illuminates the bottom, revealing the flounder's distinctive outline.
Fall and winter months yield the best flounder gigging opportunities in Galveston as these fish stage for their offshore spawning migration. During this period, larger specimens are commonly encountered in the shallows. Spring and summer still produce consistent action, though fish may be slightly smaller on average. The night gigging technique we employ is particularly effective because flounder move into very shallow water after dark to feed, making them more accessible than during daylight hours.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your night flounder gigging trip begins at our Galveston Bay meeting point around 8 p.m. Captain Mike operates a specialized gigging vessel designed for shallow water navigation, equipped with powerful LED lighting systems to illuminate the bottom. The boat comfortably accommodates two to six anglers, with plenty of room to move around during the gigging process.
Dress according to the weather—even warm days can lead to cool evenings on the water. We suggest bringing a light jacket, hat, polarized sunglasses (even for night trips), and non-slip shoes. Don't forget your camera, drinks, and snacks. All specialized gigging equipment is provided, though you'll need to bring your Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp. The trip concludes around midnight, when you'll return with your fresh catch, which we can clean and prepare for you to take home.
Fishing in Galveston: Southern Flounder
The Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) belongs to the Paralichthyidae family within the order Pleuronectiformes. This remarkable flatfish is distinguished by having both eyes positioned on its left side, earning it the classification as a "left-eyed flounder." In Galveston waters, these masters of camouflage are prized catches for both recreational and commercial fishermen, especially during night gigging trips.
Southern Flounder Overview
Southern Flounder are ambush predators with a unique flat, oval-shaped body perfectly adapted for life on the seafloor. Their ability to change coloration to match sandy or muddy bottoms makes them nearly invisible until spotted by trained eyes or illuminated by specialized lights. These fish are highly sought after in Texas coastal waters for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in estuarine environments where fresh and salt water mix. They're commonly found in Galveston Bay's channels, inlets, passes, and around structure like oyster reefs and dock pilings. Southern Flounder prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can bury themselves, leaving only their eyes exposed. They're distributed throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic coast as far north as North Carolina.
Southern Flounder Size and Weight
Southern Flounder typically measure between 12 and 33 inches in length and weigh from 1 to 4 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 5 pounds are caught occasionally in Galveston waters, particularly during the fall migration period. Texas regulations specify minimum size limits to protect the breeding population.
Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior
As ambush predators, Southern Flounder feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, and crabs. They lie motionless, partially buried in the substrate, waiting for prey to pass overhead before striking with remarkable speed. Their feeding activity increases during tidal movements and is often more pronounced at night, which is why night gigging is such an effective technique in Galveston Bay.
Southern Flounder Spawning Season
In Galveston waters, Southern Flounder undertake a significant migration to spawn during late fall and early winter. As water temperatures drop below 70°F, mature flounder move from the bays toward Gulf passes to reach offshore spawning grounds. This migration creates a prime opportunity for anglers in October through December, as fish concentrate in predictable areas during their journey.
Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques
While our Galveston charters focus on gigging, Southern Flounder can also be caught using conventional tackle. Effective methods include bottom fishing with live finger mullet, mud minnows, or shrimp near channel edges and drop-offs. Artificial baits like soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom also produce results. In October around Galveston, concentrate efforts near bayou mouths and channels leading to the Gulf where migrating flounder stage before moving offshore.
Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Southern Flounder is widely considered one of the finest eating fish available from Gulf waters. The meat is mild, white, flaky, and features a delicate sweet flavor without a strong "fishy" taste. It's low in fat but rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The fillets cook beautifully whether pan-seared, baked, or broiled, making flounder a staple in coastal cuisine throughout Texas.
Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?
A: Live finger mullet, mud minnows, and live shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, soft plastic jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink worked slowly along the bottom are most effective in Galveston waters.
Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Galveston?
A: Focus on channel edges, bayou mouths, marsh drains, and areas with mixed bottom structure. During fall, concentrate on passages leading toward the Gulf where flounder stage during their migration.
Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?
A: Absolutely. Southern Flounder is considered premium table fare with delicate, white, flaky meat that's low in fat and mild in flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and is a staple in coastal Texas cuisine.
Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder in Galveston?
A: The fall run (October through December) offers the best opportunity for larger flounder as they migrate toward the Gulf for spawning. However, flounder can be caught year-round, with spring and summer providing consistent action for keeper-sized fish.
Q: What is flounder gigging and why is it done at night?
A: Gigging involves using a specialized multi-pronged spear (gig) to harvest flounder spotted on shallow flats. It's most effective at night because flounder move into very shallow water to feed after dark, and bright lights make them easier to spot against the bottom.
Q: What size Southern Flounder can I keep in Texas waters?
A: Texas regulations require Southern Flounder to be at least 15 inches in length to harvest. Special regulations apply during the fall migration period, so always check current TPWD regulations before your trip.
