Fresh WorldClass Southern Flounder Fishing In Galveston

Night Flounder Fishing on Galveston Docks

Two Southern Flounder caught using jigging and light tackle on wooden dock at night near 9301 Broadway St

The night was dark. The dock lights shimmered on the water. A group of anglers stood ready. Their rods cast long shadows. Anticipation filled the air. Suddenly a line went taut. A struggle ensued. The fisherman reeled steadily. A flash of silver broke the surface. The flounder thrashed wildly. With a final heave it was landed. Cheers erupted from the group. The prized catch lay on the deck. Its flat body glistened in the artificial light. Another successful night on Galveston Bay.

Trip lead by the Captain

Mike Aguirre

Galveston

Galveston Flounder Gigging at Night

Summary

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow across Galveston Bay, anglers prepare for an exciting night of Southern Flounder fishing. These flatfish, known scientifically as Paralichthys lethostigma, are prized catches in the Gulf Coast region. With rods in hand and bait buckets filled, fishermen make their way to the illuminated docks that dot the shoreline. The gentle lapping of waves against wooden pilings creates a soothing rhythm as eager anglers cast their lines into the dark waters. Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with the sandy bottom, making them a challenging yet rewarding target. As the night progresses, the anticipation builds with each tug on the line. Suddenly, a sharp pull signals a bite, and the battle begins. The flounder's unique flat body creates an interesting fight as it is reeled in, twisting and turning in the water. Finally, a beautiful specimen is lifted from the bay, its speckled brown topside glistening under the dock lights. Measuring an impressive 20 inches, this Southern Flounder represents a successful night of fishing in Galveston. The cool night air fills with excited chatter as fellow anglers admire the catch and share stories of their own encounters with these elusive flatfish. As the fishing trip winds down, participants leave with not only a delicious meal secured but also memories of a thrilling nocturnal adventure on the Texas coast.

Nighttime Flounder Fishing in Galveston

The image captures a successful night of flounder fishing on a dock in Galveston, Texas. A large Southern Flounder (Paralichthys Lethostigma) lies on the wooden planks, illuminated by the warm glow of dock lights. The fish's distinctive flat body and speckled pattern are clearly visible, showcasing the prized catch of the evening. The dark waters surrounding the dock hint at the challenging yet rewarding nature of nocturnal flounder fishing in this coastal region.

Ideal Conditions for Flounder Gigging

The calm waters and clear night sky visible in the image provide perfect conditions for flounder gigging, a popular fishing technique in Galveston. The still surface allows anglers to spot the camouflaged flatfish more easily as they rest on the sandy bottom. The dock's lights play a crucial role, helping fishermen locate their targets in the shallow waters near the shore. This scene exemplifies why Galveston's bays and estuaries are renowned for excellent flounder fishing opportunities.

The Southern Flounder's Habitat

Paralichthys Lethostigma, commonly known as the Southern Flounder, thrives in the estuarine environments of Galveston Bay. The wooden dock and surrounding waters depicted in the image represent the ideal habitat for these bottom-dwelling fish. They prefer areas with mixed sand and mud substrates, often found near structures like docks and jetties. The abundance of baitfish and crustaceans in these waters makes Galveston a prime location for flounder to feed and grow, attracting anglers from all over to experience the thrill of landing these elusive flatfish.

Species explored in this image

Southern Flounder

Species Name: Southern Flounder

Species Family: Paralichthyidae

Species Order: Pleuronectiformes

Habitat: Onshore, Inshore, Channels, Rivers

Weight: 1 - 4 pounds

Length: 12" - 33"

The Southern Flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, is a master of camouflage and deception. Its flat body, perfectly adapted to life on the seafloor, allows it to blend seamlessly with the sandy or muddy bottom. Both eyes positioned on one side of its head give it a unique appearance and excellent vision for spotting prey. As we glide through the shallow waters of Galveston Bay, our lights reveal these cryptic predators lying in wait. Their mottled brown and gray coloration makes them nearly invisible until the last moment. Suddenly, a slight movement catches our eye - a flounder repositioning itself, perhaps sensing our approach. Its ability to change color and pattern to match its surroundings is truly remarkable. We observe its patient hunting strategy, how it buries itself partially in the substrate, leaving only its eyes exposed. Small fish and crustaceans, unaware of the danger, swim carelessly nearby. In an instant, the flounder springs into action, its large mouth engulfing unsuspecting prey. This ambush technique, combined with its flattened body shape, makes the Southern Flounder a formidable predator in these coastal waters. As we continue our night gigging adventure, we gain a newfound appreciation for these fascinating fish and their crucial role in the bay's ecosystem.

More species you can explore on this trip

Black Drum

Sheepshead

Southern Flounder

Shallow Encounters Flounder Gigging Charter Available Trips

The fishing charter boat "Sea Breeze" is a 32-foot center console vessel designed for offshore and nearshore fishing trips. It features a spacious open deck layout with ample room for up to six anglers to fish comfortably. The boat is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and fish-finding electronics including GPS chartplotters radar and multiple fish finders. Twin outboard engines provide reliable power and maneuverability. The "Sea Breeze" has a large live bait well rod holders throughout and an insulated fish box to keep the catch fresh. A T-top provides shade and houses additional equipment like radios and speakers. The boat is stocked with quality fishing gear including rods reels and tackle appropriate for various fishing techniques. Safety equipment includes life jackets flares and a first aid kit. With its sturdy construction and experienced captain at the helm the "Sea Breeze" offers a safe and enjoyable platform for memorable fishing adventures.

Weather when the photo was taken

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