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Caught a Southern Flounder Fishing in Galveston
Southern Flounder Fishing in Galveston
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Southern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that belong to the Paralichthyidae family. These ambush predators are perfectly adapted to their bottom-dwelling lifestyle. What makes them unique among Gulf Coast gamefish is their remarkable ability to change color and pattern to match virtually any bottom substrate they settle on. - Can grow between 12-33 inches in length and weigh 1-4 pounds. - Both eyes are located on the left side of their body. - Prefer inshore habitats including channels and river mouths.
Fishing Charter by Captain Mike Aguirre in October
Meet your Captain Mike Aguirre
- Galveston Flounder Gigging at Night
Summary
Our Thursday October flounder gigging charter in Galveston Bay delivered exactly what these waters are known for—prime Southern Flounder action under the stars. Captain Mike Aguirre guided this night fishing adventure, working the shallow flats where flounder lay waiting. Using specialized LED lights to spot these camouflage masters in the clear shallows, we had success with our gigging approach in the productive Galveston Bay waters. The 4-hour trip gave us plenty of time to work different areas, targeting the fish as they settled into their nighttime feeding patterns. This Galveston fishing charter provides all the specialized gigging gear you'll need, along with local expertise that puts you on fish consistently throughout the year. The combination of techniques paid off with quality Southern Flounder—a real testament to why Galveston Bay remains one of Texas' top flounder fisheries.
Fishing Charter with Mike Aguirre – Rates & Booking
Captain Mike Aguirre of Shallow Encounters Flounder Gigging Charter on Thursday October offers his signature 4-hour night flounder gigging adventure on Galveston Bay for $600, accommodating two guests with space for up to four additional people at $100 per person. The trip includes all specialized gigging equipment, bright LED lights for spotting fish, and access to proven flounder hotspots throughout the bay. You'll want to bring your valid Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp, along with your favorite snacks and drinks. These night trips typically run from 8 p.m. until midnight, giving you prime hours when flounder are most active in the shallows. To secure your spot, a deposit is required (non-refundable), with the balance due at the dock before departure.
Highlights of Galveston Flounder Gigging Charter
Captain Mike's night flounder gigging trips offer an entirely different fishing experience than daytime angling. Using powerful LED lights mounted on his specialized shallow-water boat, you'll be able to spot flounder lying camouflaged on the sandy bottom in crystal-clear water. This method allows for incredibly selective harvesting, targeting only quality fish while enjoying the unique nighttime environment of Galveston Bay.
What makes these trips particularly special is the hands-on experience. You'll be actively involved in spotting and gigging your own flounder while learning about their behavior and habitat preferences directly from Captain Mike. The calm, shallow waters of Galveston Bay create ideal conditions for this traditional Texas fishing method that's been practiced for generations along the Gulf Coast. Both beginners and experienced anglers find the experience equally rewarding.
Local Species Insights: Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder thrive in Galveston Bay's diverse ecosystem where freshwater meets saltwater, creating perfect ambush zones for these masters of camouflage. They prefer to settle into sandy or muddy bottoms near structure, channels, and drop-offs where they can lie in wait for passing baitfish. Fall is particularly productive as flounder stage for their annual migration to the Gulf, concentrating in predictable areas.
Captain Mike targets these fish using specialized gigging equipment and lighting systems that illuminate the shallow flats. The technique involves slowly poling through clear, shallow water while scanning the bottom for the distinctive outline of a flounder. Night gigging is particularly effective because flounder move into very shallow water after dark to feed, making them more accessible than during daylight hours. The Galveston Bay system provides some of the most consistent flounder gigging in Texas, especially during the fall run when larger fish move through the system.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour night flounder gigging trip, Captain Mike recommends wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, as temperatures on the water can be cooler than on land. Bring a light jacket even during summer months. The specialized shallow-draft boat comfortably accommodates up to six guests, with all necessary gigging equipment provided. Since these are evening trips, consider eating dinner before arrival or bringing snacks to enjoy on the water. Don't forget your Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement, and a cooler with ice for your catch. Cell phone reception is generally good throughout Galveston Bay, but a waterproof case is recommended for protection. Captain Mike launches from a convenient location with easy parking and restroom access before departure.
Fishing in Galveston: Southern Flounder
The Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) belongs to the Paralichthyidae family and the order Pleuronectiformes. These remarkable flatfish are distinguished by having both eyes positioned on the left side of their body, giving them their characteristic asymmetrical appearance. In Galveston waters this October, these ambush predators become especially active as they prepare for their seasonal migration to the Gulf.
Southern Flounder Overview
Southern Flounder are highly sought-after gamefish along the Texas coast, prized by both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen. They're known for their delicious white flesh and challenging fishing characteristics, especially during their fall migration period when larger specimens move through Galveston Bay toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in estuaries, bays, and coastal waters from North Carolina to Texas. In Galveston Bay, they prefer areas with mixed bottom structure, particularly spots where freshwater meets saltwater. They commonly inhabit channels, river mouths, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where they can lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey.
Southern Flounder Size and Weight
Southern Flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length and weigh between 1 and 4 pounds. Trophy specimens over 5 pounds are caught occasionally in Galveston Bay, particularly during the fall migration when larger females move offshore to spawn.
Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on small fish like mullet, menhaden, and finger mullet, as well as shrimp and crabs. They're ambush feeders, lying motionless and camouflaged on the bottom until prey passes overhead, then striking with surprising speed. They're most active during low light conditions, which makes night gigging particularly effective.
Southern Flounder Spawning Season
Fall and early winter mark the spawning season for Southern Flounder in Texas waters. Beginning in October, mature flounder begin moving toward the Gulf of Mexico to spawn in deeper offshore waters. This migration creates a predictable pattern where flounder concentrate around passes, channels and cuts leading to the Gulf, making the fall run a prime time for Galveston flounder fishing.
Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques
While gigging is a traditional and effective method at night, anglers also target flounder during daylight hours using several techniques. Fishing with live finger mullet or mud minnows on a Carolina rig works well around structure and drop-offs. Soft plastic jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink bounced slowly along the bottom near channel edges are also productive. In October, Galveston anglers focus on areas where water flows between the bay and Gulf, as flounder stage in these locations during their migration.
Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Southern Flounder is widely considered one of the best-tasting fish from Gulf waters. The meat is mild, white, flaky, and has a delicate, sweet flavor that even people who don't typically enjoy fish often appreciate. It's versatile in the kitchen—excellent when broiled, baked, or pan-fried. Nutritionally, flounder is a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and contains relatively low levels of mercury compared to other predatory fish.
Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?
A: Live finger mullet, mud minnows, and shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, scented soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse worked slowly along the bottom are most effective in Galveston Bay.
Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Galveston?
A: Focus on areas with structure and current flow—channel edges, marsh drains, points with shell bottom, and areas around passes and bridges. During fall, concentrate on deeper channels and cuts leading to the Gulf of Mexico.
Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?
A: Absolutely! Southern Flounder is considered one of the finest eating fish from Gulf waters, with delicate, sweet white flesh that's ideal for a variety of cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?
A: In Galveston, the fall run (October through December) is prime time when flounder congregate during their spawning migration. Spring (March-May) is also productive as they return to the bays. For daily timing, dawn, dusk, and night hours typically yield the best results.
Q: Why do flounder have both eyes on one side?
A: Flounder begin life with eyes on both sides, but during development, one eye migrates to join the other on the left side. This adaptation allows them to lie flat on the ocean floor while keeping both eyes vigilant for predators and prey above.
Q: What size net do I need for flounder?
A: A large landing net with a minimum 20-inch hoop and deep bag is recommended for flounder fishing in Galveston. Rubber mesh nets are preferable as they're less likely to tangle with hooks and damage the fish if you're practicing catch and release.
