Get ready for a unique fishing adventure under the stars with Captain Mike Aguirre's Galveston flounder gigging charter. This 4-hour nighttime trip takes you into the shallow waters of Galveston Bay, where you'll use specialized gear to target some of the area's most prized flatfish. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and curious newcomers, this charter offers a hands-on experience you won't find anywhere else in Texas.
Flounder gigging is like underwater hunting meets fishing. We'll cruise the shallows in Captain Mike's custom-rigged boat, using powerful LED lights to spot flounder buried in the sand. When we see one, we use long poles called gigs to spear them. It's a time-honored Gulf Coast tradition that's as much about the hunt as it is about the catch. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of spotting a big flounder and making that perfect strike.
Don't worry if you've never been gigging before - Captain Mike's got you covered. He'll show you the ropes, from how to spot a flounder's eyes glowing in the light to the proper technique for a clean gig. We use top-notch gear, including state-of-the-art LED lighting systems that turn night into day on the water. The shallow, calm waters of Galveston Bay are perfect for this kind of fishing, and Captain Mike knows all the honey holes where the big ones like to hide.
While flounder are the stars of the show, we often come across other tasty bottom-dwellers like sheepshead and black drum. These guys can put up a good fight and make for some excellent eating too. It's like a seafood treasure hunt - you never know what you might find in the beam of our lights. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, and you're good to go.
Our trip kicks off at 8 p.m., so come ready for a night on the water. We can take up to six people, but the base price of $600 covers two. Each additional person is $100, making it a great deal for a group or family outing. Captain Mike provides all the gigging gear, but feel free to bring your favorite snacks and drinks. And trust me, you'll want a cooler for your catch - nothing beats fresh flounder for dinner the next day.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the main event. They can grow up to 25 inches long and weigh over 5 pounds. Flounder are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sand with just their eyes peeking out. That's where our LED lights come in handy. Fall is prime time for big flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but we catch them year-round in Galveston Bay.
Black Drum: These cousins of the red drum can grow to monster sizes, but we target the smaller "puppy drums" that are better for eating. They've got a distinctive black color and make a croaking sound that's earned them the nickname "Big Uglies." Black drum feed on the bottom, crushing shellfish with their strong teeth plates.
Sheepshead: With their black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the oddest-looking fish you'll encounter. They're known as the "convict fish" due to their striped appearance. Sheepshead are crafty and can be challenging to gig, making them a prized catch. They're also delicious, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling.
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, Captain Mike's flounder gigging charter is hard to beat. It's a chance to experience a true Gulf Coast tradition, learn a new skill, and come home with some of the best-eating fish in the sea. Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor wanting to try something uniquely Texan, this trip delivers. So grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and get ready for a night of fun on Galveston Bay. The flounder are waiting - let's go get 'em!
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Galveston Bay. These cousins of the Redfish can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and shallow estuaries, often in brackish water. They're bottom feeders with strong teeth, perfect for crushing shellfish. Spring's the hot season, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig Black Drum for their powerful fights and adaptability - they'll hit everything from live crabs to slow-moving jigs. Just remember, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) taste better. The big ones can be tough as old shoe leather. For best results, use fresh crab as bait and fish it right on the bottom. Listen close - you might hear their famous croaking sound, especially during spawning season. It's like nature's own fish finder.
Sheepshead are the striped tricksters of Galveston Bay. These 1-8 pounders, with their distinctive black and white bars, hang around structures like nobody's business - docks, bridges, and reefs are their favorite spots. They're infamous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring's the prime time to catch 'em, as they gather in huge spawning groups. Anglers love the challenge - Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. They put up a good fight and make for some tasty eating with their sweet, white meat. Here's a local trick: use fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. Patience is key - these convict fish can be picky eaters, but they're worth the wait.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in Galveston Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 20 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, blending in with the substrate to surprise their prey. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they migrate to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, flaky white meat and the challenge of spotting them. When gigging, look for their distinct outline and those eyes on the left side of their head. A local tip: move slowly and quietly in shallow water - flounder spook easily, but patience pays off with a cooler full of these tasty flatfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150