Half Day Southern Flounder Gigging in Port O'Connor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour flounder gigging adventure for 2 guestsTarget flounder, trout, redfish and drum in shallow watersIncludes all bait and complimentary fish cleaning service
If you're looking for a fishing adventure that's a little different from your typical rod and reel setup, this 4-hour flounder gigging trip is exactly what you need. Starting bright and early at 7 AM, you'll head out into the shallow waters around Port O'Connor with your gig in hand, ready to hunt down some of the area's most prized flatfish. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's active, engaging, and gives you a front-row seat to watching these masters of camouflage try to hide on the bottom. At $600 for two people, with room for up to four total guests at $100 per additional angler, this private charter keeps things intimate and focused on putting you on fish.
This trip is all about getting up close and personal with the flats around Port O'Connor. You'll be working the shallow areas where flounder love to bury themselves in the sand and mud, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. The captain will position the boat in prime flounder habitat – typically sandy bottoms mixed with shell and grass beds in 2-6 feet of water. The early morning start isn't just for show; it's when flounder are most active and easier to spot before the sun gets too high and creates glare on the water. While your primary target is southern flounder, these productive waters also hold plenty of speckled trout, redfish, and black drum, so you might find yourself switching between gigging and conventional fishing throughout the morning. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – think of it as a combination hunting and fishing trip where patience and quick reflexes both come into play.
Flounder gigging is part skill, part luck, and all about having sharp eyes. You'll be using a multi-pronged gig – essentially a spear with 3-5 barbed tines designed to pin flounder to the bottom. The boat will be equipped with everything you need, including gigs, lights for better visibility, and landing nets. The technique involves slowly moving through shallow water while scanning the bottom for the telltale outline of a flounder. These fish are masters of disguise, often buried with just their eyes showing, so you'll learn to look for subtle differences in bottom texture, gill movement, or the characteristic oval shape. When you spot one, it's all about a quick, decisive strike straight down through the fish and into the bottom. The captain will teach you proper gigging form and help spot fish until you get the hang of it. Between gigging opportunities, you'll also have conventional tackle ready for targeting trout and reds that cruise these same flats.
Southern flounder are the stars of this show, and Port O'Connor's shallow bays provide some of Texas' best flounder habitat. These flatfish typically range from 14-20 inches, with occasional doormat-sized specimens pushing 24 inches or more. Fall months are prime time as flounder stage in the bays before making their offshore spawning run, concentrating in higher numbers and feeding aggressively. What makes flounder so exciting to target is the visual aspect – you're essentially sight fishing for a species that's evolved to be nearly invisible. When you finally spot one and make a clean gig, there's no feeling quite like it. The meat is also outstanding, with firm white fillets that are perfect for frying or grilling. Speckled trout frequent the same areas, especially around grass beds and drop-offs adjacent to the flats. These fish average 15-18 inches and are notorious for their light bite, making them a fun challenge on light tackle. Redfish cruise the shallows looking for crabs and small baitfish, often giving themselves away with their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot. Black drum round out the mix, particularly around shell beds and structure, where they root around for crabs and shellfish with their barbeled mouths.
This half-day flounder gigging adventure gives you a taste of one of the Texas coast's most unique fishing experiences while leaving plenty of time for other activities. The trip includes all bait, tackle, and fish cleaning service, so you'll head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the dinner table. The 4-hour duration is perfect for first-timers who want to learn proper gigging technique without committing to a full day, while still providing plenty of opportunities to put fish in the boat. Port O'Connor's protected bay system offers consistent fishing even when offshore conditions are rough, making this a reliable choice regardless of weather. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or someone who wants to experience Texas coastal fishing at its most authentic, this trip delivers. The intimate group size means personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one time with an experienced guide who knows these waters inside and out. Don't miss your chance to experience this top-rated fishing adventure that combines the best of sight fishing, hunting instincts, and good old-fashioned Texas hospitality.
The Long Beach Flounder Boat is your ticket to serious flounder action in Port O'Connor's productive waters. This 2016 20-footer packs a reliable 200 HP Evinrude that'll get you to the hot spots fast, hitting speeds up to 45 knots when conditions allow. Built specifically for flounder fishing, she's got everything you need for a successful gigging trip. The boat handles beautifully in shallow inshore waters where flounder like to hide, and there's plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work comfortably. Whether you're stalking flounder in the grass beds or working structure for trout and reds, this boat delivers the stability and maneuverability that makes the difference between watching fish and catching them. Perfect for those early morning runs when the fish are most active.
Port O'Connor