Half Day Drum, Sheepshead And Flounder Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening flounder gigging adventure departing at 6 PM nightlyTarget flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in shallow watersPrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests for $550
Captain William's evening flounder gigging trip in Matagorda Bay is hands down one of the most unique fishing experiences you'll find along the Texas coast. This isn't your typical cast-and-wait kind of fishing – we're talking about a 5-hour adventure that starts at 6 PM and takes you into the night, armed with lights and gigs, hunting flounder in the shallows like our grandfathers did. At $550 for up to four anglers, this private charter gives you exclusive access to some of the bay's most productive shallow water spots where drum, sheepshead, and flounder congregate as darkness falls.
When you step aboard Captain William's boat at 6 PM, you're signing up for something special. As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, we'll motor out to the prime shallow flats where these fish love to feed. The real magic happens once we fire up the underwater lights – suddenly, you can see everything moving beneath the surface. Flounder lying motionless on the bottom, black drum cruising the edges, and sheepshead picking around structure become visible in ways you've never experienced. The bay transforms into this underwater world that most anglers never get to see. You'll be standing on the bow or wading in knee-deep water, gig in hand, stalking fish that are right there in front of you. It's active, engaging, and honestly addictive once you get the hang of it. The peaceful evening atmosphere combined with the excitement of sight-fishing creates this perfect balance that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Captain William provides all the specialized gear you'll need for this type of fishing, including the gigs, lights, and wading equipment. Flounder gigging is all about stealth and precision – these fish rely on their camouflage, so you need to train your eye to spot that telltale outline on the sandy bottom. The lights we use are specifically designed to penetrate the water and illuminate the flats without spooking the fish. You'll learn to move slowly and deliberately, scanning the bottom for that distinctive flounder shape or the movement of drum and sheepshead around structure. The technique is straightforward but takes some practice – once you spot your target, you need to account for light refraction and make a quick, decisive strike with the gig. Captain William will coach you through the process, helping you identify fish and perfect your technique. The shallow waters of Matagorda Bay are ideal for this style of fishing because the visibility is excellent and the fish are concentrated in predictable areas.
Southern Flounder are the main attraction on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow substantial in Matagorda Bay, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to trophy specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder gigging because the fish are fattened up and moving toward the passes in preparation for their offshore spawning run. What makes flounder so exciting to gig is the challenge – they're masters of camouflage, lying perfectly still on the bottom until the last second. When you finally spot one and make a successful gig, there's this rush of accomplishment that's hard to match with conventional fishing methods.
Black Drum are another fantastic target species that you'll encounter on these evening trips. Matagorda Bay holds some seriously impressive drum, and the shallow flats are where you'll find them feeding on crabs and worms as the tide moves. These fish can range from smaller specimens perfect for the dinner table up to massive bull drum that'll test your gigging skills. Black drum are more active than flounder, often cruising the flats in small groups, which makes them easier to spot but sometimes trickier to approach. The best part about targeting drum in shallow water is watching their behavior – they'll root around in the sand and grass, completely unaware of your presence until you're right on top of them.
Winter Flounder and Summer Flounder both make appearances in Matagorda Bay depending on the season and water temperatures. Winter flounder tend to be more active in cooler months, while summer flounder are prime targets during the warmer periods. Both species exhibit similar behavior to southern flounder but have subtle differences in their preferred habitat and feeding patterns. Captain William knows how to read the conditions and target whichever species are most active during your trip.
Sheepshead round out the target list and provide some of the most entertaining action you'll see. These black-and-white striped fish are incredibly curious and will often approach the lights to investigate. They're typically found around any available structure – old pilings, rock piles, or even larger shells on the bottom. Sheepshead have this quirky personality that becomes obvious when you're watching them in clear, shallow water. They'll pick and poke at everything, making them relatively easy targets for experienced giggers. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
This evening flounder gigging adventure with Captain William represents one of the best values in Matagorda Bay fishing. At $550 for up to four anglers, you're getting five hours of guided fishing with all gear provided, plus the expertise of a captain who knows these waters inside and out. The trip works great for families looking to try something different, groups of friends wanting a unique experience, or serious anglers who want to add a new technique to their skillset. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of hands-on coaching and shot opportunities. Evening trips are particularly special because you'll experience the bay during that magical transition from day to night, with the added excitement of night fishing under the lights. Don't wait too long to book – this type of specialized fishing trip fills up quickly, especially during prime flounder season. Give Captain William a call and secure your spot for what's guaranteed to be one of the most memorable fishing experiences you'll have on
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, averaging 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. These gray-black bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings peak action during spawning season when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. They're tough fighters that test your tackle and patience. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make great eating, but the big ones are better released. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut clam works best. My go-to trick is using a heavy sinker to keep bait pinned to the bottom and fishing right against the oyster bars where they feed.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Matagorda Bay with their distinctive black and gray stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound structure huggers live around docks, pilings, and any barnacle-covered surface where they feed. Spring months from February through April bring the best action during spawning season. What guests love is watching these crafty bait thieves work - they'll nibble and pick at your offering before committing. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that rivals any reef fish. The challenge is their notorious ability to clean your hook without getting hooked. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep it tight to structure, and set the hook aggressively the moment you feel weight.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the kings of camouflage in Matagorda Bay. These left-eyed flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can stretch to 33 inches and hit 20 pounds. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall months bring the best fishing as they fatten up before winter. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are masters at stealing bait and blending into the bottom. They make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key trick is using a slip sinker rig with live shrimp or bull minnows, and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, give them a second before setting the hook hard.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are aggressive hunters compared to their cousins, actively chasing down prey rather than just waiting. These "chameleons of the sea" change color instantly to match the bottom, making them nearly invisible. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds and live 20 years. Fall months from September through November offer prime fishing when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit live bait and their excellent table quality. They prefer sandy bottoms near inlet mouths and channel edges. The secret is using live minnows or mullet hooked through the eyes for smaller bait, lips for larger ones. Keep your bait moving slightly - these fish like action unlike other flatfish species.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are unique flatfish that lie on their right side with both eyes positioned on the left. These "black backs" change color to match their surroundings - from jet black to olive or dark green. Running 10-12 inches typically, they can reach 25 inches and 8 pounds. They feed only in morning hours, using sight to hunt crustaceans and marine worms along muddy bottoms and around vegetation. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they move into shallower waters. What makes them special is their cautious bite - they'll nibble first before committing. Use a sensitive rod to feel those subtle taps, and go with bigger baits like sea worms or clams to attract the larger fish. Their small mouths mean patience pays off.
Matagorda