Flounder Gigging Trip with Captain Kyle
There's something special about wading through the shallow flats of Corpus Christi at dusk, gig in hand, watching for that telltale outline of a flounder pressed against the sandy bottom. Captain Kyle Ardoin's flounder gigging trips offer a completely different fishing experience - one that combines old-school technique with serious skill and patience. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel charter. Instead, you'll be stalking these masters of camouflage in water that's often knee-deep, using nothing but a sharp gig and good eyes to put fish in the boat.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Kyle runs a tight operation with just two anglers per trip, which means you'll get plenty of hands-on coaching and prime gigging spots. The beauty of this charter lies in its intimate setting - no crowded boats or fighting for space. Kyle knows these Corpus Christi flats like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over prime flounder habitat when the light starts getting low. You'll be using specialized LED lights to illuminate the bottom, and Kyle provides all the gigs and gear you'll need. The boat stays in slightly deeper water while you wade the shallows, methodically covering ground and scanning for fish. Don't worry if you've never gigged before - Kyle's been doing this for years and he'll teach you how to spot a flounder's outline, approach without spooking them, and make a clean stick. Between gigging runs, you'll have rods rigged and ready for any other species that might be feeding in the area.
Gigging Gear and Technique
Flounder gigging is all about stealth and precision. Kyle sets up each angler with a quality gig - typically a three or four-prong spear attached to a sturdy handle. The LED lights are key to this whole operation, cutting through the water to reveal what's hiding on the bottom. You'll learn to move slowly and deliberately, scanning the sandy and muddy areas where flounder love to bury themselves. The trick is recognizing their shape when they're perfectly camouflaged - sometimes all you'll see is the faint outline of their body or the glint of an eye. Once you spot one, the approach has to be smooth and confident. No hesitation, because these fish can disappear in a cloud of mud faster than you'd think. Kyle will coach you through your first few attempts, helping you judge distance and angle. The water depth typically ranges from ankle-deep to about thigh-high, and you'll be wearing waders or just shorts depending on conditions and personal preference. Safety is always the priority, so Kyle keeps close tabs on everyone in the water and knows exactly where the drop-offs and soft spots are located.
Target Species
Southern Flounder are the main attraction here, and Corpus Christi's grass flats provide perfect habitat for these ambush predators. These flatfish can range from keeper-size at 15 inches all the way up to doormat-sized fish pushing 5-6 pounds or more. Fall months tend to produce the best gigging action as flounder stage for their offshore spawning migration, feeding heavily and holding in predictable spots. What makes flounder so exciting to target is their incredible camouflage - they can change color and pattern to match the bottom perfectly, burying themselves with just their eyes exposed. When you finally spot one and make a successful stick, there's a real sense of accomplishment that's different from any other type of fishing.
Black Drum show up regularly in the same shallow water areas, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 20-25 inches up to true giants over 40 inches. They're primarily bottom feeders, rooting around for crabs and shrimp, but they'll readily take baits presented near structure. Black drum are notorious for their bulldogging fight - not flashy jumpers, but they'll use every ounce of their weight to try and reach cover. The bigger fish provide serious arm-burning battles in shallow water.
Sheepshead are another target species that frequent the same areas, particularly around any hard structure like oyster bars or old pilings. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with their sharp, human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They typically run 12-16 inches in these waters, though larger fish over 20 inches show up regularly. Sheepshead require finesse fishing with small hooks and fresh bait - they're incredibly light biters and will steal your bait before you know they're there. Local anglers target them year-round, but the cooler months often produce the most consistent action.
Alligator Gar represent the wild card species on these trips. These prehistoric fish can show up anywhere in the bay system, from shallow flats to deeper channels. They're ambush predators that can reach impressive sizes - fish over 4-5 feet aren't uncommon in these waters. Gar have incredibly tough, bony mouths that make them challenging to hook, but once connected, they put on quite a show with their rolling, thrashing fights. They're more active during warmer months and often cruise just under the surface, making them visible targets for anglers who know what to look for.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Kyle's flounder gigging trips book up quickly, especially during peak season when the fish are staging thick on the flats. With just two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and prime fishing opportunities. The combination of specialized gigging and traditional angling techniques makes this a unique charter experience that you won't find with every guide. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or someone wanting to learn an old-school fishing method, Kyle's got the knowledge and patience to make it happen. The intimate boat size means you'll actually learn the techniques rather than just going through the motions, and the variety of target species keeps things interesting all evening long. Don't wait to secure your