Flounder Gigging Trip with Captain Kyle
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Nighttime flounder gigging with specialized equipment and techniquesCaptain Kyle Ardoin guides small groups through shallow flatsCombine traditional gigging with conventional fishing opportunities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Meet the Triton, your ride for tonight's flounder gigging adventure in Corpus Christi's shallow waters. This 20-foot aluminum fishing boat from 2007 cuts through the flats with her reliable 90HP Mercury engine, hitting speeds up to 30 knots when you need to cover ground between fishing spots. Built tough for these coastal waters, she's designed to get you into those skinny water areas where flounder love to hide. The GPS navigation keeps you on track in the dark, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish that attract your target. With room for just 2 anglers plus Captain Kyle, you'll have plenty of space to move around with your gig pole and work those productive areas without bumping elbows. The aluminum hull handles the shallow flats perfectly, letting you slip into spots where bigger boats can't go. Whether you're poling through grass beds or running between productive gigging areas, the Triton delivers the mobility and stability you need for a successful night on the water chasing flatfish.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can reach 6+ feet and over 100 pounds - true monsters of our river systems and back bayous. These prehistoric giants cruise deep bends and slack water areas, surfacing to gulp air with that unmistakable alligator-like head. Late summer heat is prime time when low water concentrates them in deeper holes. What gets people fired up is the sheer size and ancient look - catching one feels like hooking into something from another era. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight and photo opportunity make it worthwhile. These fish can live 50+ years, so respect them. Best approach is heavy tackle with big live bait like carp or mullet on a treble hook rig. Patience is key - they're ambush predators that might sit on your bait for an hour before committing.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bays, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from February through April is prime time when they school up in shallow water and you can actually hear them drumming underwater. The fight is all bulldog power - no jumps, just steady, head-shaking pulls that'll test your drag. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the trick: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish right on bottom near shell. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard because those bony mouths are tough.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves around any structure. These 2-8 pounders hang tight to dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster reefs where they pick off barnacles and crabs with human-like teeth. Winter months are best when they're stacked up before spring spawning. What draws folks to target them is the challenge - they'll steal your bait clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. The payoff is sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. My go-to setup is a small hook with fresh shrimp fished right against the pilings. Key is feeling that subtle nibble and setting the hook immediately - wait too long and you're just feeding them expensive bait.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches around here, though we see some pushing 25+ inches in deeper water. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in bays, back lakes, and nearshore areas, especially during fall and winter when they're moving toward passes. What makes them special is the gigging - stalking these ghosts in shallow water at night with lights is pure hunting. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating in the bay. Pro tip: look for slight depressions in the sand or that telltale eye outline - they think they're invisible but those eyes always give them away.
Corpus Christi