Galveston Bay Flounder Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour weekend flounder gigging trips with Captain Mike AguirreBright boat lights illuminate shallows for targeting flounder and drumAll gigging equipment provided, accommodates up to six guests total
If you're looking for a world-class flounder fishing adventure that'll put you right in the heart of Texas coastal action, Captain Mike Aguirre's weekend charters on Galveston Bay are exactly what you need. This isn't your typical cast-and-wait fishing trip – we're talking about an active, lights-on approach that puts you face-to-face with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after flatfish. At $800 for two anglers with room for up to six total guests, this six-hour charter delivers the kind of hands-on fishing experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back season after season.
Captain Mike runs weekend-only charters that focus on the prime flounder grounds around Galveston Bay, and he's got this fishery dialed in like few others. You'll be fishing the shallows using specialized boat lights that illuminate the bottom, making it possible to actually see your targets before you make your move. This visual fishing approach is what separates flounder gigging from traditional angling – instead of guessing where the fish are, you're hunting them with your eyes. The captain provides all the gigging equipment, so you don't need to worry about bringing specialized gear. Just make sure you've got your valid Texas fishing license with the saltwater stamp, and pack whatever snacks and drinks you want for the trip. The bay's shallow structure and grass flats create perfect habitat for flounder, drum, and sheepshead, and Captain Mike knows exactly where to find them during different tidal conditions and seasons.
Flounder gigging is all about stealth, precision, and timing, and the gear reflects that approach. You'll be working with multi-pronged gigs designed specifically for flatfish, along with powerful LED light systems that can penetrate several feet of water to reveal fish lying on the bottom. The technique involves moving slowly and quietly through productive areas while scanning the bottom for the telltale outline of a flounder. These fish are masters of camouflage, so developing an eye for spotting them takes some practice, but that's where Captain Mike's local expertise really shines. He'll teach you to recognize the subtle signs – a slightly raised edge, an eye that catches the light, or the distinctive diamond shape that gives away a big flounder. The boat setup allows for multiple anglers to work different sections simultaneously, and the captain positions the vessel to take advantage of current, wind, and lighting conditions that make fish easier to spot and approach.
Southern Flounder are the main attraction here, and Galveston Bay produces some true doormat-sized fish that'll make your arms shake when you stick them. These flatfish are most active during cooler months and low-light conditions, which makes them perfect targets for this style of fishing. You'll find them buried in sand and mud bottoms, often near structure like oyster reefs, grass beds, and channel edges. What makes flounder so exciting to target is their explosive reaction when they realize they've been spotted – one second you're lining up your shot on what looks like a motionless fish, and the next second they're kicking up a cloud of sediment as they bolt for deeper water. Black Drum add serious muscle to the mix, especially the bigger specimens that cruise these flats looking for crabs and shellfish. These fish are built like tanks and fight accordingly, often making multiple strong runs before you can bring them to the boat. Sheepshead round out the target species list with their distinctive black bars and impressive teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They're some of the smartest fish in the bay and require a different approach, but when you connect with a good one, their bulldogging fight style provides plenty of excitement.
There's something addictive about this style of fishing that hooks people from their first trip. The visual aspect changes everything – instead of relying on feel or guesswork, you're actively hunting fish in their natural environment. Captain Mike's knowledge of seasonal patterns, tidal movements, and productive areas means you're fishing with someone who lives and breathes this fishery year-round. The bay's diverse structure provides multiple opportunities throughout a single trip, from shallow grass flats where flounder ambush baitfish to deeper channels where drum patrol for easy meals. Weather rarely shuts down these trips completely since you're working protected waters, and the captain adjusts locations based on conditions to keep you on fish. The hands-on nature of gigging creates memorable moments that traditional fishing sometimes can't match – there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of spotting a trophy flounder and making a perfect shot. Plus, the option to bring up to six people total makes it perfect for groups who want to share the experience and split costs.
Captain Mike's Galveston Bay flounder fishing delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – consistent action, local expertise, and the chance to target some of the Gulf Coast's most challenging species using specialized techniques. The weekend-only schedule means you're fishing when conditions are typically most productive, and the six-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different areas and adapt to changing conditions. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you book your spot. This top-rated charter fills up fast during peak season, especially when word gets out about recent catches. Whether you're a local angler looking to dial in your gigging skills or a visiting fisherman who wants to experience authentic Texas coastal fishing, this trip puts you in the hands of a captain who knows how to make it happen. Don't wait – book your Galveston Bay adventure and get ready for some of the most exciting fishing the Texas coast has to offer.
Captain Mike's custom 20' Boatright is built specifically for Galveston Bay's shallow inshore waters where flounder love to hide. This boat handles the bay's varying depths perfectly, powered by a dependable Suzuki 150 that gets you to the prime fishing spots quickly and quietly. The real magic happens when the sun goes down - bright LED lights illuminate the water so you can spot those flat fish lying in the sand. With space for up to 6 anglers and an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those long night sessions, this setup is designed for serious flounder gigging. The stable platform gives everyone room to move around safely while searching the shallows, and Captain Mike's local knowledge means you'll fish the most productive areas of the bay.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. They earn their name from the drumming sounds they make – you can actually hear schools of them underwater during spring spawning season. These fish love oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring fishing around spawning time is prime when they school up and get aggressive. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat, but the big ones get tough and stringy. They're bottom feeders, so fresh blue crab or cut mullet works best. My local secret: find them in super shallow water on incoming tides, sometimes with their backs showing. Use just enough weight to hold bottom – they're line-shy in clear water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of the bay with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crack barnacles and oysters. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, living around any structure – docks, pilings, reefs, and bridge supports. They're year-round residents but really fire up in spring when they move to deeper structures to spawn. The white, flaky meat rivals snapper for table quality, making them a favorite target. These fish are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites that'll clean your hook before you know it. Here's what works: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel them pecking, resist the urge to set immediately. Wait for that steady pull, then drive the hook home hard – their bony mouths require a solid hookset.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise – these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. You'll spot them by their oval shape with both eyes on the left side and distinctive light and dark blotches. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They love shallow bay waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, especially around structure during cooler months. The meat is sweet and flaky – perfect table fare. These fish are tricky since they're notorious bait thieves, so here's my tip: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit first, then give a firm hookset. Their mouths are on the bottom, so they need time to turn the bait around.
Galveston