Galveston Flounder Gigging Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour evening flounder gigging charter on Galveston Bay watersLED lights illuminate shallows targeting flounder, sheepshead and drumCaptain provides all gigging equipment and guides to proven spots
When the sun sets over Galveston Bay, that's when the real action begins. Captain Mike Aguirre's flounder gigging charter takes you into the shallow waters where these flat fish come alive after dark. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing – you'll be hunting fish with a gig under bright LED lights, making for one of the most hands-on fishing experiences you can get on the Texas coast. At $600 for two anglers with room for up to six people total, this 4-hour adventure starting at 8 p.m. puts you right in the heart of some of the bay's best shallow-water action.
Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the productive flats where flounder, sheepshead, and drum hang out after sunset. The setup is pretty straightforward – powerful LED lights mounted on the boat illuminate the bottom, turning the murky bay water crystal clear so you can spot fish moving below. You'll be working the shallows, moving slowly and quietly while scanning the bottom for that telltale outline of a flounder or the movement of other species. This top-rated charter provides all the gigging equipment you need, so first-timers don't have to worry about bringing specialized gear. The calm evening waters of Galveston Bay make this perfect for anglers of all experience levels, and Captain Mike will coach you through your first gig if you've never done this before. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and a valid Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp – everything else is covered.
Flounder gigging is all about stealth, patience, and quick reflexes. The boat moves at idle speed or drifts over the flats while those bright LEDs cut through the water, creating an underwater spotlight that reveals fish you'd never see during the day. Captain Mike provides the gigs – basically long poles with sharp, barbed points designed to spear fish quickly and cleanly. The key is learning to compensate for light refraction in the water, since fish aren't always exactly where they appear to be. You'll need to aim slightly off-target depending on the depth and angle. Flounder are masters of camouflage, often buried in sand with just their eyes showing, so developing that search image takes a little practice. Sheepshead and drum are more active movers, cruising the shallows and easier to spot once you get your eyes adjusted. The whole experience happens in water that's typically 2-4 feet deep, so you're working close to the bottom where these fish feed and feel comfortable.
Southern Flounder are the main event on this charter, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes in Galveston Bay, with keepers ranging from 15 inches up to door-mat sized fish pushing 5-6 pounds or more. Fall and winter months are prime time for flounder gigging since cooler water temperatures make them more active in the shallows. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish and crabs to swim overhead. What makes them so exciting to gig is the challenge – spotting a well-camouflaged flounder takes skill, and the satisfaction of a clean gig on a big fish is hard to beat. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic eating, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to blackened fillets.
Black Drum add serious muscle to your cooler, especially the slot-sized fish that frequent these flats. These copper-colored fighters can push 10-15 pounds in the shallows, and they're surprisingly spooky for such big fish. You'll often see them cruising in small schools, tailing in super shallow water as they root around for crabs and worms. The best part about drum is they're available year-round in Galveston Bay, though fall provides some of the most consistent shallow-water action. Their thick, meaty fillets have a mild flavor that takes on whatever seasoning you throw at them, making them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fish you'll encounter on this trip. These black-and-white striped convicts are notorious bait stealers when you're fishing with rod and reel, but gigging gives you a totally different approach to targeting them. They love structure and will cruise the flats looking for crabs, barnacles, and small mollusks. Sheepshead have human-like teeth designed for crushing shells, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Most of the ones you'll encounter while gigging run 2-4 pounds, perfect for pan-frying whole. Their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find in the bay, and many local anglers consider them superior table fare to even redfish and trout.
This renowned Galveston Bay charter fills up fast, especially during peak flounder season from October through February. Captain Mike's proven track record and intimate knowledge of the bay's most productive gigging spots make this a world-class experience that keeps customers coming back year after year. The $100 per person rate for additional guests beyond the base two makes it affordable to bring the whole crew, and there's something special about sharing the excitement of a successful gig with friends and family. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your dates. Whether you're a seasoned gigger looking to fish new waters or a first-timer ready to try this traditional Texas fishing method, Captain Mike will put you on fish and send you home with stories and a cooler full of fresh fillets that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Captain Mike's custom 20' Boatright is built specifically for working Galveston Bay's shallow inshore waters where flounder hide. The Suzuki 150 provides reliable power to get you to the best gigging spots quickly, while the boat's stable design keeps you steady when the lights go on and it's time to work the flats. Bright LED lighting systems illuminate the bottom so you can spot those perfectly camouflaged flatfish lying in the sand and grass. With space for your group and an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the 4-hour night trip, this shallow-water rig is perfectly equipped for productive flounder gigging on the bay.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some pushing 50+ pounds. These powerful bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats and oyster reefs where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring brings the best action during spawning season when they school up in the shallows. You'll hear them "drumming" - that distinctive croaking sound they make underwater. They put up a solid fight and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, they're focused on feeding and won't spook as easily. Keep your movements slow and steady for the best shot.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty bait thieves typically run 2-8 pounds and hang around any structure - docks, pilings, and reefs where they pick off barnacles and crabs. They're year-round residents but really light up in cooler months when they're more active in shallow water. What guests love is the challenge they present and their sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. Those human-like teeth make them fascinating to look at too. My best advice: when gigging, aim just behind the head because they're quick to dart under structure once spooked. Their compressed body makes them tricky targets from certain angles.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on muddy and sandy bottoms throughout Galveston Bay. These unique flatfish run 15-20 inches on average, with both eyes positioned on their left side. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sediment, making our LED lights perfect for spotting them during night gigging trips. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they move into shallow bay waters. What makes them special is their firm, white meat that's fantastic table fare. Here's a local trick: look for slight depressions or "potholes" in the mud where they like to hide, and watch for their distinctive outline when the light hits them just right.
Galveston