Nighttime Flounder Gigging in Matagorda Bay

Published Date: August 29, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $1,050 price range

Summary

Captain William's evening flounder gigging trip on Matagorda Bay offers a unique night fishing experience. As the sun sets, you'll head out for 5 hours of action under the stars. The calm waters come alive with underwater lights, revealing flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in the shallows. It's a different way to fish - spotting and gigging your catch instead of using traditional rods. Up to 4 people can join in, making it great for small groups or families. Even if you've never tried gigging before, the captain will show you the ropes. The $550 price covers the boat, gear, and Captain William's local know-how. As you glide across the bay, you'll get a real feel for Texas coastal life after dark. It's a cool mix of peaceful nighttime boating and the excitement of stalking fish in their own environment. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just want to try something new, this trip delivers a memorable evening on the water.

Nighttime Flounder Gigging in Matagorda Bay

Night Fishing Action

Great day fishing Matagorda Bay waters

Anglers with a pair of redfish caught in TX

Trophy redfish caught in Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay fishing adventure awaits!

Flounder fishing in beautiful Matagorda Bay

Night Flounder Gigging in Matagorda Bay

Get ready for a unique after-dark fishing adventure on the calm waters of Matagorda Bay. Captain William's 5-hour evening trip combines the thrill of flounder gigging with the chance to hook black drum and sheepshead under the stars. Perfect for families, friends, or seasoned anglers looking for something different, this trip offers a peaceful night on the water with exciting fishing action. With room for up to 4 guests (and the option to add more), you'll experience the bay's nighttime beauty while targeting some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species.

Trip Overview

Kicking off at 6 PM, this half-day trip takes you into the heart of Matagorda Bay as the sun sets. Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on the best spots for flounder, drum, and sheepshead. As darkness falls, you'll use specialized lights to illuminate the shallow waters, spotting fish and trying your hand at the age-old technique of gigging. It's a whole different ballgame from daytime fishing, and even experienced anglers find it's a cool new challenge. The calm evening waters and starry skies add a layer of serenity to the excitement of the hunt.

Gigging 101

If you've never been flounder gigging before, you're in for a treat. We use bright lights mounted on the boat to scan the shallow bottom for the distinctive outline of flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, but once you get your eye in, you'll be spotting them left and right. The gig itself is a long pole with a multi-pronged spear on the end. When you spot a flounder, you'll carefully lower the gig and – with a quick, firm push – spear the fish. It takes a bit of practice, but most folks get the hang of it pretty quick. While we're primarily after flounder, keep your eyes peeled for black drum and sheepshead too. They love cruising these shallows at night, and Captain William will show you how to target them in the dark.

What to Expect on the Water

Matagorda Bay is known for its rich fishing grounds, and the nighttime adds a whole new dimension to the experience. As we cruise the shallows, you'll likely see baitfish darting away from our lights and maybe even spot some larger predators on the hunt. The water's usually pretty calm in the evenings, making for a smooth ride and easy gigging conditions. Captain William provides all the gear you'll need, including the gigs, lights, and any rods and reels for traditional fishing. Dress in layers – it can get cooler on the water at night – and maybe bring a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate to keep you warm. Oh, and don't forget your camera – the sunset views as we head out are often spectacular.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the stars of our gigging trip. Masters of camouflage, they lie almost invisible on the sandy bottom. Southern flounder in Matagorda Bay typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with some monsters pushing 25 inches or more. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for gigging. Anglers love targeting flounder not just for the unique challenge of gigging, but also for their firm, white meat that's perfect for the frying pan.

Black Drum: While we're primarily after flounder, black drum are a common and welcome catch on our nighttime trips. These cousins of the redfish can grow to impressive sizes, with fish in the 20 to 30-inch range not uncommon in Matagorda Bay. They've got a distinctive downturned mouth perfect for rooting out crabs and shrimp from the bottom. Black drum put up a great fight and are excellent table fare, especially the smaller ones under 10 pounds.

Sheepshead: With their human-like teeth and distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique and fun target. They typically hang around structure like oyster reefs and pilings, using their powerful jaws to crush crustaceans. Matagorda Bay sheepshead usually run between 2 to 4 pounds, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're known for being crafty biters, making them a satisfying challenge for anglers. Plus, their flaky white meat is considered some of the best eating in the bay.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Matagorda Bay at night. The quiet of the evening, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional splash of a fish, creates a peaceful atmosphere you just can't get during the day. But don't let the tranquility fool you – when you spot that first flounder in the light or feel the tug of a black drum on your line, the excitement kicks in fast. It's this mix of calm and action that keeps folks coming back year after year. Plus, with Captain William's local knowledge and easy-going nature, you're sure to have a great time whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that's a bit out of the ordinary, this nighttime gigging adventure in Matagorda Bay is hard to beat. With the chance to target flounder, black drum, and sheepshead using both traditional and gigging techniques, it's a versatile trip that offers something for everyone. Captain William's years of experience ensure you'll be in good hands, whether you're a complete novice or an experienced angler. The evening timing makes it perfect for beating the Texas heat and experiencing the bay in a whole new light (or lack thereof). So why not round up a group of friends or bring the family out for a night on the water? With space for up to 4 guests and the option to add more, it's a great way to make some lasting memories. Don't wait – the flounder are waiting, and Captain William's calendar fills up fast. Book your spot now and get ready for a night of fishing you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds or other structure. They're bottom feeders with strong, crushing jaws perfect for shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making for easier targeting. Anglers love the fight of a big drum, but for eating, stick to ones under 15 pounds - the meat gets tough in larger fish. They make a distinctive croaking sound, which can help you locate them. For bait, fresh crab is hard to beat - it stays on the hook well and attracts fewer bait stealers. Use a sturdy circle hook and let them take the bait before setting. Listen closely - sometimes you'll hear them before you see them bite!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddball of inshore fishing, sporting human-like teeth and black and white stripes that earn them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can reach up to 20. You'll find them around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs, where they use those weird chompers to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers - they're experts at nibbling off your hook. They're also prized for their sweet, white meat. Use small, strong hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. My local trick? Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. When you feel that telltale nibble, wait a second, then set the hook hard. It takes practice, but landing a big sheepshead is always satisfying.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, typically 15-18 inches long but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often buried in sandy or muddy bottoms. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. Best fishing is during their fall spawning run when they congregate near inlets. Anglers prize them for their firm, white meat and the challenge of catching them. They're not aggressive feeders, so patience is key. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try slow-moving jigs. My go-to rig is a free-line setup with a 1/4 oz jighead and soft plastic. Work it slowly along the bottom, and be ready for a subtle take - these fish don't always hit hard.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are aggressive predators that'll put up a great fight. They typically run 15-20 inches but can grow to over 20 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, often near structure or drop-offs. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom. Best fishing is from late spring through fall when they move inshore. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these crafty ambush predators. Live bait like minnows or squid works well, but they'll also hit artificial lures. Try a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid - bounce it slowly along the bottom. When you feel a tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it for a moment, then set hard. These flatfish have a knack for short-striking, so patience pays off.

Winter Flounder

These oval-shaped flatfish are a fun catch, typically 10-12 inches long but can reach up to 25 inches. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in estuaries and coastal waters, often camouflaged against rocks or vegetation. Winter flounder are opportunistic feeders, so they'll bite on a variety of baits. Best fishing is in cooler months when they move inshore. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, sweet meat. Use a sensitive rod to detect their subtle bites - they tend to nibble before committing. I recommend a 10-12 lb line, but don't be afraid to go heavier if you think there are some big ones around. These fish put up a decent fight for their size, especially on light tackle. Pro tip: use a big sea worm or clam for bait to attract the larger flounder.

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