World-Class Flounder Gigging in Matagorda Bay

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $1,050 price range
Updated Date: August 29, 2025

Summary

Captain William offers an evening adventure on Matagorda Bay that's unlike your typical fishing trip. As the sun dips below the horizon, you'll head out for 5 hours of flounder gigging under the stars. The calm waters come alive at night, with special lights helping you spot flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in the shallows. It's a unique way to fish - more like underwater hunting. You'll learn to spot the tell-tale signs of fish and use a gig to catch them. This private trip is great for small groups, whether you're new to gigging or an old pro. The beauty of the Texas coast at night adds to the experience. It's quiet out there, just the sound of water and maybe your excited whisper when you spot a big one. By the end of the night, you'll have tried a new skill and hopefully have some fresh fish to show for it.

World-Class 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 Fishing Magic: Matagorda Bay Flounder Gigging

Ready for a night fishing adventure that'll have you hooked? Captain William's evening flounder gigging trip in Matagorda Bay is where it's at. This 5-hour excursion kicks off just as the sun dips below the horizon, giving you a front-row seat to some of the best flounder action Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try something new, this trip's got you covered. We'll be targeting flounder, black drum, and sheepshead under the cover of darkness, using lights to spot these bottom-dwellers in their natural habitat. It's a unique way to fish that'll have you seeing the bay in a whole new light – literally!

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from the dock at 6:30 PM, you'll feel the excitement building. The bay takes on a different character at night, and that's when the real fun begins. We'll cruise the shallows, using specialized lights to illuminate the sandy bottom. You'll be amazed at how clearly you can see the fish – it's like nature's own aquarium down there. Captain William will show you the ropes of gigging, which is basically spearing the fish with a multi-pronged pole. Don't worry if you've never done it before; it's easy to pick up, and you'll be a pro in no time. The trip's perfect for up to 3 people, but if you've got a bigger crew, no sweat – we can add more folks for an extra charge. Just remember to bring your night-owl energy and a sense of adventure!

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. Our main targets are flounder, black drum, and sheepshead, and let me tell you, they're all a blast to gig. Flounder are the stars of the show – these flat fish are masters of camouflage, but they're no match for our lights and your sharp eyes. Black drum are like the bulldogs of the bay; they put up a good fight and make for some excellent eating. And sheepshead? Those striped critters with the human-like teeth are not only fun to catch but also delicious on the grill. The best part? Night fishing levels the playing field. Even if you've never held a fishing rod in your life, you've got a solid shot at landing some impressive catches on this trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about night fishing in Matagorda Bay that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the peaceful quiet that settles over the water as the stars come out. Or perhaps it's the thrill of spotting a big flounder just inches from your gig. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of creating memories that last a lifetime. Captain William's got years of experience under his belt, and he knows all the best spots to find fish. Plus, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie that develops when you're out on the water at night, sharing stories and celebrating each other's catches. It's the kind of experience that turns first-timers into regulars and strangers into fishing buddies.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's dive into the stars of our nighttime show, shall we? First up, we've got the Southern Flounder. These flatfish are the ninjas of the bay, blending in so well with the bottom that you might step on one if you're not careful. They can grow up to 25 inches long and put up a surprisingly good fight for a fish that looks like it got steamrolled. The best time to target them is in the fall when they're getting ready to migrate to the Gulf for spawning. Anglers love 'em because they're challenging to spot but oh-so-satisfying to gig.

Next, we've got the Black Drum. These guys are the heavyweights of our trip, often tipping the scales at 30 pounds or more. They've got a distinctive look with their whisker-like barbels under their chins, which they use to feel around for food on the bottom. Black drum are year-round residents, but the fishing really heats up in the late winter and early spring when they gather to spawn. Folks get a kick out of gigging these bruisers because it's like landing a small car – minus the wheels, of course.

Last but not least, there's the Sheepshead. Don't let those human-like chompers fool you; these fish are no sheep. They're known for their black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Sheepshead are tricky little devils, famous for stealing bait off hooks, but with a gig? It's a whole different ballgame. They're most active in the cooler months, from October to April. Anglers get a kick out of targeting sheepshead because they're crafty and make for some mighty fine eating if you can get past those teeth.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This Matagorda Bay flounder gigging trip is the real deal – a chance to experience night fishing at its finest. You'll be out there under the stars, gigging flounder, black drum, and sheepshead like a pro, all while making memories that'll last a lifetime. Captain William's got the know-how, the spots, and the gear to make sure you have a killer time. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing experience or a visitor wanting to try something uniquely Texan, this trip's got your name written all over it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, clear your evening schedule, and let's get you booked for a night of fishing you won't forget. The flounder are waiting, and the bay's calling your name!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty fighters, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, estuaries, and around oyster beds. They love shallow, muddy flats but can also hang in depths up to 100 feet. Spring is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pulls and unique drumming sound. For eating, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds - better flavor and texture. Use fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on the bottom. My local trick? Fish the falling tide near creek mouths or oyster bars. Feel for that telltale thump, then hang on tight. These guys can really test your gear, especially the big ones. Just remember, they're slow-growing, so practice catch-and-release with the larger fish to keep the population healthy.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook a 20-pounder if you're lucky. Look for them around structure - docks, bridges, and reefs. They love munching on barnacles with those weird human-like teeth. Spring's the best time to catch 'em when they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge - these guys are notorious bait stealers. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small, strong hook. My local trick? Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Get your bait as close to the structure as possible and be patient. When you feel that nibble, give it a second before setting the hook hard. They put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. Just be careful of those sharp dorsal spines when handling them.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators, 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 sand or mud with just their eyes showing. They're most active in fall when they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers prize them for their firm, white meat and the challenge of catching them. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the bottom. For best results, fish near sandy or muddy areas with structure like oyster beds or pier pilings. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try a slow-moving jig. My go-to trick is to use a light tackle setup and fish the falling tide when they're most likely to be feeding. Remember, when you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab the bait sideways before fully committing.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are sneaky ambush predators, usually 15-20 inches long. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and coastal waters. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the seafloor. Best fishing is from late spring through fall when they're most active. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. Use live bait like minnows or mullet, or try bucktail jigs tipped with strips of squid. My local tip? Fish the tide changes near channel edges or drop-offs. Let your bait bounce along the bottom, and be ready for a sharp hit. These flatfish put up a surprisingly good fight, often jumping and twisting. Remember, they have small mouths, so use appropriate-sized hooks. Patience is key - sometimes a slow retrieve with occasional pauses can trigger a strike from a following fluke.

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder are bottom-dwellers, usually 10-12 inches long but can reach 25 inches. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. You'll find them in estuaries and coastal waters, often hiding in vegetation or rocks. Best fishing is in colder months when they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, sweet meat. Use a sensitive rod to feel their subtle bites - they're notorious for nibbling bait before committing. I always tell folks to use sea worms or clams on a small hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient. When you feel that gentle tug, give it a second before setting the hook. These flatfish put up a good fight for their size, making them fun to catch even for beginners. Remember, bigger isn't always better with winter flounder - the smaller ones tend to taste best.

About the Weldbuilt

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for a laid-back evening of fishing under the stars? Captain William's got you covered with this 5-hour flounder gigging trip on Matagorda Bay. As the sun dips below the horizon, you and up to two buddies will head out to explore the bay's calm waters. Using lights to illuminate the shallows, you'll spot and gig flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in their natural habitat. It's a unique way to fish that combines the peacefulness of being on the water at night with the excitement of stalking your catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a fun night out, this trip offers a cool twist on traditional fishing. The $550 price tag covers your group of three, but there's room to bring along more friends if you want to make it a party. So grab your crew and get ready for a memorable evening on the bay!

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