Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Flounder gigging in the shallow coastal waters of South Texas, particularly around Port Mansfield and the Lower Laguna Madre, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for anglers. This nighttime activity combines the thrill of the hunt with the serene beauty of the coastal environment, creating memories that last a lifetime.

As the sun sets and darkness falls, you gather your gear and prepare for the adventure. The equipment for flounder gigging is simple yet essential: a sturdy gig (a long pole with a multi-pronged spear at the end), a bright underwater light, and appropriate footwear for wading in shallow waters. Some enthusiasts also use a flat-bottomed boat or, for a more immersive experience, an airboat equipped with powerful lights to illuminate the seabed.

The journey begins as you head out into the calm, shallow waters. The transition from day to night transforms the coastal landscape into a tranquil and otherworldly realm. The air is cool, and the only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the boat and the occasional call of a nocturnal bird. The powerful lights on the boat or your handheld light pierce the inky darkness, revealing the sandy or muddy bottom of the shallows where flounder lie hidden.

Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The key to successful gigging is patience and keen observation. As you move slowly through the water, the light reveals the telltale outline of a flounder lying flat against the bottom. Spotting the subtle shape of these elusive fish requires a sharp eye and an understanding of their behavior and habitats.

Once a flounder is spotted, the next step is to approach it carefully. Moving too quickly or creating too much noise can startle the fish, causing it to dart away. With a steady hand and precise aim, you thrust the gig into the flounder, securing it before it has a chance to escape. The moment of a successful gig is filled with excitement and satisfaction, a testament to your skill and patience.

Throughout the night, the thrill of the hunt is accompanied by the serene beauty of the coastal environment. The shimmering lights reflect off the water, creating a mesmerizing and peaceful ambiance. The stars overhead and the distant glow of coastal lights add to the enchantment of the experience.

Flounder gigging also offers a unique perspective on marine life. As you wade or float through the shallows, you may encounter a variety of other nocturnal creatures, from crabs scuttling along the bottom to schools of fish illuminated by your lights. These encounters add to the richness of the adventure, providing a deeper appreciation for the coastal ecosystem.

As the night progresses and you accumulate a catch, the satisfaction of a successful outing grows. Flounder, prized for their delicious, delicate meat, are a culinary delight. Back at the dock or campsite, the evening ends with the cleaning and preparation of the flounder, ready to be enjoyed as a fresh and flavorful meal. The simplicity of grilling or frying these freshly caught fish adds to the allure of the experience, creating a direct connection between the hunt and the feast.

Flounder gigging in South Texas is more than just a method of fishing; it's an immersive adventure that combines skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world. The quiet beauty of the night, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of a successful catch make this a cherished tradition for those who partake. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a newcomer to gigging, the experience of flounder gigging in the shallow coastal waters of South Texas is one that promises excitement, tranquility, and unforgettable memories.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	6 Hours
1 Person	$300.00
2 People	$300.00
3 People	$600.00
4 People	$600.00
5 People	$900.00
6 People	$900.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

I was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1985 and raised in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where I naturally embraced a love for the outdoors.

From a very young age, I discovered my passion for hunting, calling, and shooting. Growing up and living in the South Texas region has given me the opportunity to develop and hone the knowledge and skills of an avid outdoorsman. Having had the privilege to help guide on several ranches has provided me with a deeper insight into the importance of predator control and wildlife management.

For the past six years, I have been guiding fishing trips, specializing in wade fishing, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and flounder gigging. I also offer unique adventures with airboat excursions in brackish waters targeting alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. My experience and dedication ensure an unforgettable and successful fishing experience for all my clients.

I devote the majority of my summers hitting the waters of the Lower Laguna Madre as a captain for my charter, Waist Deep Fishing.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Port Mansfield, Texas

Areas Fished

Port Mansfield Channel
Laguna Madre

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Shallow Sport
Year Built: 2011
Boat Length: 24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Shallow Sport
Year Built: 2011
Boat Length: 24'
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 250
Number of Engines: 1

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Gigging

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.