How to Go Flounder Fishing in Galveston: An Angler’s Guide

How to Go Flounder Fishing in Galveston: An Angler’s Guide Reading Time: 8 minutes

Flounder fishing in Galveston is a fun opportunity for anglers of all ages. The jerk of a Flounder bite gives off plenty of excitement for the person holding the pole, as well as those surrounding them. 

Photo courtesy of Book’em & Hook’em Fishing Charters

This species isn’t too big but is especially strong for its size. Therefore, it’s also a great fishing experience for children and beginners. Today, I’ll dive in and explain why you should head to the Lone Star State and explore its beautiful scenery. This is my guide to Flounder fishing in Galveston!

Texas Flounder Fishing Rules and Regulations

First things first – you need to know the first step of Flounder fishing in Galveston. And that is to obtain an up-to-date fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Whether you’re a local or a resident, the process is fairly easy and can be done online, over the phone, or in person. 

There’s good news for visitors, too. You don’t need to purchase an annual license (unless you want to, of course). If you only plan on fishing for a day, the easiest method is to purchase a non-resident single-day license. Keep in mind that, if you’re using a fishing charter to go Flounder fishing in Galveston, it’s possible they’ll supply the license for you. Check with them first before forking out needlessly. 

Now if you’re wanting to keep your catch, there’s even more good news! Flounder harvesting is open most of the year, with a short closure from November 1 to December 14. During the open season, you’re allowed a daily bag of five fish measuring at least 15 inches.  

Galveston Flounder Fishing Seasons

Now that you’re aware of the rules and regulations when it comes to Flounder fishing in Galveston, you can start to learn about when to get on the water. The time of year, day, as well as tide and weather, are all influential factors. 

While you can catch Flounder in Galveston throughout the year, the fall months bring out some of the best Flounder fishing. Therefore, you’ll want to come between September and November for your best shot. Why? Well, this is the period when the fish migrate towards the Gulf for spawning. When the water temperature drops, the fish are more present. If you’re having trouble finding them in the bay, head to deeper waters where they hang around too. 

Photo courtesy of Flounder Pounder Gigging Charters

To add, the time of day brings varying quantities of Flounder out. Most Flounder are present in greater numbers during dawn and dusk, especially in the summer months. In addition to that, Flounder are nocturnal creatures and you can target them at night. 

The best tide for Flounder fishing in Galveston is high tide. Higher tides allow the fish to spread to further areas and reach locations where more bait resides. Plan your fishing trip around an outgoing high tide because the current is stronger. With a stronger current, bait is forced out of the shallows and pushed into deeper waters. The Flounder hang below and scoop them up as they pass.  

Lastly, the weather can provide varying results for Flounder fishing. Flounder don’t thrive in hot temperatures. Therefore, if it’s a bright sunny day with a high UV index, they tend to go into hiding. Calm conditions with some clouds that bring shade will be better suitable for them. 

Galveston Flounder Fishing Techniques

There are a couple of common methods for Flounder fishing in Galveston, Let’s take a closer look at some of them…

Gigging

Photo courtesy of Fish N Divers – Gigging

Gigging is one of the most popular methods for Flounder fishing in Galveston, especially for locals. Texans describe it as a more exciting and rewarding approach. With this, you’re responsible for finding and catching your fish. This is not an experience where you wait for the fish to come to you.

You stand on a boat, slowly strolling the shallow waters, eyeballing the bottoms in search of a Flounder. You’ll be armed with a long pole with a spear at the end that you have to quickly and strategically jab into the Flounder. This method is most commonly done at night, with a spotlight over the water to see more clearly. 

Bowfishing

Bowfishing is another popular method for Flounder fishing, as it also gives you that exciting, more unique feeling of fishing. This method actually may be even harder than gigging. You need a precise aim and the ability to quickly plan your shot. You’ll have a line with an arrow at the end of it, which you’ll reel in once you hit your target. And, just like gigging, this is a popular nighttime activity. 

Rod and Reel

Photo courtesy of Book’em & Hook’em Fishing Charters

Here we have the most common fishing technique – not just for Flounder fishing. Rod and reel fishing is simple and reliable. A bonus is you don’t have to do a lot of crazy work, and you can do it any time of day, and in any weather. With the first two methods, if you’re in choppy or windy conditions, it’s more difficult to accomplish. But with rod and reel fishing, you don’t need to worry about that (most of the time).  

You also have a variety of bait methods for use, as well as varying setups. You can use spinning, bait casting, conventional, or even fly fishing setups. The possibilities are endless! 

Texas Flounder Baits and Lures

Photo courtesy of Line Check Charters

Baits and lures are your most important factor when Flounder fishing in Galveston. After all, you need to get their attention! Well, then you’ll need to do so by supplying a bait that interests them. Both live bait and artificial lures are entertaining to Flounder and can entice them to eat.

When it comes to live bait, there are a few options. Small crustaceans, like shrimp and crab, as well as small bait fish, like mud minnows or whitebait, all are common favorable snacks. You have an option of using a sinker to have your bait freely swim along the bottom, while keeping them in close distance to hungry Flounder. With Flounder close by, the odor will bring them in and get them to take your bait. 

Along with live bait, there are numerous artificial lures that attract Flounder. A soft plastic paddle tail with a ¼ oz jig head is a popular choice. Bounce or drag these along the bottom to get the Flounder’s attention. Gulp or DOA Shrimps, twitchbaits, and flukes are additional lures that attract Flounder. 

Top Galveston Flounder Fishing Spots

Galveston is home to many diverse creatures, with Flounder being one of them. There’s a variety of bays, passes, and offshore locations that provide great action-filled Flounder fishing opportunities. Let’s talk about a few:

Galveston Bay

This is a prime location for Flounder fishing in Galveston because it’s a large body of water and is easy to access. In fact, if you don’t have a boat to fish on, you can fish from land here too. Shorelines, structures, and nearby jetties provide shelter for many hungry Flounder. It’s a great idea to fish the passes on an outgoing tide when bait fish are flushed through. 

West Bay

West Bay is another active location for Flounder fishing in Galveston. This region contains shallow waters that bring in hungry Flounder, especially during high tide. In addition, there’s plenty of structure around to make them feel more secure. 

San Luis Pass

This is a hotspot for Flounder fishing because it acts as an “exit zone” for these critters. As they make their way out to deeper waters, they tend to pass through here in large numbers. 

Rollover Pass

Another popular pass for Flounder fishing in Galveston is Rollover Pass. This pass allows for another exit route, and it has long jetties. Flounder love to hang around jetties because they provide shelter and promise food sources. 

Oil Rigs

To escape the inshore areas and the heat of summer, Flounder will leave the shallow waters in search of something more suitable. They also travel offshore in order to engage in spawning during the fall. A great spot to locate some Flounder out in the deep is near the oil rigs. Located at least 10 miles out, you’ll start to see the first rigs. These areas are often filled with diverse marine life. Plenty of species are present, which often engages a feeding frenzy – and Flounder make sure they can get in on that action.

Galveston Flounder Fishing Gear

For Flounder fishing in Galveston, a light setup is best. It’s reliable, but it also allows you to have some fun with your fight. A light rod matched with a 2000 reel, and 15lb braid and leader is a good starting setup. For live bait rigs, a 2/0 hook is a perfect size. As mentioned earlier, for lures, a ¼ oz jig head is a great size for an artificial. 

Flounder Fishing in Galveston FAQs

A Flounder bite is noticeable by a quick strike. You’ll feel a hard thump and then it will be still for a few seconds. This is when the fish swallows the bait. 

Once you feel the strike, wait a couple of seconds before giving a hard hook set. Keep the line tight and keep the tension balanced. Once you see the fish surface, don’t loosen the tension as Flounder are notorious for shaking hooks. Use a net to quickly scoop up the Flounder and get it into the boat. 

You betcha! Millions of people consume delicious recipes of Flounder year-round, and it’s often on restaurant menus.

Flounder Fishing in Galveston: Your Journey to Success

So, there we have the ultimate guide to Flounder fishing in Galveston. I hope that, by reading this article, you’ve gained some insight into tips and techniques when it comes to Flounder fishing. Perhaps you’ve already started to plan your next trip in your head… I hope you at least understand why Flounder fishing in Galveston is a must-add to your fishing bucket list. Now, get ready to plan that upcoming trip! 

Have you ever been Flounder fishing in Galveston? How did you cook yours up at the end of the day? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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