Best Beginner Flounder Trip | Port O'Connor

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Port O'Connor
$600 - $750 price range

Summary

Captain Pat offers a laid-back half-day flounder gigging trip out of Port O'Connor, perfect for newcomers to inshore fishing. You'll head out at 7 AM for four hours on the water, targeting flounder with the chance to catch redfish, trout, or drum too. It's a private trip for two, but you can bring along two more friends for an extra $100 each. No need to worry about gear or prep – all the bait is provided, and the captain will clean your catch at the end. This trip is ideal if you're looking to learn the basics of flounder fishing or just want a relaxed morning on the Texas coast. The shallow waters around Port O'Connor are prime territory for flounder, and Captain Pat knows all the best spots. You'll get hands-on experience with gigging techniques while soaking in the coastal scenery. It's a great way to spend a morning, whether you're a first-timer or just prefer a more chilled-out fishing experience.

Best Beginner Flounder Trip | Port O'Connor

Flounder Gigging Action

Angler with a black drum fish catch in Port O'Connor

Port O' Connor Texas fishing style!

Bent rod, tight line!

Redfish, sheepshead? Got 'em right here in Texas

Lost count on Redfish catches

Catch Flounder Like a Pro in Port O'Connor

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you're itching to try your hand at some top-notch flounder gigging, boy, do I have a trip for you. Captain Pat's half-day adventure in Port O'Connor is the perfect intro to this unique fishing style. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking for a chill morning on the water, this 4-hour trip is tailored to show you the ropes without overwhelming you. We'll hit the flats at 7 AM sharp, armed with gigs and ready to spot those camouflage masters of the seafloor. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of your first flounder strike!

What's the Deal?

Alright, let's break it down. This trip is all about giving you a taste of flounder gigging without the fuss. Captain Pat's got room for two on his boat, but if you've got a couple more buddies who want in on the action, no sweat – we can add up to two more for a hundred bucks each. We'll cruise the shallows of Port O'Connor, keeping our eyes peeled for those telltale flounder outlines in the sand. And hey, while we're primarily after flounder, don't be surprised if we stumble upon some redfish, trout, or drum. It's like a bonus round in a video game – unexpected, but totally welcome!

Gigging 101

Now, let's talk technique. Flounder gigging isn't your typical cast-and-reel fishing. We're going old school here, folks. We'll be using long poles with multi-pronged spears at the end – that's your gig. As we drift along in shallow water, you'll learn to spot flounder camouflaged on the bottom. It's like a real-life game of I Spy, but way cooler. When you spot one, you'll gently lower your gig and – bam! – you've got yourself a flounder. Don't worry if it sounds tricky; Captain Pat's got years of experience and he'll show you all the tricks of the trade. By the end of the trip, you'll be gigging like a local!

Why Anglers Dig This Trip

Let me tell you, this isn't your average fishing charter. First off, it's perfect for early birds – we start at 7 AM, so you'll be back in time for lunch with a cool story to tell. Plus, it's super beginner-friendly. No need to stress about tying knots or mastering casting techniques. Captain Pat provides all the gear and know-how you need. And get this – he'll even clean your catch for you. Talk about service! It's like the easy mode of fishing trips, but with all the excitement of landing your own dinner. Oh, and did I mention it's private? Just you and your buddy (or three) out there on the water. No competing with strangers for the best spots or feeling rushed. It's fishing at your own pace, and that's hard to beat.

Flounder: The Flatfish Superstar

Alright, let's chat about our main target: the Southern Flounder. These flatfish are the ninjas of the sea floor, masters of camouflage that can change their color to match the bottom. They've got both eyes on one side of their head, which is pretty weird but super cool. Southern Flounder in Port O'Connor can grow up to about 25 inches long, but most of what we'll catch will be in the 14-20 inch range.

These bottom-dwellers are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish to swim by. That's why gigging is so effective – we're basically turning their own strategy against them. The best time to target flounder is during their fall run, usually from October to December, when they move to deeper waters to spawn. But don't worry, we can find them year-round in the shallows.

What makes flounder so exciting to catch (or gig, in our case) is the challenge. Spotting them requires a keen eye and quick reflexes. Plus, they're delicious. There's a reason flounder is a staple on seafood menus across the Gulf Coast. Trust me, nothing beats the satisfaction of gigging your own flounder and then enjoying it for dinner that same day.

Time to Get Gigging!

Look, if you've ever wanted to try something different in the fishing world, this is your chance. Captain Pat's half-day flounder gigging trip in Port O'Connor is the perfect mix of fun, learning, and straight-up fish catching. It's laid-back enough for beginners but still packs enough action to keep seasoned anglers entertained. Plus, you might just discover your new favorite way to fish!

Remember, spots are limited to keep things personal and ensure you get the most out of your experience. So don't sit on this one – book your trip now and get ready to see fishing from a whole new angle. Trust me, once you've experienced the thrill of gigging your first flounder, you'll be hooked (pun totally intended). See you on the water!

Learn more about the specie

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) Fish Description

A Southern Flounder is a flat, oval fish and is a part of the Paralichthyidae family. It is known for having both of its eyes on the left side of its head. It has an underdeveloped pectoral fin or has none at all. It also does not have any spines on its fins, and its caudal fin is separate.

The Southern Flounder is often mistaken as a Summer Flounder but one of its distinguishing factors among other flounders is its numerous light and dark blotches and spots on their dark side. Other flounders have oscillated spots, which is absent in a Southern Flounder.

It is a known predator, and it ambushes its prey from the bottom, camouflaging itself under sand or mud. It feeds on worms, shrimp, blue crabs, and smaller fishes like anchovies, menhaden, and mullets.

Interesting Facts About Southern Flounder

A female Southern Flounder can lay up to 9,000 eggs at once.
It can change its color and mimic the substrate they are in. This helps help hide from predators and also hunt for prey.
Flounders are anguilliform swimmers. They swim using their bodies and caudal fin.
Its eyes are both found on one side – also called their ocular side.
Most Southern Flounders are 'left-handed' (both eyes on the left side), but there are also 'right-handed' Southern Flounders in rare cases.
A male Southern Flounder's life is shorter than its female counterpart. It can live for at most three years only.

Size

A Southern Flounder typically ranges from 15 to 18 inches and can grow as long as 33 inches. Typically, they weigh around 5 lbs. but it recorded an all-tackle weight of 20 lbs—9 oz.

Habitat and Distribution

The Southern Flounder is found in the waters along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. It is commonly found in sandy, rocky, or muddy bottoms of shallow waters of coastal marine areas, bays, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. This makes it easier to catch and feed on prey. Most adult Southern Flounders prefer staying offshore during the winter season.

Southern Flounder - Fishing Techniques

The best technique to catch a Southern Flounder is still fishing or drift fishing since they settle at the water's bottom. Anglers can use live fish and artificial lures as bait. It is best to use a single-hooked, slip lead, or free-line rig with heads ranging from 1/4 "- 3/8". It is advised to use light-to-medium lines with reels that can spool 150 yards per 10 lbs. Anglers can also fly fish using medium lines.

Bull minnows, mullets, and shrimps are the best baits to catch flatfish like flounders.

About the Long Beach (Flounder Boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

While Captain Pat hasn't provided specific boat details, you can expect a comfortable and well-equipped vessel suited for inshore fishing in Port O'Connor's waters. The boat will likely be spacious enough to accommodate up to 4 guests, with room for fishing gear and your catch. It's bound to have all the essentials for a successful flounder gigging trip, including specialized lights for nighttime fishing. Safety equipment will be on board, and there may be some shade for sunny days. The captain's local knowledge means he'll know just where to position the boat for the best chances of landing flounder and other inshore species. Whether you're new to fishing or just looking for a relaxed day on the water, this boat will provide a stable platform for your Port O'Connor adventure.

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