Texas is a hotspot for flounder, particularly the Southern Flounder species. Flounder fishing in Texas is very popular as a result, both for sport and for food. This guide will give you everything you need to know to get started with flounder fishing. Learn the best fishing spots and techniques, as well as how to be compliant with local wildlife and conservation laws.
Why Go Flounder Fishing in Texas?
Not only can flounder fishing be fun, rewarding, and even relaxing, but it is also a healthy way to feed yourself and your family if you want to fish for more than just sport. Flounder is a fish that is low in fat and high in protein. Of course, catch-and-release is a great way to enjoy the hobby of fishing as well.
Flounder fishing is also an accessible hobby, even for beginner anglers. With a minimal investment in fishing supplies and just a basic grasp of simple techniques, you can start reeling in the big ones right away. Flounder is abundant in Texas, and the species native to the Gulf Coast will bite just about any small artificial bait.
What Month Is Best for Flounder?
Flounder season in Texas lasts from October to December, when flounder migrate from the Gulf of Mexico toward the bays and estuaries closer to the Texas coast. During this “Flounder Run,” fishers can find an abundance of flounder in some very easily accessible areas of water.
However, this migration period is important for the fish to spawn and feed, so there is a seasonal closure from November 1st to December 14th. It is illegal to harvest or keep any flounder from fisheries during this time. The closure helps ensure the preservation of the flounder population.
While the fall is the best time to catch lots of flounder, fishing season is open all year-round in Texas. It is still entirely possible to catch flounder outside of the fall run, but it may require sailing out to the deeper waters of the Gulf.
Where Is the Best Flounder Fishing in Texas?
During the fall season, flounder migrate en masse into the bays all along the Texas coast. In particular, many fishing experts consider the barrier islands in southeastern Texas to be prime flounder fishing locations.
Galveston Bay is a popular flounder fishing spot in southeast Texas. It is conveniently located near Houston and is a very large body of water that can accommodate many fishing vessels, not to mention many fish. Corpus Christi Bay is another great hotspot known for providing plenty of opportunities to catch flounder by gigging, boating, or fishing from piers.
What Are the Flounder Fishing Laws in Texas?
It can be tempting to just get out there and start reeling in all those abundant flounder. However, there are flounder regulations in Texas that you must follow for the sake of the environment and to avoid fines and other legal consequences.
Have a Valid Fishing License
You must have a Texas fishing license to legally fish in any public body of water in the state. The licensing system helps manage the number of active fishers and protects wildlife populations by mitigating overfishing. License fees are also necessary for funding conservation efforts. If you are a Texas resident, you can get a yearly all-water license that permits you to fish in freshwater and saltwater for $40.
Follow Applicable Fishing Laws
There are general-purpose regulations that apply to all forms of fishing in Texas, including limitations on fishing devices and methods. It is important to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to make sure your equipment is legal.
Violating state fishing laws can result in criminal misdemeanor charges. Depending on the severity of the misdemeanor, fines can range anywhere from $25 to $4,000. Multiple offenses of fishing in a private waterway can even result in a felony charge with much harsher consequences.
Abide by the Texas Flounder Limit
For the sake of conservation, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets a daily bag limit for catching fish as well as a minimum length for the fish you may choose to keep.
The daily bag limit for flounder in Texas is five fish per day, except during the period from November 1st to December 14th, when you may not bag any flounder whatsoever. The minimum length of a bagged flounder is 15 inches. These numbers are subject to change on a yearly basis, so always check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before bagging your fish.
What Is the Best Way To Catch Flounder?
There is a technique for every species of fish. Before you can explore how to fish for flounder, though, you need to have the right gear.
The best bait for catching Southern Flounder is mud minnow or other small fish like shrimp or mullet. You can buy these live specimens at most bait shops or collect your own from marshy areas all around the Texas coastal region. Small artificial bait can work well, too.
Can You Catch Flounder With a Fishfinder Rig?
Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish, so a fishfinder rig works well to hook them effectively. This setup includes a sinker, swivel, and leader to move bait freely at low depths and let the fish take the bait without sensing the weight of the sinker. If you choose to use a lure instead, consider jigging or using a paddletail lure that you can slowly roll across the water bottom.
How Do You Catch Flounder By Drifting?
When the wind is favorable, drifting can be a great technique for catching some flounder. This entails letting your boat simply drift with the current, dragging your bait or lure along the water’s floor in a very natural motion. You can efficiently cover a lot of area with this method.
Boat Stop Marina Is Your Headquarters for Flounder Fishing in Texas
Flounder fishing in Texas is even more rewarding if you have your own boat and a convenient place to dock near some of the best fishing hotspots. Secure your spot at Boat Stop Marina in Corpus Christi so you can launch directly into prime fishing waters. Enjoy amenities tailored to veteran anglers and first-time fishers alike, complete with 24/7 facility surveillance so you can focus on hauling in your next catch.