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Caught a Southern Flounder Wade Fishing in Port
Southern Flounder Wade Fishing in Port Aransas, TX
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The Southern Flounder belongs to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. It typically measures between 12 and 33 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. Habitat: onshore, inshore, channels, rivers. - Distinguished by both eyes located on the left side of its head. - Lacks spines on its fins and has a separate caudal fin. - Often mistaken for Summer Flounder but has numerous light and dark spots.
Fishing Charter & Guided Hunts by Captain Cory Russell in December
Meet your Captain Cory Russell
- Best Port Aransas Fishing Charter
Summary
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors leads wade fishing charters on Monday November targeting Southern Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout in the shallow flats around Port Aransas. This 4-hour morning wade fishing adventure puts you right in prime sight fishing territory where artificial lures and light tackle produce consistent results. Port Aransas flats offer some of the Texas coast's most rewarding inshore fishing, especially during fall months when cooler water temperatures bring active feeding. Whether you're new to wade fishing or looking to sharpen your sight fishing skills, these shallow water flats deliver trophy opportunities for Southern Flounder and other prized gamefish. Captain Cory provides expert guidance on reading water, spotting fish, and working artificial lures effectively in the gin-clear shallows that make Port Aransas a premier wade fishing destination.
Wade Fishing Charter with Captain Cory Russell – Rates & Booking
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Monday November offers 4-hour wade fishing trips starting at dawn for the best sight fishing conditions. This morning charter targets Southern Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout using artificial lures and light tackle techniques on Port Aransas flats. The trip accommodates up to 2 guests and includes expert guidance on wade fishing techniques, fish handling, and local water knowledge. Bring your own waders or rent locally, with rod rentals available for an additional fee. A 20% cash tip is appreciated after each successful trip. Book online or call to secure your preferred date and experience the thrill of sight fishing these productive Texas flats.
Highlights of 4 Hour Wade Fishing Trip in Port Aransas Morning
This wade fishing adventure puts you directly in the shallow water flats where Southern Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout cruise in search of baitfish. Captain Cory's local expertise shines as he guides you to prime sight fishing spots where clear water allows you to watch fish react to your presentations. The morning timing takes advantage of cooler temperatures and active feeding periods, while artificial lures prove most effective in these gin-clear shallows.
Port Aransas flats fishing offers consistent action throughout fall and winter months, with Southern Flounder providing exciting fights on light tackle. The wade fishing approach allows for stealthy presentations and precise lure placement, making every cast count when targeting these structure-oriented gamefish.
Local Species Insights: Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder thrive in the shallow inshore waters, channels, and river mouths around Port Aransas, where they ambush prey from sandy bottoms and grass beds. These flatfish use their excellent camouflage to blend with bottom structure, making sight fishing both challenging and rewarding when you spot their distinctive outline. November conditions bring active feeding as water temperatures cool, and Southern Flounder move into shallow flats to hunt small fish and crustaceans. Captain Cory's artificial lure techniques target their aggressive feeding response, with soft plastics and spoons producing consistent results in 2-4 feet of water.
Plan Your Wade Fishing Charter Day
Your wade fishing adventure begins at dawn with a brief orientation on safety, techniques, and local conditions. Captain Cory provides guidance on reading water, spotting fish, and working artificial lures effectively in shallow flats. The trip includes expert instruction on sight fishing techniques, fish handling, and catch photography. Waders are required and available for local rental, while rod rentals are offered for an additional fee. The 4-hour duration allows ample time to work multiple flats and adapt to changing conditions throughout the morning session.
Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX: Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) are distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. These oval-shaped fish are easily recognized by having both eyes positioned on the left side of their head, an adaptation that allows them to lie flat on sandy or muddy bottoms while watching for prey above. In Port Aransas waters this November, anglers find them actively feeding in shallow flats and channel edges.
Southern Flounder Overview
Southern Flounder are prized gamefish known for their excellent table fare and challenging fight on light tackle. They inhabit inshore waters from North Carolina to Texas, with Port Aransas representing prime habitat along the Gulf Coast. These ambush predators use exceptional camouflage to blend with bottom structure, making them exciting targets for sight fishing enthusiasts.
Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution
These flatfish prefer shallow inshore waters, channels, rivers, and bay systems where they can easily access both saltwater and brackish environments. Around Port Aransas, Southern Flounder frequent grass flats, channel drop-offs, and river mouths where tidal flow concentrates baitfish. They often position themselves near structure like oyster reefs, dock pilings, and grass bed edges.
Southern Flounder Size and Weight
Southern Flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length, with most caught specimens weighing between 1 to 4 pounds. Trophy fish can exceed these averages, with some reaching 5-6 pounds in prime Texas waters. Their flat body shape makes them appear larger than their actual weight suggests.
Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and marine worms. They hunt by lying motionless on the bottom, then striking with lightning speed when prey ventures within range. Southern Flounder are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Southern Flounder Spawning Season
Southern Flounder spawn in offshore waters during fall and winter months, typically from October through February. During this period, they migrate from inshore areas to deeper Gulf waters where spawning occurs. After spawning, juveniles eventually return to shallow inshore nursery areas.
Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques
Successful Southern Flounder fishing requires stealthy approaches and precise lure placement. Soft plastic baits, live shrimp, and small spoons work effectively when bounced along the bottom near structure. In November around Port Aransas, wade fishermen find success using artificial lures in 2-4 feet of water, targeting grass bed edges and channel mouths where flounder ambush prey.
Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Southern Flounder rank among the finest eating fish in Gulf waters, with firm white meat and mild flavor that appeals to all palates. The meat is lean, flaky, and versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-frying. They provide excellent protein content with minimal fishy taste, making them ideal for family meals.
Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?
A: Live shrimp, soft plastic baits, and small spoons work best. Bounce baits along the bottom near structure where flounder ambush prey.
Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Port Aransas?
A: Target shallow grass flats, channel edges, river mouths, and areas around oyster reefs and dock pilings in 2-6 feet of water.
Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?
A: Yes, Southern Flounder are excellent table fare with firm, white, mild-flavored meat that's perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?
A: Fall and winter months offer prime fishing, with dawn and dusk periods producing the most consistent action in shallow inshore waters.
More species you can explore on this trip
Russell & Sons Outdoors Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for an awesome wade fishing adventure in Port Aransas? Capt. Cory knows all the sweet spots where trophy redfish, sea trout, and southern flounder hang out. You'll be wading through shallow waters, casting your line, and feeling the rush when you get a bite. Whether you're a pro angler or just starting out, this trip is perfect for honing your skills. Don't forget to bring your waders, or you can rent some in town. We've got rods available too if you need them. After 4 hours of fishing the flats, you'll be hooked on this unique way to experience the Texas coast. Remember to bring some cash for the customary 20% tip at the end of your trip. Get ready to make some waves and catch some memories in Port Aransas!
