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Caught a Southern Flounder Inshore in Port Mansfield
Southern Flounder Fishing in Port Mansfield
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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. - Flat, oval-shaped body with both eyes on left side of head. - Distinguished by numerous light and dark spots across body. - Lacks spines on fins with separate caudal fin structure.
Fishing Charter by Captain Augustin Perez in August
Meet your Captain Augustin Perez
- Top-rated Fishing Charters in South Padre Island
Summary
Captain Augustin Perez of Reel Action Charter Services on Saturday July delivered an outstanding flounder fishing charter in Port Mansfield's productive inshore waters. Using varied techniques including wade fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing, anglers targeted both Summer and Southern Flounder in the shallow flats and deeper channels. The highlight was a solid 17-inch Southern Flounder that showcased the quality fishing these Texas coastal waters provide. Port Mansfield's diverse habitat from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges creates ideal conditions for flatfish year-round. Our half-day fishing charters combine local expertise with proven techniques, making this destination perfect for anglers seeking consistent flounder action in one of the Gulf Coast's premier fishing locations.
Fishing Charter with Captain Augustin Perez – Rates & Booking
Captain Augustin Perez of Reel Action Charter Services on Saturday July offers comprehensive half-day fishing charters targeting Southern Flounder in Port Mansfield's prime inshore waters. Our experienced local guide provides all necessary tackle, bait, and fishing licenses for a complete angling experience. Half-day trips run 4-6 hours with flexible departure times to match optimal tide conditions. We accommodate up to 4 anglers per charter with rates starting at competitive pricing for shared trips. Private charters available for families and groups seeking personalized attention. Book online or call directly to secure your Port Mansfield flounder fishing adventure with one of the area's most knowledgeable captains.
Highlights of Port Mansfield Flounder Fishing
Port Mansfield's unique geography creates exceptional flounder habitat where shallow grass flats meet deeper channel systems. Our charters utilize multiple proven techniques including wade fishing the skinny water, trolling transition zones, and bottom fishing structure-rich areas. The versatility of our approach consistently produces both Summer and Southern Flounder throughout the season. Recent trips have yielded quality fish including keeper-sized Southern Flounder up to 17 inches, demonstrating the productive nature of these waters.
The summer months offer prime conditions with stable weather patterns and active fish movement. Early morning departures take advantage of cooler temperatures and reduced boat traffic, while our local knowledge ensures we're fishing the most productive spots based on current conditions. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to saltwater fishing, our guided approach maximizes your chances of success while learning effective flounder techniques.
Local Species Insights: Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder thrive in Port Mansfield's diverse inshore environment, utilizing both shallow grass flats for feeding and deeper channels for staging. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting for baitfish, shrimp, and crabs to pass overhead. The 17-inch fish caught on our recent charter represents a quality keeper that showcases the growth potential in these nutrient-rich waters. Summer months see increased activity as water temperatures warm and baitfish populations peak, creating ideal conditions for consistent flounder action.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Port Mansfield fishing charters include all necessary equipment from rods and reels to tackle and bait, ensuring you're properly equipped for flounder success. We provide a fully rigged boat with safety equipment, fish cleaning services, and local expertise to navigate the area's productive waters. Trips accommodate 2-4 anglers comfortably with early morning departures recommended for optimal fishing conditions. Bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks while we handle the technical aspects of putting you on fish. Our half-day format provides excellent value while allowing time to experience multiple fishing techniques in Port Mansfield's premier flounder waters.
Fishing in South Padre Island: Southern Flounder
The Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) is a distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. This oval-shaped fish is easily recognized by its unique anatomy with both eyes positioned on the left side of its head, an adaptation that allows it to lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms while maintaining visual awareness of prey above. In Port Mansfield waters this July, these ambush predators demonstrate their effectiveness in the area's diverse inshore habitat.
Southern Flounder Overview
Southern Flounder are prized gamefish that combine challenging angling with excellent table fare. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in soft bottoms with only their eyes exposed while waiting for unsuspecting prey. Anglers value them for their fighting ability when hooked and their delicate, flaky white meat that makes them one of the Gulf Coast's premier food fish.
Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution
These flatfish inhabit onshore and inshore waters including channels, rivers, and coastal areas throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer areas with soft sand or mud bottoms where they can easily bury themselves for ambush feeding. Port Mansfield's extensive shallow flats, grass beds, and channel systems provide ideal habitat that supports healthy populations year-round.
Southern Flounder Size and Weight
Southern Flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length with weights between 1 and 4 pounds. Keeper-sized fish start around 14 inches, while trophy specimens can exceed 25 inches and weigh over 3 pounds. The 17-inch fish caught in recent Port Mansfield charters represents a quality keeper that showcases the area's productive waters.
Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior
These ambush predators feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and marine worms. They remain buried in soft substrate during daylight hours, becoming more active during dawn and dusk periods when prey movement increases. Their feeding strategy involves explosive strikes from concealed positions, making them exciting targets for anglers using live bait or slow-moving lures.
Southern Flounder Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in offshore waters during fall and winter months when water temperatures drop. Adult fish migrate from inshore areas to deeper Gulf waters for reproduction, with juveniles returning to shallow nursery areas the following spring. This seasonal movement pattern influences fishing success throughout the year.
Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include wade fishing with live shrimp or finger mullet, bottom fishing with Carolina rigs, and slow trolling with soft plastic baits. Successful anglers focus on structure transitions, channel edges, and grass flat margins where flounder ambush prey. In July, Port Mansfield anglers find success using varied approaches from shallow wade fishing to deeper channel bottom fishing, adapting to daily conditions and fish behavior.
Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Southern Flounder ranks among the finest eating fish in Gulf waters, featuring mild, sweet flavor and delicate flaky texture. The white meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, frying, and baking. Fresh flounder fillets are prized by restaurants and home cooks alike for their clean taste and firm texture.
Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are top choices. Soft plastic baits like gulp shrimp and curly tail grubs also produce excellent results when fished slowly along the bottom.
Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Port Mansfield?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, channel edges, and areas where hard and soft bottom meet. The Laguna Madre system offers extensive flounder habitat with consistent action year-round.
Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?
A: Absolutely. Southern Flounder provides mild, sweet white meat that's excellent fried, grilled, or baked. It's considered one of the best eating fish in Texas coastal waters.
Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?
A: Early morning and late afternoon produce the most action, though they can be caught throughout the day. Summer months offer consistent fishing with active fish movement in Port Mansfield waters.
