Every year, as the first major cold fronts push through the 3rd Coast, anglers get ready for one of the most anticipated events in saltwater fishing: the fall flounder run. This is the time when flounder migrate from the bays out into the Gulf of Mexico to spawn, and it presents a fantastic opportunity to catch trophy-sized flatfish.
Why is the Fall Flounder Run Special?
During this period, flounder congregate in huge numbers in predictable locations, making them easier to target. Passes, channels, and jetties that connect the bays to the Gulf become flounder highways. This concentration of fish is what makes fall fishing for flounder so productive.
Keywords to know: Flounder run, fall fishing, Texas fishing, saltwater migration.
Best Techniques for Catching Flounder
There are two primary methods for targeting flounder during the run: rod and reel, and gigging.
- Rod and Reel: This is the most common daytime technique. The key is a slow presentation right on the bottom. Dragging a soft plastic, like a Gulp! Swimming Mullet, or a live mud minnow along the bottom is incredibly effective. Cast up-current and let your bait drift naturally along channel edges and drop-offs.
- Gigging: Flounder gigging is a thrilling nighttime activity. It involves wading or polling in a shallow-draft boat with a powerful light to spot flounder lying on the bottom, then "gigging" them with a multi-pronged spear. Look for them in calm, shallow areas with a sandy or muddy bottom. Always check local regulations, as there are specific rules for gigging.
Top Lures and Baits
- Best Lures: You don't need a huge tackle box. A 1/4 oz jig head paired with a 3-inch Gulp! Swimming Mullet in white or chartreuse is the gold standard. Scented lures give you a major advantage.
- Best Live Bait: Live mud minnows or finger mullet are irresistible to flounder. Hook them through the lips on a Carolina rig to keep them on the bottom.
The flounder run doesn't last forever. Use the 3rdcoast-reeltime forecast to check the tides and weather for your favorite spot, and get out on the water to take advantage of this amazing fall fishing opportunity!