Expert-Guided Flounder Gigging | Barely Legal Outdoors

Floundering Fun: Half-Day Gigging Adventure

Ready to try your hand at some nighttime flounder action? This 4-hour gigging trip in Port O'Connor is the perfect intro to one of the Gulf Coast's most unique fishing experiences. We'll hit the flats after dark, armed with lights and gigs, searching for those camouflage masters of the shallows. It's a totally different way to fish, and trust me, once you stick your first flounder, you'll be hooked!

What's the Deal?

For $600, you and a buddy can join me on a private flounder gigging adventure. We'll meet up at 7 PM sharp and spend the next four hours prowling the shallows. I've got room for two more if you want to bring the whole crew - just $100 extra per person. We'll be targeting those tasty flatfish, but don't be surprised if we run into some trout, reds, or drum along the way. I'll provide all the gear, bait, and even clean your catch at the end of the night. All you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a snack to keep you going.

Gigging 101

If you've never been gigging before, don't sweat it. It's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. We'll be cruising the shallows in my specially rigged flats boat, using bright lights to spot flounder buried in the sand. When we see one, we'll ease up and use a long-handled gig (think multi-pronged spear) to nab 'em. It's a bit like playing darts, but with bigger stakes and tastier results. The key is to move slow, keep your eyes peeled, and be ready to strike when you spot that distinctive oval shape. I'll show you all the tricks, from how to spot a flounder's eyes glowing in the light to the best way to stick 'em without missing.

Why Anglers Dig Gigging

Flounder gigging isn't just fishing - it's like an aquatic treasure hunt. There's something thrilling about gliding through the dark water, scanning for that telltale flash of white belly. It's a totally different vibe from daytime fishing. The nighttime calm, the gentle lapping of water against the boat, the excitement when you spot a big flounder just waiting to be gigged... it's an experience you won't forget. Plus, it's one of the most effective ways to put some serious fillets in the cooler. On a good night, we can easily hit our limit of quality flatfish.

Flatfish 411

Southern Flounder are the star of our show here in Port O'Connor. These masters of camouflage can change their color and pattern to match almost any bottom, making them nearly invisible when they're buried in the sand. But they can't hide from our lights! Flounder typically range from 1-5 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 8-10 pounds. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for small fish and shrimp to swim by. What makes them so popular? Well, aside from being fun to catch, they're absolutely delicious. Flounder have sweet, white meat that's perfect for pan-frying, baking, or even grilling whole.

The best time to target flounder is during their fall run, usually from October through December. That's when they move out of the bays and head to the Gulf to spawn, concentrating in huge numbers. But don't worry - we can find 'em year-round in Port O'Connor. Spring and summer can be excellent too, especially around structures like jetties and pier pilings.

Bonus Catches

While we're focused on flounder, don't be surprised if we encounter some other inshore favorites. Speckled trout often cruise the same flats as flounder, especially around dawn and dusk. These spotted beauties put up a great fight and are just as tasty as flounder. Redfish are another possibility, especially if we find some tailing in super shallow water. And if we're lucky, we might even run into some black drum. These big ugly cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes and offer a serious tussle on light tackle.

Time to Get Gigging!

Look, I could go on all day about the joys of flounder gigging, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. This half-day trip is the perfect intro to one of the Gulf Coast's most unique fishing traditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or a complete novice wanting to get your feet wet, I guarantee you'll have a blast. And hey, there's a good chance you'll go home with some of the best-tasting fish fillets you've ever had. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and let's go stick some flatties!