Night Gigging Adventure in Matagorda Waters
When the sun goes down in Matagorda, that's when Captain Joe Guerra and the Bay Finatic crew really get to work. This isn't your typical day on the water – we're talking about a top-rated 5-hour night gigging adventure that'll show you a completely different side of these coastal waters. Armed with bright LED lights and sharp gigs, you'll be hunting flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in the shallow flats and back lakes where these fish love to hang out after dark. It's fishing, but not like anything you've probably done before.
What to Expect on the Water
This trip runs two boats, so we can spread out up to 6 anglers and really cover some ground. Captain Joe knows these Matagorda flats like the back of his hand, and he'll position you in prime spots where the fish are actively feeding. The whole experience revolves around stealth and precision – we're moving quietly through knee-deep water, scanning the bottom with powerful LED lights that turn night into day underwater. You'll see everything down there: crabs scurrying across the sand, baitfish darting around, and if you're lucky, those target species just sitting there waiting for a well-placed gig. The back lakes and shallow flats around Matagorda are perfect for this kind of fishing because the water stays relatively clear and the bottom composition gives you excellent visibility. Most folks are amazed at how much marine life they spot during these night sessions – it's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when the bay comes alive after sunset.
Gigging Gear and Technique
Gigging is all about patience, good eyes, and quick hands. We'll set you up with quality gigs – basically long poles with sharp, barbed tips designed specifically for spearing fish. The LED lights do most of the heavy lifting here, creating bright cones of light that penetrate several feet down into the water column. Captain Joe and his crew will teach you how to move the light slowly and systematically, scanning for the telltale outline of a fish against the sandy bottom. The key is learning to distinguish between shadows, debris, and actual fish – something that comes with practice but most people pick up pretty quickly. Black drum and sheepshead often give themselves away by their distinctive shapes and how they react to the light, while flounder are masters of camouflage that require a more trained eye. We're wading through flats that are typically 1-3 feet deep, so you'll want to wear shorts or lightweight pants that can get wet. The technique itself is straightforward: spot the fish, position yourself carefully, aim slightly ahead of where you think they'll move, and strike fast and confident.
Target Species Breakdown
Southern flounder are the crown jewel of gigging trips, and Matagorda's flats are legendary for producing quality fish. These masters of disguise bury themselves in the sand with just their eyes poking out, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. What makes them so fun to gig is that they're incredibly well-camouflaged – you might be staring right at one without knowing it until you train your eye to spot their outline. Flounder season runs strong from spring through October, but we don't target them in November when they're spawning. Most of the fish you'll encounter range from 15-20 inches, with some real doormat-sized specimens pushing 24+ inches if you're lucky.
Black drum might surprise you with how cooperative they can be during night gigging sessions. Unlike their daytime behavior when they're often spooky and hard to approach, black drum at night tend to be more focused on feeding and less concerned about your presence. They're chunky, powerful fish that typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones definitely show up. You'll recognize them by their deep, rounded body shape and the way they tend to root around in the sand looking for crabs and worms. They're available year-round in Matagorda, making them a reliable target species regardless of when you book your trip.
Sheepshead are probably the most challenging of our three target species, but that's what makes them so rewarding when you connect. These black-and-white striped fish are incredibly wary and quick to bolt when they sense danger. They love structure, so we'll often find them around oyster reefs, pilings, or any kind of hard bottom where they can pick at barnacles and small crustaceans. Sheepshead require perfect timing and accuracy because they don't give you a second chance – miss your first shot and they're gone. They're most active during the cooler months, making them a customer favorite during winter gigging trips when flounder action slows down.
Time to Book Your Adventure
This world-class gigging experience books up fast, especially during peak flounder season. Captain Joe runs these trips year-round except for November flounder restrictions, and weekday Monday through Thursday trips are available by appointment only. The beauty of night gigging is that it's productive in almost any weather conditions – calm nights are obviously ideal, but even mild wind doesn't shut down the action like it might for other types of fishing. You're getting 5 solid hours on the water with one of Matagorda's most experienced guides, learning techniques that'll serve you well if you decide to try gigging on your own. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for something different or a complete beginner wanting to try a unique style of fishing, this trip delivers memories and hopefully some fresh fish for the dinner table. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – Bay Finatic's reputation for putting clients on fish means these best trips fill up quickly.
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Matagorda
5
