Night Gigging for Flounder in Matagorda Bay
When the sun goes down in Matagorda, that's when the real action begins. Captain Joe Guerra and Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service bring you a 5-hour night gigging adventure that's unlike anything you've experienced on the water. Picture this: you're gliding through shallow flats and back lakes under the cover of darkness, powerful LED lights cutting through the water to reveal a hidden world below. This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a hunt that combines skill, patience, and just the right amount of adrenaline as you target southern flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in their natural nighttime feeding grounds.
What to Expect on the Water
Night gigging is a whole different beast compared to regular bay fishing, and that's exactly what makes it so addictive. You'll be working the shallow waters where these fish feel most comfortable after dark, using bright LED lighting systems that illuminate the bottom like underwater spotlights. The boat moves slowly and quietly through prime habitat areas – sandy bottoms, grass flats, and transition zones where flounder love to bury themselves and ambush prey. Your eyes will adjust to reading the water under artificial light, learning to spot the telltale outline of a flounder or the movement of drum cruising through the shallows. This top-rated experience runs for a full five hours, giving you plenty of time to master the technique and rack up some serious fish. Keep in mind that weekday Monday through Thursday trips are available by appointment only, and flounder gigging takes a break from November 1st through December 15th due to seasonal regulations.
Gigging Gear and Technique
The beauty of gigging lies in its simplicity – you're using a multi-pronged spear called a gig to precisely target fish that you can actually see. Captain Joe provides all the specialized equipment, including high-powered LED light arrays that can penetrate several feet into the water column. The boat is rigged specifically for this type of fishing, with elevated platforms that give you the perfect vantage point to spot and target fish. You'll learn to read bottom structure, identify different species by their shape and behavior, and develop the hand-eye coordination needed to make clean shots. The lights don't just attract fish – they reveal an entire ecosystem that most anglers never get to witness. You'll see crabs scurrying across the bottom, baitfish schooling in the light, and predator fish moving through their territory with confidence they only show in darkness. It's part fishing, part hunting, and completely captivating once you get the hang of it.
What Anglers Are Saying
"First time flounder gigging. Joe and crew made the experience easy, engaging and FUN! Great boat, great host, limited out! 10/10 can't wait to go again! If you're on the fence, go for it! This was a memory we won't forget!! Thank you Joe!" - Richard. "Took my wife for her first time gigging with captain joe and it was a blast. Captain joe really worked to put us on the flatties. We covered a lot of ground in search of clean water and made it happen with a limit of flounder and 2 gar. While other boats called it a night captain joe opted to stay out determined to make it a successful trip for us. Highly recommend yall check him out. Thanks captain. We will definitely book another trip" - Ty. "A trip we looked forward to for a long time and it didn't disappoint! Joe was a great, knowledgeable guide! My son and I made memories that will last a lifetime. We would highly recommend a guided trip with Joe." - Clay.
Target Species Breakdown
Southern flounder are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These ambush predators spend their nights actively hunting in shallow water, making them perfect targets for gigging. Matagorda Bay flounder typically run anywhere from keeper size up to impressive doormat specimens that'll have you talking for years. They're masters of camouflage during the day, but under artificial light, their flat profile and distinctive eye placement make them easier to spot as they glide over sand and mud bottoms. Fall and winter months offer some of the best gigging action as flounder stage up for their offshore spawning runs, though remember that November 1st through December 15th is off-limits for harvest.
Black drum bring a different kind of excitement to night gigging trips. These powerful fish cruise the shallows in small schools, and when you spot them under the lights, you know you're in for a fight. Matagorda's black drum population includes both smaller specimens perfect for the dinner table and bull-sized fish that'll test your gigging skills. They're notorious for their bulldogging runs and surprising speed when spooked, so timing your shot becomes crucial. These fish feed heavily at night, working oyster reefs and soft bottom areas where they can root out crabs and other bottom-dwelling prey.
Sheepshead round out the target species list with their distinctive black and white stripes that make them surprisingly visible under LED lights. These structure-loving fish move into shallow water after dark to feed, often around pilings, rocks, or any hard bottom areas. They're excellent table fare and provide a fun challenge due to their quick reflexes and tendency to dart for cover when they sense danger. Matagorda's sheepshead population stays active year-round, though they're most aggressive during warmer months when their feeding activity peaks.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class gigging experience books up fast, especially during prime season when conditions are perfect and fish are most active. With a maximum capacity of just two anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention from Captain Joe and his crew throughout the entire trip. Whether you're a first-timer looking to try something completely new or a seasoned angler wanting to add gigging to your skillset, this customer favorite delivers every time. The 5-hour trip length gives you plenty of opportunity to get comfortable with the technique and put some
4.9(20 Reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Top Rated
Matagorda
5
