Night Flounder Gigging in Destin Waters
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Night flounder gigging aboard customdesigned 32foot skiffTarget flounder, mullet, sheepshead and blue crabs in shallowsFourhour charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
When the sun goes down in Destin, that's when the real magic happens on the flats. Our 4-hour night flounder gigging trip aboard the Floundering Around gives you a completely different perspective on these productive waters. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing—we're talking about stalking flatfish with lights and gigs in the shallows, where every shadow could be dinner. The custom-designed skiff cuts through skinny water without a sound, and when those LED lights fire up, you'll see the bottom come alive with flounder, mullet, sheepshead, and blue crabs. It's like having night vision goggles for the underwater world, and trust me, once you try gigging, regular fishing might feel a little tame.
This trip runs completely different from our daytime charters, and that's exactly what makes it special. We'll pick you up after sunset and head to the shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms where flounder like to bury themselves during the night. The 32' ProCat gets us there smooth and quiet—no need to worry about rough rides in the dark. Once we're on the flats, we switch to the custom skiff that's been built specifically for this type of fishing. The boat draws maybe 8 inches of water, so we can get into spots where bigger boats can't follow. You'll be standing on the bow with a gig in hand, scanning the bottom as we drift silently through prime flounder territory. The whole experience has this hunting vibe to it—patience, stealth, and quick reflexes when you spot your target.
Flounder gigging is all about the lights and timing. We run powerful LED arrays that light up the bottom like a football field, but without spooking the fish. The gigs themselves are long-handled spears with multiple tines—think of a fancy pitchfork designed for underwater work. When you spot a flounder, you've got maybe two seconds before it bolts, so the technique is all about a quick, confident jab straight down. The fish like to bury themselves in sand with just their eyes showing, but under our lights, they stand out like they're glowing. We'll coach you through the whole process, from reading the bottom to proper gigging form. The water's usually knee-deep or less, so you're not dealing with heavy current or deep drops. It's more like wade fishing with a spear, and the learning curve is pretty quick once you get your first flounder.
Southern flounder are the stars of this show, and Destin's shallow waters hold some real doormat-sized fish. These ambush predators love sandy bottoms near grass edges, where they can disappear completely until something tasty swims by. Fall and winter months are prime time for flounder gigging, when the fish are feeding heavy before their offshore migration. What makes flounder so fun to gig is the challenge—they're masters of camouflage, and spotting one buried in the sand takes a trained eye. Once you stick a 3-pound flounder, you'll understand why gigging addicts plan their whole year around these trips. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf, with that sweet, flaky texture that makes restaurant chefs jealous.
Black drum show up regularly on these night trips, especially around oyster bars and structure. These fish can get massive—we're talking 20 to 40 pounds—and they're surprisingly easy to approach with lights. Drum are bottom feeders that cruise slowly while searching for crabs and shellfish, which makes them perfect targets for gigging. They're not as spooky as some species, so you'll often get multiple chances if you miss your first shot. The bigger drum are catch-and-release fish due to mercury levels, but the smaller ones in the 5 to 15-pound range make excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling.
Sheepshead are the bonus fish that keep things interesting throughout the trip. These convict-striped fighters love structure and are surprisingly active at night. They're tough to gig because they're quick and tend to stick close to cover, but when you nail one, you've earned it. Sheepshead are some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that rivals snapper. They're also smart fish that seem to learn quickly, so your best shots are usually the first ones you see. Peak season runs through fall and winter when they're feeding heavy on crabs and barnacles around the docks and jetties.
Flathead grey mullet might not be the primary target, but they're everywhere in Destin's shallows and surprisingly fun to gig. These silver bullets are lightning fast and travel in schools, creating a target-rich environment when you find them. Mullet are excellent smoked or fried, and they're actually considered a delicacy in many parts of the South. The challenge with mullet is their speed—you need to lead them like shooting skeet. When the mullet are running thick, usually in fall, you can fill a cooler pretty quickly. Plus, they make excellent bait for bigger gamefish if you're planning other fishing trips during your Destin visit.
Night flounder gigging isn't something you can do everywhere, and Destin's shallow grass flats create perfect conditions for this type of fishing. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers, so it's ideal for couples or small groups who want something completely different from the typical deep-sea charter. Most folks who try gigging once end up booking return trips—there's something addictive about the hunt aspect and the quality of fish you bring home. The season runs best from October through March when water temperatures drop and flounder are most active in the shallows. Book early during peak months because these specialized trips fill up fast,
Step aboard our custom 19-foot Carolina skiff, specially rigged for nighttime flounder gigging in Destin's shallow waters. This fishing machine cuts through the darkness with a wireless trolling motor that keeps things whisper-quiet as we search for those bottom-dwelling flatfish. The deck's been set up perfectly for gigging action, while an icebox keeps your drinks cold and any fresh catch on ice. Our GPS keeps us on target, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication throughout the night. The fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface, though when it comes to flounder gigging, your eyes and our bright lights do most of the work. Built to handle up to 4 anglers, this skiff gets you right into the prime shallow spots where flounder, mullet, sheepshead, and blue crabs come alive after dark. The stable platform gives everyone room to move around safely while scanning the sandy bottom for those telltale fish outlines.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow flats, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters reaching 90 pounds. These grey-black fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and brackish estuaries where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that will test your gear and drag. Most anglers target the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough and less flavorful. You'll find them in water from just a few feet to 100 feet deep. Local trick: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom near oyster bars. The crab stays put better than shrimp and won't get stolen by catfish as quickly.
Mugil CephalusMullet are the silver torpedoes of the shallows, averaging around 20 inches and schooling in large numbers over sandy and muddy bottoms. These olive-brown fish with silvery sides are famous for their spectacular jumps when spooked - they'll clear the water completely to escape predators or clean their gills. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, often in just 10 feet or less. Summer and fall offer the best action when they're most active. While not traditional gamefish, they put up a surprising fight and are prized for their rich, oily meat that's perfect smoked. Their roe is considered a delicacy worldwide. Pro tip: throw some bread pieces in calm water to bring schools to the surface, then use small hooks with bread, worms, or tiny flies. Stay quiet - they spook easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and grey stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up around big structures. These fish live around docks, bridges, jetties, and any barnacle-covered pilings where they scrape off their favorite meals. Spring months from February to April are peak when they spawn around channel passes and offshore structures. They're notorious bait thieves with light nibbles, so you need quick reflexes to set the hook hard. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. Local tip: get your bait tight to the structure - they won't chase it far. Fresh fiddler crabs or barnacles scraped right off the pilings work best.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen them up to 20 pounds. They bury themselves in sand and mud in shallow bays, estuaries, and coastal waters, ambushing prey like shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Night gigging is prime time when they're active in 2-6 feet of water. What makes them special is the challenge of spotting their camouflaged outline against the bottom - it takes a trained eye. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: look for the subtle outline of their fins or that telltale eye reflection when the light hits just right. They're more active on moving tides.
Destin