Outer Banks Night Fishing & Flounder Gigging
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Limitedtime flounder gigging adventure runs September 1529 only.Nighttime underwater experience with one flounder allowed per person.Small group inshore trips accommodate maximum two guests.
Get ready for something completely different on the water – Duck Hunter's specialty flounder gigging trip combines the best of both worlds with targeted fishing for OBX favorites and the unique thrill of nighttime flounder spotting. This isn't your typical daytime charter. We're talking about getting up close with the underwater world after dark, when flounder come alive in the shallows and other species are actively feeding. With just two spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning for this customer favorite experience that only runs during peak season.
This top-rated charter starts as the sun goes down, when the real action begins in OBX waters. You'll be working the shallow flats and grass beds where flounder hunt at night, but we're not just focused on one species. The evening bite brings out redfish cruising the shallows and sheepshead working structure in low light conditions. The flounder gigging portion is the showstopper though – we'll be using spotlights to locate these masters of camouflage as they lie motionless on sandy bottoms. Each angler gets one flounder per person, making this an exclusive encounter that's all about quality over quantity. The limited September 15th to 29th season means we're hitting these fish right when they're most active and accessible in skinny water.
Flounder gigging is a completely different game from rod and reel fishing. We're using specialized gigs – long-handled spears with multiple prongs designed specifically for flounder. The technique requires patience and a sharp eye as we slowly work the shallows with powerful LED lights, scanning the bottom for the telltale outline of a flatfish. When you spot one, it's all about the quick, accurate strike. Don't worry if you've never done this before – most folks pick it up fast, and there's nothing quite like that first successful gig. For the traditional fishing portions, we'll be using light tackle perfect for sight fishing redfish and bottom rigs for sheepshead around structure. All gear is provided, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup.
Southern Flounder are the stars of this show, and September is prime time for these ambush predators. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes in OBX waters, with doormat-sized specimens pushing 5-6 pounds not uncommon during peak season. What makes them so exciting to target is their incredible camouflage ability – they'll bury themselves in sand with just their eyes exposed, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The gigging technique lets you see exactly how they behave in their natural environment, something you'd never experience with conventional fishing. They're most active during the new moon phases when darkness provides better cover for their hunting.
Redfish are year-round residents in these waters, but the cooler September evenings get them fired up and feeding aggressively in the shallows. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in OBX waters and put up a serious fight on light tackle. What anglers love most is sight fishing for them in skinny water – watching that distinctive bronze back and black spot cruise through grass beds gets your heart pumping every time. They're feeding heavily on shrimp and small crabs this time of year, fattening up before water temperatures drop.
Sheepshead might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're world-class when it comes to fighting ability and table fare. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around pilings, docks, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. September fishing is outstanding because they're still in summer feeding mode but starting to school up. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one feels like a real accomplishment. Most run 2-4 pounds in these waters, but the occasional 6-pounder will test your drag and your patience.
This trending OBX experience sells out fast, and with only a two-week window each year, don't sleep on booking your trip. The combination of traditional fishing and flounder gigging gives you the best of both worlds – multiple species, different techniques, and the unique perspective of seeing the underwater world after dark. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or someone who wants a truly different fishing experience, this charter delivers something you won't find anywhere else. Duck Hunter knows these waters inside and out, and with just two anglers per trip, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. The September season is short but sweet – book now and see why this has become the most requested trip for anglers who want something beyond the ordinary.
This 20-foot Carolina Skiff is your ticket to prime OBX inshore waters. Built in 2006 and completely refurbished in 2018, she runs smooth with a reliable 75HP Yamaha Four Stroke that'll get you to the best fishing spots without burning through fuel. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in shallow water, while the GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding productive areas. Perfect for flounder gigging adventures, this boat handles the skinny water where these flatfish love to hide. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the shallows and sight-cast to redfish, speckled trout, and stripers cruising the grass flats and oyster bars that make OBX inshore fishing legendary.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of OBX shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black eyespot near the tail typically run 20-35 inches in our waters. They love super shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster bars - sometimes in water so skinny their backs stick out. Spring and fall are prime time when they're cruising the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What gets anglers hooked? That explosive topwater strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight fishing - watching a red slowly cruise toward your bait in crystal clear water. Local trick: work your lure slow and low. These fish are spooky in shallow water, so keep noise to a minimum and make long, quiet casts.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the most unique fish you'll encounter in OBX waters. These "convict fish" sport distinctive black and white stripes and famous human-like teeth that make them master bait thieves. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and pier pilings where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in shallow structure. What makes them special? That notorious nibbling behavior keeps you on your toes - they'll steal bait faster than you can blink. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: pin your bait tight to the hook and fish right against the pilings. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout OBX waters. These flatfish typically measure 15-18 inches, with both eyes on their left side and an amazing ability to change color to match the bottom. They hang out in shallow bays, creeks, and around structure from spring through fall before heading offshore for winter. What makes them popular? They're ambush predators that provide steady action, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The real excitement comes during our fall gigging season when you can spot them with lights at night. Best approach is drift fishing with live minnows or shrimp on light tackle, keeping your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Outer Banks