OBX Flounder Gigging & Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Limited-time flounder gigging adventure from September 15-29Nighttime underwater fishing with one flounder per person limitSmall group inshore trips accommodating up to two guests
Picture this: you're wading through crystal-clear Outer Banks waters under the cover of darkness, watching the seafloor come alive with marine activity. That's what makes our nighttime flounder gigging charters so special here in OBX. This isn't your typical fishing trip – we're talking about a hands-on adventure that lets you get up close with some of the most sought-after inshore species on the East Coast. With only two spots available per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime positioning that makes all the difference between going home empty-handed or with a cooler full of keeper fish.
Our September window from the 15th through the 29th marks prime time for flounder gigging in these waters. The water temperature drops just enough to get these flatfish moving into the shallows, but it's still comfortable for wading. We'll meet up right before sunset to get you geared up with proper waders, lights, and gigs. The real magic happens once we hit the flats – watching flounder camouflaged on the bottom suddenly bolt when your light hits them never gets old. Between gigging runs, we'll work the structure and grass beds for redfish and sheepshead using live bait and light tackle. The intimate group size means everyone gets plenty of shots at fish, and I can tailor the experience based on what's biting best that particular evening.
Flounder gigging is all about stealth and precision. We use LED underwater lights that illuminate the bottom without spooking fish, plus backup headlamps for navigation. The gigs themselves are multi-pronged spears designed specifically for flatfish – they pin the flounder to the sand without damaging the meat. I'll show you how to read the bottom, spot those telltale eye bumps, and approach without creating too much commotion. For the conventional fishing portions, we're rigging Carolina rigs with live shrimp for the sheepshead around structure, and gold spoons or cut bait for redfish in the grass. The water clarity this time of year is phenomenal, so sight fishing opportunities pop up constantly. We're wading depths from knee-deep to about waist-deep, so you'll want to dress appropriately for getting wet.
Southern Flounder are the stars of this show, and September is absolutely prime time for doormat-sized fish. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand with just their eyes exposed, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. What makes OBX flounder special is their size – we regularly see fish pushing 20+ inches, with true doormats over 24 inches showing up when conditions align. The one-fish-per-person limit keeps things sustainable while ensuring everyone gets a shot at a quality fish. They're notorious for their last-second bursts of speed, so timing your gig strike is everything.
Redfish around the Outer Banks are year-round residents, but fall brings some of the best action as they feed heavily before winter. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars we'll be working between gigging spots. OBX reds average 20-30 inches with plenty of slot fish mixed in with oversized bulls. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your drag, and their willingness to eat everything from live shrimp to artificial lures makes them a customer favorite. The shallow water battles are what redfish dreams are made of.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest species we target, but they're absolutely worth the effort. These black-and-white striped fish hang around docks, pilings, and oyster rocks where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. OBX sheepshead run larger than most places – fish over 15 inches are common, with real slabs pushing 20+ inches. They're notorious bait stealers, so I'll teach you to feel for that subtle tap-tap-tap bite. Once hooked, they dive straight for structure, so keeping them away from pilings becomes a chess match. The payoff is some of the best-eating fish in these waters.
With just two weeks of prime gigging season and only two anglers per trip, these spots fill up fast among locals and visiting anglers alike. This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the unique experience of flounder gigging plus traditional inshore fishing for multiple species. The intimate group size means personalized instruction, better fishing spots, and more fish per angler. Whether you're a seasoned inshore angler looking to try something new or someone wanting to experience the best of OBX fishing, this limited-season adventure delivers memories that'll last long after you've eaten your catch. Don't wait – September 29th comes quick, and once it's gone, you'll be waiting until next year for another shot at this world-class fishery.
Hit the OBX waters in our reliable 20-foot Carolina Skiff, perfectly rigged for your flounder gigging adventure. This 2006 beauty got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs smooth with a 75HP Yamaha Four Stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds without burning through fuel. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking flounder in the shallows, while our GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots where these flatfish like to hide. Built tough for inshore fishing, this skiff handles the sounds and backwaters like a dream, giving you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to work. Perfect for those September nights when the flounder are moving and the action heats up in the shallow waters around Outer Banks.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing here in OBX. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spots near their tail typically run 20-35 inches, though we regularly see fish pushing 40+ inches on the right day. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time, especially during moving tides. What makes them special is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Plus they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: watch for nervous baitfish or "waking" water - that's usually a red cruising the shallows hunting for an easy meal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the coolest fish we target around here - they've got human-like teeth that'll make you do a double take. These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes usually run 1-8 pounds, but we've seen 20-pounders that'll test your gear. You'll find them hugging any structure - docks, bridge pilings, wrecks - anywhere there are barnacles to munch on. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They're notorious bait thieves with serious attitude, plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: get your bait tight to the structure and keep a firm grip - they'll nibble to steal your bait before committing, so when you feel that weight, set the hook hard.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that'll completely change your perspective on flatfish. These ambush predators lay buried in sand and mud with both eyes on one side, waiting to crush anything that swims by. Most run 15-18 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 25 inches make for bragging rights and great table fare. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays, creek mouths, and inlet areas. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore winter migration. What guests love is the challenge - they're tricky to locate and the fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish. The meat is absolutely top-notch, sweet and flaky. Pro tip: use live finger mullet or bull minnows on a Carolina rig and work it slow along the bottom - let them eat it before setting the hook.
Outer Banks