Premium Flounder Gigging Charters with Hook-N-Gig Outfitters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nighttime flounder gigging in shallow St. Augustine watersFour to six hour guided trips using lights and spearsFamilyfriendly experience suitable for all skill levels
There's something magical about gliding across St. Augustine's shallow flats after dark, spotlight cutting through the black water as you hunt for flatfish hugging the sandy bottom. This isn't your typical fishing trip—flounder gigging is part hunting, part fishing, and 100% hands-on action that'll have you hooked from the first strike. Our 4- to 6-hour nighttime charters put you right in the middle of one of Florida's most unique angling experiences, where patience meets precision and every fish you spot becomes a personal challenge.
When the sun drops behind St. Augustine's historic skyline, that's when our adventure begins. We'll meet you at the dock and load up the 16-foot aluminum skiff—the perfect shallow-water vessel for navigating the grass flats and sandy channels where flounder love to bury themselves. These boats draw minimal water and move quietly, which is crucial when you're hunting fish in less than three feet of water. The setup is simple but effective: high-powered LED lights mounted on the bow illuminate the bottom like daylight, while you and your guide slowly drift across productive areas. Don't worry about bringing gear—we've got quality gigs, lights, and all the equipment you'll need. The beauty of gigging is that it's visual fishing at its finest. You'll actually see every fish before you make your move, watching them glide along the bottom or lie motionless in the sand. When you spot your target, it's all about the quick, accurate strike with the multi-pronged gig. Miss by an inch and that flounder will disappear in a cloud of sand faster than you can blink.
Flounder gigging is all about reading the water and understanding fish behavior. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand with just their eyes showing, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Our experienced guides know exactly where to look—channel edges, grass line transitions, and sandy potholes are prime real estate. The technique itself takes some practice, but most folks get the hang of it within the first hour. You'll hold the gig like a spear, standing at the bow while scanning the illuminated water. When you spot a flounder, you've got to account for light refraction and strike about six inches closer than the fish appears. It's physics in action, and nailing that first successful gig is always a rush. Water clarity plays a huge role, which is why we target calm nights with minimal wind. St. Augustine's protected waters are perfect for this style of fishing, offering miles of shallow flats away from boat traffic. We'll cover a lot of ground during the trip, moving from spot to spot as conditions and fish activity dictate. Beyond flounder, you'll often spot sheepshead, small reds, and other coastal species cruising the flats—though flounder remain the primary target and the most fun to gig.
Summer flounder are the stars of our gigging trips, and these flatfish are perfectly adapted to life on St. Augustine's sandy bottom. Also called fluke up north, our southern summer flounder typically run 12 to 20 inches, with the occasional doormat pushing 24 inches or more. They're masters of camouflage, changing color and pattern to match their surroundings so well that you'll walk right past them until you train your eye to spot their outline. Fall and winter months produce the best gigging action here, when cooler water temps move these fish into the shallows to feed heavily before their offshore winter migration. What makes flounder so exciting to target is their unpredictable behavior—some will lay perfectly still even with bright lights overhead, while others will bolt the second they sense movement. The best fish often hide in the most unlikely spots, tucked under grass clumps or pressed against structure where most anglers would never think to look. Size-wise, anything over 15 inches is a keeper and great for the dinner table. Flounder are hands-down one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for frying, baking, or grilling. The satisfaction of putting fresh flounder fillets in the cooler after a successful night on the water never gets old, especially knowing you spotted and caught each fish with your own eyes and hands.
Flounder gigging represents something special in today's fishing world—a chance to slow down, focus your attention, and connect with an old-school technique that's been putting fish on the table for generations. Our single-angler charters give you personalized attention and the flexibility to move at your own pace, whether you're a first-timer learning the ropes or an experienced gigger looking to explore new water. St. Augustine's shallow-water fishery is world-class, and these nighttime trips showcase a side of our local waters that most visitors never experience. The combination of productive fishing, hands-on action, and the peaceful atmosphere of night fishing creates memories that last long after you head home. Don't wait to secure your spot—these trips book up fast, especially during prime gigging season. Give Hook-N-Gig Outfitters a call and let's get you out there with lights blazing and gig in hand. There's a whole different world waiting after dark on St. Augustine's flats, and we can't wait to show you what you've been missing.
St Augustine