Jacksonville Flounder Gigging Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 5hour flounder gigging charter for up to 2 guestsAll gigging equipment provided with catch cleaning includedCaptain Jacob Watts guides beginners and experienced anglers
When most folks think fishing in Jacksonville, they picture rod and reel action offshore or in the backwaters. But Captain Jacob Watts brings you something completely different — a hands-on flounder gigging experience that'll have you wading through shallow waters with a spear in hand. This isn't your typical charter fishing trip. You'll be hunting flatfish the old-school way, using lights and gigs to spot and spear these tasty bottom-dwellers in their natural habitat. Perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want to try something new, this 5-hour private adventure starts at 8 a.m. and gives you the full run of productive Jacksonville waters.
Captain Jacob keeps things simple but effective on this top-rated flounder gigging charter. You'll meet at dawn and head out to shallow flats where flounder love to bury themselves in sand and mud. The beauty of gigging is that it's active fishing — you're not sitting around waiting for a bite. Instead, you'll be moving through knee-deep water, scanning the bottom with powerful lights to spot the telltale outline of a flounder against the sandy bottom. The captain provides all the specialized gigging equipment, including multi-pronged gigs, high-powered lights, and waders if you need them. Don't worry if you've never done this before — Jacob walks beginners through proper technique, from how to hold the gig to the best approach angles for a clean stick. The trip works well for one or two guests, giving everyone plenty of room to work and learn without crowding.
Flounder gigging is all about stealth, patience, and quick reflexes. You'll be working with a long-handled gig — essentially a multi-pronged spear designed specifically for flatfish. The key is moving slowly and quietly through the water while your light illuminates the bottom ahead of you. Flounder are masters of camouflage, often buried with just their eyes exposed, so spotting them takes practice. Captain Jacob teaches you to look for subtle changes in bottom texture, the glint of an eye, or the perfect fish-shaped outline in the sand. When you do spot one, the technique is simple but requires confidence — a quick, decisive thrust pins the fish to the bottom. The captain handles all the net work and fish handling, plus he cleans and packages your catch at the end of the trip so it's ready for the dinner table. Depending on water conditions and fish activity, you might also encounter other inshore species during your wade, making each trip a unique adventure.
Southern Flounder are the stars of this show, and Jacksonville's waters offer some of the best gigging opportunities on Florida's east coast. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 14-inchers up to doormat-sized specimens over 20 inches long. Fall through early spring tends to be prime time, when flounder move into shallow waters to feed on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. What makes them so exciting to target with a gig is the challenge — they're incredibly well-camouflaged and can disappear in a puff of sand if spooked. But when you do spot one and make a clean stick, there's no mistaking that solid thump as the gig connects. Southern flounder are also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for frying, grilling, or making into fish tacos.
Crappie add another dimension to your gigging adventure, especially in the river systems around Jacksonville. These panfish might seem like an odd target for gigging, but they often hold in shallow structure during certain seasons and can be taken with the same techniques used for flounder. Crappie typically run smaller than flounder but make up for it in numbers and fight. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Like flounder, crappie are excellent eating and a customer favorite for their sweet, flaky meat. Captain Jacob knows the seasonal patterns of both species and adjusts the fishing strategy based on current conditions and what's biting best.
This world-class flounder gigging experience fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active in shallow water. Captain Jacob's expertise and local knowledge make this charter a best trip choice for anyone wanting to try something different from conventional fishing. You'll come away with new skills, fresh fish for the table, and stories that'll make your fishing buddies jealous. The 5-hour trip gives you plenty of time to master the technique and put fish in the cooler, while the private charter format means you get personalized instruction and fishing at your own pace. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Book your Jacksonville flounder gigging adventure today and discover why this trending fishing method is gaining popularity with anglers looking for a more hands-on approach to putting dinner on the table.
Step aboard this 22-foot 2022 Lowe center console and get ready to hunt flounder in Jacksonville's productive waters. Powered by a reliable Mercury 200HP engine, this fishing machine cuts through the water smoothly while carrying up to 2 anglers comfortably. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Jacob position you silently over prime gigging spots without spooking the fish below. When visibility drops or you need to navigate tricky channels, the onboard radar keeps you safe and on course. The fish finder helps locate those flatfish hiding in the sand and grass beds where flounder love to ambush prey. Built for serious fishing with all the modern electronics you need, this center console delivers the performance and stability that makes those early morning gigging trips both productive and enjoyable on Jacksonville's inshore waters.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are schooling panfish that provide steady action when you locate them. These 8-12 inch fish love hanging around submerged structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and creek channels in our area lakes and slow-moving rivers. Spring spawning season brings the best fishing when water hits 62-68°F, but they bite year-round if you find the right depth. Black crappie prefer clearer water while whites tolerate murkier conditions. Both species are less active during midday, so dawn and dusk produce better results. Anglers love them for the light tackle fun and excellent table fare - the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. My go-to setup is a small jig under a bobber near cover, and patience pays off since they often bite light.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. These ambush predators bury themselves in the substrate with both eyes on their left side, waiting to strike at crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 25+ inches during fall and winter when they're most active. What makes them special is their amazing camouflage ability - they can change colors to match the bottom perfectly. The meat is outstanding, white and flaky. During our gigging trips, look for their eye shine in clear, shallow water around creek mouths and grass flats. Pro tip: move slow and steady - they'll spook if you splash around too much.
Jacksonville