Jacksonville Morning Flounder Fishing
Shared Trip
River Fishing
5hour shared flounder gigging trip starting at 8 a.m.Accommodates 12 guests with all specialized equipment provided.Target flounder in shallow waters using lights and gigs.
There's something special about getting up before the sun to chase flounder in Jacksonville's shallow waters. Captain Jacob Watts has been running these early morning gigging trips for years, and he's got this whole operation down to a science. You'll meet him at 8 a.m. sharp, but trust me – those pre-dawn hours are when the magic happens. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel setup. We're talking lights, gigs, and working the flats where these flatfish love to hide. Whether you're flying solo or bringing a buddy, this 5-hour adventure accommodates up to two anglers and delivers one of Jacksonville's top-rated inshore fishing experiences.
Captain Jacob keeps things straightforward but effective. You'll start the morning learning how to spot flounder in their natural habitat – buried in sand and mud, perfectly camouflaged until your light hits them just right. The boat stays in shallow water, usually less than four feet deep, which gives you an up-close view of everything happening below. Jacob provides all the specialized gigging equipment, so you don't need to worry about gear. He'll show you the proper technique for a clean stick, how to read the bottom, and where these fish like to hold. The beauty of this trip is that it works for complete beginners and seasoned giggers alike. Jacksonville's inshore waters are perfect for this style of fishing, with plenty of grass flats and sandy pockets that hold good numbers of fish. Don't be surprised if you encounter some bonus species during the trip – these waters are full of life, and you never know what else might show up in the lights.
Flounder gigging is a whole different beast from traditional angling. You're hunting with lights and spears, moving quietly through shallow water while scanning the bottom for those telltale outlines. Captain Jacob runs high-powered LED lights that illuminate the water column and bottom structure perfectly. The gigs themselves are long-handled spears with multiple prongs – think of them as underwater forks designed to pin flounder to the bottom. The technique takes a little practice, but most folks get the hang of it within the first hour. You'll learn to spot the fish's eyes first – they're usually the giveaway since flounder bury themselves with just their eyes and mouth exposed. When you see one, you've got to move fast but stay smooth. Too much noise or sudden movement will spook them right off the bottom. The Jacksonville area offers perfect gigging conditions with its mix of grass beds, sand holes, and creek mouths where flounder congregate to feed.
Southern flounder are the main attraction on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud while waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. In Jacksonville waters, you'll typically encounter flounder ranging from keeper size up to some real doormat specimens that can stretch over 20 inches. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder gigging, as the fish move into shallow water to feed before their offshore spawning migration. What makes flounder so exciting to target is the challenge of spotting them and the quick reflexes needed for a successful stick. One moment you're scanning empty bottom, and the next you're staring at a perfectly camouflaged fish that's been there the whole time. Southern flounder are also excellent table fare, with sweet, white meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Crappie might seem like an unusual target for an inshore trip, but Jacksonville's brackish waters and creek systems hold some surprises. These panfish move into the shallows during certain times of year, especially around structure and creek mouths where fresh and salt water mix. While not as common as flounder on these trips, crappie provide exciting bonus action when they show up. They're schooling fish, so finding one often means there are more in the area. Crappie are notorious for their light bite and fighting ability relative to their size. In the Jacksonville area, they tend to be most active during cooler months and around dawn and dusk – which lines up perfectly with the flounder gigging schedule. Like flounder, crappie are fantastic eating and make for a great addition to any fish fry.
Captain Jacob's morning flounder trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active. The early start time might seem tough, but you'll be amazed how quickly those 5 hours fly by when you're focused on the hunt. This world-class gigging experience gives you a completely different perspective on Jacksonville's inshore fishery. The combination of technique, timing, and local knowledge makes this a customer favorite for both visitors and locals. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is locked in before booking. With just two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to practice your gigging skills. Whether you're looking to try something new or you're already hooked on this style of fishing, Captain Jacob's got the experience and local expertise to put you on fish consistently.
Your morning flounder fishing adventure runs aboard a 22-foot 2022 Lowe center console that's perfectly equipped for Jacksonville's shallow waters. This boat handles beautifully with its Mercury 200HP engine, giving Captain Jacob the speed and maneuverability needed to reach prime gigging spots along the coast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet as you approach feeding flounders, while the fish finder helps locate productive areas. With GPS navigation and radar onboard, you're covered even when visibility drops during those early morning hours. The center console design provides plenty of room to move around safely while gigging, and the stable platform makes it easy to spot flatfish against the sandy bottom. Built for serious fishing, this Lowe delivers the reliability you want when targeting flounder in Jacksonville's productive inshore waters.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusThese panfish are some of the tastiest targets in freshwater, running 7-12 inches with that sweet white meat everyone loves. Around Jacksonville's rivers and backwater areas, you'll find both black and white crappie hiding in brush piles, fallen trees, and vegetation. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring spawning season when water hits the low 60s brings fantastic action, but dawn and dusk fishing works year-round. What guests love most is how they fight on light tackle and how good they taste fried up fresh. The white, flaky meat has a delicate flavor that's hard to beat. My go-to trick? Use a small jig or live minnow under a bobber near cover, and be patient - let them take it fully before setting the hook. Their mouths are tender, so don't horse them in.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we've seen them hit 20+ pounds. They love shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms - perfect for our Jacksonville flats and backwaters. Fall through early spring brings the best action when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special? They're ambush predators that completely change color to match the bottom, plus they make some of the best table fare you'll find. The meat is white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: when gigging, move your light slowly and watch for that telltale outline in the sand. Once you spot those eyes, you've got about two seconds before they bolt.
Jacksonville