Full Night Flounder Gigging in Aransas Pass
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour nighttime flounder gigging charter for experienced anglersTarget flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and alligator gar speciesAll gear included with Captain John Cryer guidance
Captain John Cryer's nighttime flounder gigging charter is built for anglers who know their way around the water and want something different from the typical daytime fishing routine. This 8-hour adventure starts at 7:45 pm and takes you into the shallow inshore waters around Aransas Pass, where bright lights reveal a completely different side of these productive flats. You'll be targeting flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and even the occasional alligator gar while they're actively feeding in the darkness. At $440 for up to 4 anglers, it's a top-rated experience that includes all your gear and eliminates the need for fishing licenses.
Night fishing in Aransas Pass transforms these familiar waters into something completely new. Captain John runs a specialized setup with powerful LED lights that penetrate the shallow water, creating an underwater stage where you can watch fish behavior up close. The boat moves slowly and quietly through productive areas where flounder lay buried in the sand during the day but become active hunters after dark. You'll spend most of the trip in 2-4 feet of water, perfect depth for gigging and sight fishing. The calm evening conditions typical of this area make it comfortable to stay out all night, and the lack of boat traffic means you'll have prime spots to yourself. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of trip – you'll be actively hunting fish with both traditional gigging techniques and rod-and-reel opportunities as species move into the lights.
Flounder gigging requires a completely different skill set than regular fishing, and Captain John provides all the specialized equipment you'll need. The multi-pronged gigs are designed to pin flounder to the bottom without giving them a chance to escape, while the boat's lighting system creates the perfect conditions to spot fish. You'll learn to read the bottom structure and identify the subtle outlines of buried flounder, plus how to approach them without spooking the fish. The technique involves a quick, decisive strike once you've positioned the gig directly over your target. Rod and reel setups are also onboard for when black drum, sheepshead, or gar move into the light cone – these fish often can't resist the bait activity that the lights attract. The shallow water fishing here means you can see everything happening below, making it as much about hunting and observation as it is about actual fishing skills.
Black drum are some of the most reliable night feeders in these Aransas Pass waters, and they're drawn to the commotion that lights create on the flats. These fish typically range from 5 to 15 pounds in the shallows, though larger specimens occasionally cruise through. They're bottom feeders that become more aggressive after dark, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing. Black drum fight hard in shallow water and their powerful runs make for exciting battles when you're fishing light tackle. The best action usually happens during the first few hours after sunset when they move up from deeper water to feed.
Alligator gar represent the wildcard species on this trip – they're not guaranteed, but when they show up, they create memories that last forever. These prehistoric fish can reach impressive sizes and are incredibly strong fighters. Aransas Pass sits in prime gar habitat, and the shallow flats provide perfect ambush areas where they hunt smaller fish attracted to the lights. Gar are sight feeders with excellent vision, so the bright lighting gives you a chance to watch them stalk prey. When hooked, they're known for spectacular jumps and powerful runs that test both your equipment and skills. Landing one is considered a major achievement among serious anglers.
Sheepshead are year-round residents in these waters, but they become more active feeders at night when competition from other species decreases. These fish are notorious for their bait-stealing abilities, but under lights they become more predictable and easier to hook. Sheepshead around Aransas Pass typically run 2-5 pounds, with their distinctive black stripes making them easy to identify in the light. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the night when flounder activity might slow down. Their strong jaws and fighting ability make them a favorite target species for experienced anglers who appreciate technical fishing challenges.
This world-class nighttime fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak flounder season when these fish are most active in the shallows. Captain John's specialized setup and local knowledge of Aransas Pass waters make this charter a customer favorite among anglers looking for something beyond typical day trips. The 8-hour duration gives you plenty of time to master gigging techniques and target multiple species as they become active at different times throughout the night. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you're ready to secure your spot. Meeting details and specific launch information are provided after booking, ensuring you'll know exactly where to meet and what to bring for your night on the water.
This 22-foot Lobell skiff cuts through Aransas Pass shallows like it was built for these waters. The Suzuki 150HP pushes you across the flats with plenty of power to spare, while the aluminum hull draws just enough water to get you into those prime flounder spots other boats can't reach. Captain John knows every productive ledge and grass bed, and with the onboard fish finder, you'll mark structure and baitfish all night long. The GPS keeps you on track in the dark, and there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those long waits between gigs. Perfect setup for serious flounder hunters who want to get after it when these fish are most active.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow backwaters and river bends with their armored scales and razor-sharp teeth. Late summer during hot, dry spells brings the best action when they surface in deeper bends near shallow pools. What makes them special is their ability to breathe air and their ancient lineage - they're basically swimming fossils. Guests love the challenge and the photo opportunity since these are catch-and-release only. The fight is unlike anything else - pure power and endurance. My advice: rig large baitfish on treble hooks under bright bobbers and be ready for a long battle when one decides to take your offering.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the shallow flats around Aransas Pass, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These grey-black bruisers love cruising oyster beds and muddy bottoms where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a weighted rig and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase bait very far, so patience pays off when targeting these bottom-dwellers.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Aransas Pass with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-8 pounders hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties - where they pick barnacles and crabs off the surfaces. Early spring through summer gives you the best shots at them. They're notorious bait thieves with delicate bites, but once hooked, they use every piling and piece of structure to try breaking you off. The payoff is some of the sweetest white meat you'll find. These fish are picky eaters and light biters, so my trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and setting the hook hard the second you feel weight - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
Aransas Pass