Nighttime Flounder Gigging in Aransas Pass
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour nighttime flounder gigging trip for beginnersAll gear provided, no fishing license requiredSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests
Looking to try something completely different on the Texas coast? Captain John Cryer's nighttime flounder gigging trips out of Aransas Pass offer beginners a chance to experience one of the most unique and hands-on fishing styles around. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel outing – you'll be wading through shallow flats with bright lights, hunting for flatfish with a specialized spear. It's part fishing, part hunting, and completely addictive once you get the hang of it. The 8-hour adventure starts at 7:45 PM and runs deep into the night, giving you plenty of time to master the technique and target multiple species including flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and even the occasional alligator gar.
Captain John keeps his trips small – just 4 anglers max – so you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to practice your gigging technique. The beauty of this top-rated experience is that everything's included: specialized lights, gigs, waders, and all the gear you need to be successful. You don't even need a fishing license, which makes it perfect for visitors or anyone wanting to try gigging without the commitment. The trip covers prime shallow water areas around Aransas Pass where flounder and other species come to feed at night. John knows these flats like the back of his hand, and he'll position you in spots where the fish are actively moving. The whole experience has a different energy than daytime fishing – there's something almost primal about stalking fish with lights in the darkness.
Flounder gigging is all about stealth, patience, and quick reflexes. You'll wade through knee-deep water wearing chest waders, carrying a bright LED light that illuminates the bottom. The technique involves moving slowly and quietly, scanning the sandy or muddy bottom for the telltale outline of a flatfish. Flounder are masters of camouflage, but once you train your eye to spot them, they become easier to find. The gig itself is a multi-pronged spear designed to pin the fish to the bottom – it takes some practice to judge distance through the water and strike quickly before the fish bolts. Captain John will walk you through proper gigging form, how to hold your light for the best visibility, and techniques for approaching different species. Black drum and sheepshead require slightly different approaches since they're often found around structure, while flounder prefer open sandy areas where they can blend in perfectly.
Black drum are some of the most exciting targets during these nighttime adventures. These copper-colored bruisers can range from keeper-sized fish around 14 inches up to massive bulls pushing 30 pounds or more. They're often found cruising shallow flats at night, feeding on crabs and other bottom dwellers. What makes them so fun to gig is their size and fight – even when you pin one with the gig, larger drums will put up a serious battle. The best time to target them is during the warmer months when they move into the shallows more consistently. Black drum have excellent senses, so your approach needs to be quiet and deliberate.
Alligator gar add an element of pure excitement to any gigging trip. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow massive – we're talking 6 feet or longer – and they're surprisingly common in the waters around Aransas Pass. They often cruise just under the surface at night, their long snouts and armored bodies creating an unmistakable silhouette. Gigging a gar requires nerves of steel and perfect placement since their tough scales can deflect a poorly aimed gig. They're most active during summer months and provide some of the most memorable moments on the water. Even smaller gar in the 3-4 foot range will give you an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest species you'll encounter, but they're also incredibly rewarding to gig successfully. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious for their wariness and quick escape reflexes. They're typically found around structure like pier pilings, rocks, or oyster beds, often in slightly deeper water than flounder. Sheepshead are excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite despite the challenge they present. They're most active during cooler months, and their feeding behavior brings them into gigging range more frequently during tide changes. The key with sheepshead is patience – rushing your approach almost guarantees they'll spook before you can get a clean shot.
At $440 for up to 4 anglers, this world-class gigging experience offers incredible value for a specialized fishing adventure you can't find everywhere. Captain John's expertise and the small group size ensure you'll leave with new skills and likely some fresh fish for the table. The non-refundable deposit policy reflects how popular these trips are – serious anglers know that nighttime gigging opportunities with experienced guides are worth securing in advance. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or a complete beginner wanting to experience Texas coastal fishing at its most authentic, this trip delivers. The meeting location and specific details get shared after booking, but rest assured you're in for a night of fishing unlike anything you've done before. Book now and discover why flounder gigging has such a devoted following along the Texas coast.
Step aboard our 22ft Lobell aluminum skiff, perfectly rigged for nighttime flounder gigging in the shallow waters around Aransas Pass. This nimble fishing machine runs on a reliable Suzuki 150HP engine that'll get you to the prime gigging spots quickly and quietly. The aluminum hull draws minimal water, making it ideal for working the grass flats and sandy bottoms where flounder like to hide after dark. We've got you covered with an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. The GPS keeps us on track in the darkness, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish that attract flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and gar. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to move around the deck while you learn the art of gigging. The shallow-draft design lets us access those skinny water honey holes that bigger boats can't reach.
Atractosteus SpatulaThese prehistoric monsters are what nightmares are made of - in the best way possible. Alligator gar can stretch 4-6 feet and hit 100+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth lining those massive jaws. They're found in our deeper channels and backwaters, especially during hot summer nights when they cruise shallow looking for prey. What makes them special is they can actually breathe air, so you'll see them rolling on the surface. The fight is unlike anything else - pure power and stubbornness. We target them with big live bait like mullet or carp on heavy tackle. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They'll tire themselves out jumping and rolling. Remember, these are catch-and-release only - it's illegal to keep them.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter in these waters. They run 5-30 pounds typically, though we've seen monsters pushing 90. These powerhouses love muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with those strong jaws - that's what gives them their signature drumming sound. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The bigger ones put up a serious battle but get tough and stringy. Best approach is fresh crab on the bottom - it stays put better than other baits and the drum can't resist it. Their crushing bite means you need to set the hook hard when you feel that telltale tap.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the sneakiest fish we target - those human-like teeth aren't just for show. These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure with barnacles. Dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling softly before committing, so you need to stay alert. Spring months are best when they gather in big schools. What guests love most is the challenge - they require finesse and quick reflexes. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using fiddler crab on a small hook, getting as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tap, set the hook immediately and hard.
Aransas Pass