Half Day Flounder Gigging - Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday flounder gigging adventure in shallow watersCaptain Cody provides all necessary fishing equipmentTarget flounder and sheepshead with expert local guidance
Captain Cody knows these Fernandina Beach shallows like the back of his hand, and when the sun's beating down, that's prime time for flounder gigging. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel trip – we're talking old-school spearing in crystal-clear water where you can actually see your target. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and insider knowledge that only comes from years of working these productive flats. Pack your coolers because you're going home with fresh flounder and sheepshead that'll make your neighbors jealous.
This half-day adventure kicks off when the sun's high and the water clarity is at its peak. Captain Cody will position the boat in the shallow grass flats and sandy pockets where flounder love to bury themselves. The beauty of gigging is the hunt – you're actively searching, stalking, and striking. It's part fishing, part hunting, and completely addictive once you get the hang of it. The intimate 2-person capacity means you won't be fighting for space or competing with a crowded boat. Every piece of gear you need comes with the trip, so you can focus on perfecting your technique and filling those coolers. The Fernandina Beach area offers some of the most consistent flounder gigging on Florida's east coast, with productive grass beds and sandy transitions that hold fish year-round.
Flounder gigging requires a completely different skill set than traditional angling. You'll be using a multi-pronged gig – basically a specialized spear designed to pin flatfish to the bottom. Captain Cody provides all the necessary equipment, including polarized glasses that are absolutely essential for cutting through surface glare. The technique involves slow, methodical searching as you scan the bottom for the telltale outline of a buried flounder. Sometimes you'll spot their eyes poking up, other times it's just a slight depression in the sand that gives them away. The strike needs to be quick and decisive – hesitate and they're gone in a cloud of sand. While you're focused on flounder, keep your eyes peeled for sheepshead cruising the grass beds. These black-and-white striped fighters are opportunistic feeders and make excellent table fare alongside your flounder haul.
Southern flounder are the bread and butter of this fishery, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 12-inchers up to doormat-sized specimens pushing 5-6 pounds. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, leaving only their eyes exposed as they wait for unsuspecting baitfish and crustaceans to wander within striking distance. What makes them so exciting to gig is their incredible camouflage – you'll develop a real appreciation for their ability to blend with the bottom. Peak gigging happens during daylight hours when visibility is best, typically from late morning through mid-afternoon. The warmer months see the most active fish, though Fernandina's relatively mild winters keep some action going year-round.
Summer flounder add another dimension to the experience, though they're less common than their southern cousins in these waters. When you do connect with one, they tend to be larger and more aggressive fighters. Their slightly different coloration and body shape become apparent once you've gigged a few dozen fish – subtle differences that separate experienced giggers from beginners.
Sheepshead round out the target list and provide steady action when flounder are being finicky. These convict-fish are incredibly structure-oriented, relating to oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass edges throughout the Fernandina area. Their human-like teeth are designed for crushing crustaceans and mollusks, making them some of the best eating fish in coastal waters. Sheepshead are notorious bait thieves when caught on hook and line, but gigging eliminates that frustration entirely. Look for them in 2-4 feet of water, often in small schools that can provide multiple shots if you're accurate with your first strike.
Captain Cody's flounder gigging trips book up fast, especially during peak season when water clarity is consistently good. With only 2 spots per trip, you're guaranteed personal instruction and plenty of opportunities to practice your technique. The combination of skill-based hunting and excellent table fare makes this one of the most rewarding ways to spend a half-day on the water around Fernandina Beach. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something different or a complete beginner ready to learn a traditional fishing method, this trip delivers both action and education. Book now and discover why flounder gigging has such a dedicated following among northeast Florida anglers.
Captain Cody's motorboat is perfectly rigged for shallow water flounder gigging around Fernandina Beach's productive inshore waters. This nimble fishing machine comes equipped with an ice box to keep your catch fresh, plus GPS and fish finder electronics to locate the best flounder beds and structure where sheepshead hang out. Built for navigating the flats and shallow areas where flounder feed, this boat puts you right on top of the action. With space for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the shallows without crowding each other. The setup is ideal for sight fishing and gigging in the clear water, letting you spot those flatfish before making your move. All your gear is provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to fill the coolers with some of Florida's finest eating fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easy to spot with their black and white prison stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but 20-pounders show up around the right structure. They live around docks, bridges, jetties, and any barnacle-covered pilings where they feed on crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. Early spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What draws people to them is the challenge and the payoff - they're notorious bait thieves but make outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. They're also a unique catch with those crazy teeth. My advice: get your bait tight to the structure and keep it pinned on the hook well. When you feel them nibbling, set that hook hard because they'll steal your bait every time if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish that run 15-18 inches on average, with both eyes on their left side. They're masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. You'll find them in our shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot at bigger fish as they move offshore for winter. What makes them special is their unique appearance and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: when gigging, move slow and look for their outline in the sand. They blend in perfectly, but once you spot that telltale eye or fin edge, you've got dinner.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of our local waters, changing colors to match the bottom perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can hit impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. Like their southern cousins, both eyes sit on the left side of their head. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms in our bays and nearshore waters, using their camouflage to ambush baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. September through November is prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. Anglers love them for their fight and fantastic eating quality - mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it a few seconds since they bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
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