Jacksonville's Premier Flounder Gigging Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$300 - $750 price range

Summary

Captain Jacob Watts offers a unique 5-hour flounder gigging trip in Jacksonville, Florida. Starting at 8 a.m., this shared trip is perfect for solo anglers or pairs, with space for up to two guests. You'll head out to shallow waters where flounder hide, using specialized lights and gear to spot these camouflage masters. It's a different kind of fishing – more like underwater hunting. The captain provides all the gigging equipment, so you don't need to bring anything special. As you cruise along the coast, you'll get a great view of Jacksonville's waterways. While flounder is the main target, you might come across other inshore species depending on the conditions. It's a hands-on experience that's open to all skill levels, so whether you're a seasoned gigger or trying it for the first time, you'll fit right in. Just remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so be sure you're ready for this early morning adventure before booking.

Jacksonville's Premier Flounder Gigging Trip

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Jacksonville's Ultimate Flounder Gigging Adventure

Get ready for an early morning adventure you won't forget on this 5-hour flounder gigging trip in Jacksonville, Florida. Captain Jacob Watts knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to show you the best spots for landing some monster flounder. Whether you're flying solo or bringing a buddy, this trip's perfect for up to two people looking to try their hand at this unique fishing method. No experience? No problem! Captain Jacob's got all the gear and know-how to get you gigging like a pro in no time.

What's the Deal with Gigging?

Flounder gigging isn't your average fishing trip - it's like underwater hunting meets night fishing. We'll head out at 8 a.m. when the water's calm and the flounder are still hanging around in the shallows. Captain Jacob will kit you out with specialized gear including lights and gigs (think of them as multi-pronged spears). As we cruise along, you'll scan the bottom for those tell-tale flounder eyes peeking up from the sand. When you spot one, it's time to strike! It's a whole different ballgame from rod and reel fishing, and trust me, the rush you get when you nail your first flounder is something else.

Shallow Water Shenanigans

We'll be sticking to the skinny water for this trip, which is prime real estate for flounder. These crafty flatfish love to bury themselves in the sand, leaving just their eyes visible as they wait to ambush their prey. The shallow depths make for easy spotting and gigging, but don't let that fool you - it takes a keen eye and a steady hand to land these tasty bottom-dwellers. As we work our way along the shoreline, Captain Jacob will show you how to read the water and spot the subtle signs of a lurking flounder. And hey, if the flounder aren't playing ball, we might switch it up and try for some other inshore species. Flexibility is the name of the game out here!

Target Species

Southern Flounder are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They can grow up to 28 inches long and weigh over 20 pounds, though most of the ones we'll be after are in the 2-5 pound range. Flounder have both eyes on one side of their body, giving them that distinctive "pancake with eyes" look. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for small fish and shrimp to swim by before pouncing. The best time to target flounder is during their fall migration when they head to deeper waters to spawn. That's when you can find some real doormats!

While we're primarily after flounder, don't be surprised if we run into some Crappie along the way. These freshwater panfish are a blast to catch and make for some fantastic eating. They tend to school up, so if you find one, there's a good chance there are more nearby. Crappie love structure, so we'll keep an eye out for submerged logs, brush piles, or dock pilings where they might be hiding. They're most active during low light conditions, which makes our early morning start perfect for targeting them. Crappie might not be as big as flounder, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something special about gigging that keeps anglers coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of the hunt, stalking your prey in shallow water. Or maybe it's the unique challenge of mastering a new fishing technique. Whatever it is, once you've tried gigging, you'll be hooked. And let's not forget about the eating - fresh gigged flounder is some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. Nothing beats heading home with a cooler full of fish you caught with your own two hands.

Time to Get Your Gig On

If you're looking for a fishing experience that's a little off the beaten path, this Jacksonville Morning Flounder Fishing trip with Knockin Bottom Fishing Charters is right up your alley. Captain Jacob Watts knows these waters like nobody else, and he's passionate about sharing the art of flounder gigging with anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, you're in for a treat. With all the gear provided and the potential for a hefty haul of tasty flounder (and maybe some bonus crappie), this trip is a no-brainer for anyone looking to spice up their fishing game. Just remember, spots are limited to two people per trip, so don't wait to book your spot. Give Captain Jacob a call and get ready to experience fishing in a whole new light - literally!

Learn more about the animals

Crappie

Crappie are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These pan-sized fish usually run 7-12 inches long and hang out near structure in lakes and slow-moving rivers. Look for them around fallen trees, brush piles, or dock pilings. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Crappie are schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's likely more. They've got small mouths, so use light tackle and small lures or live bait. Minnows under a bobber is a classic setup that still works wonders. For a fun challenge, try fly fishing with small streamers or nymphs. Crappie put up a decent fight for their size, and their flaky white meat is hard to beat. Local tip: fish just before dark when they're most active feeding.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Typically 15-18 inches long, these flat fish are a favorite target in Jacksonville's shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're most active in fall when they move offshore to spawn, making it prime time for gigging. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white meat - some of the best eating fish around. When gigging, look for their distinctive outline and glowing eyes in your light beam. A local trick: move slowly and deliberately to avoid spooking them. Once you spot one, aim just behind the head for a clean stick. It's a unique fishing experience that combines stealth, patience, and quick reflexes.

About the Knockin Bottom

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Hop aboard for a laid-back morning of flounder gigging with Captain Jacob Watts in Jacksonville's coastal waters. This 5-hour trip kicks off at 8 a.m., perfect for early risers looking to snag some flatfish. Whether you're flying solo or bringing a buddy, the boat's ready for up to two anglers. No need to stress about gear – the captain's got you covered with all the specialized equipment for gigging. As you cruise the shallows, you'll use lights to spot those camouflaged flounder hiding in the sand. It's a unique fishing style that's fun for both newbies and seasoned pros. While flounder's the main target, keep your eyes peeled for other inshore species that might make an appearance. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so commit when you're ready for this cool morning adventure on the water.

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