Best Boats For Flounder Gigging: A Comprehensive Guide

Flounder gigging is a unique sport that involves spearing flounder with a trident-like gig. It is typically done at night in shallow waters, with the help of bright lights to spot the flounder. When it comes to choosing the best boat for flounder gigging, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, a flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft is ideal as it can navigate through shallow waters without getting stuck on the debris that may be present. Secondly, the boat should be stable and have a spacious deck for ease of movement. Thirdly, the boat should have good lighting to illuminate the seafloor and spot the flounder. While some anglers use headlamps, most flounder gigging boats have LED lights mounted above and underwater.

In terms of specific boat recommendations, the Carolina Skiff 198DLX, the Carolina Skiff 198 DLV, and the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk are all popular choices for flounder gigging. The Carolina Skiff models offer stability and a spacious front deck, while the Boston Whaler is known for its durability and maneuverability. For those seeking a smaller boat, the Scout 175 Sportfish packs a punch with features like a built-in cooler and rod holders.

Flounder gigging boats

Flounder gigging is a unique sport that involves spearing flounder with a trident-like spear or handheld prong. It is typically done at night in shallow waters along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, the Atlantic Coast from Florida to the Carolinas, as well as the shoreline of Australia and New Zealand.

When it comes to choosing the best flounder gigging boat, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, a flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft is usually the best option as it allows you to navigate through shallow waters without getting stuck in debris or dragging the bottom. Most flounder gigging boats are made from aluminum due to its durability and ability to withstand abuse in shallow waters. However, bay fishing fiberglass boats can also be used with extra caution.

In terms of size, a boat between 17 and 25 feet is generally recommended for flounder fishing. A deep-V hull is considered ideal for handling choppy waters and providing a smooth ride. When it comes to features, look for a boat with a stable and maneuverable hull, plenty of deck space, built-in rod holders, and a livewell to keep your catch fresh.

Some popular options for flounder gigging boats include the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk, known for its durability and stability; the Grady-White Fisherman 216, which offers versatility and a deep-V hull; and the Carolina Skiff 198 DLV, a budget-friendly option with a stable and versatile design.

Additionally, consider the type of motor and lighting setup you will need for flounder gigging. Air motors or trolling motors are commonly used, with air motors being preferred due to their ability to run in shallow waters without constant adjustment. For lighting, LED lights are a popular choice as they can be mounted above or below water and provide bright, compact, and energy-efficient illumination.

In conclusion, the best flounder gigging boat will depend on your personal preferences and budget. However, by considering factors such as hull type, size, features, and motor and lighting setup, you can choose a boat that is well-suited for a successful flounder gigging experience.

Flounder gigging lights

The best flounder gigging lights will be bright and able to penetrate both clear and muddy waters. They should also be compact and lightweight, so you can mount them on your pole or boat without adding too much weight. When it comes to colour, a warm yellowish light works best for muddy conditions, while cool whites are optimal for clear waters.

Most flounder gigging boats have a combination of LED lights mounted above and underwater. Underwater lights do a great job of illuminating flounder on the seabed, while above-water lights help you spot fish further ahead. Some anglers also use headlamps for better visibility and safety.

When choosing flounder gigging lights, you'll want to consider the weight and power source of your lights. Older-style lights, such as high-pressure sodium and halogen streetlights, require large generators and can be bulky and fragile. Modern LED lights are more compact, efficient, and adjustable, allowing you to change the colour temperature to match the water conditions.

For wading and gigging, LED lights that run on low power are a good option as they provide enough brightness to illuminate the waters around you and help you spot stingrays. These lights can be mounted on your flounder gig pole or attached to a PVC pipe.

Some popular options for flounder gigging lights include the Swamp Eye range, which offers submersible lights, light bars, and bowfishing lights. These lights can be mounted on your boat or trolling motor, providing optimal lighting for your flounder gigging adventures.

Flounder gigging by foot vs from a boat

Flounder gigging is a unique sport that involves spearing flounder with a trident-like gig. It is typically done at night in shallow waters, with the help of strong lights to spot the fish. While flounder gigging can be done by foot or from a boat, each method has its own advantages and considerations.

Flounder Gigging by Foot

Wade-gigging is a traditional method that offers anglers more control and easier spotting of flounder. It requires a good lighting source and wading boots, and allows access to places that boats cannot reach. However, it is limited to non-muddy bottoms and covers less water compared to gigging from a boat.

Flounder Gigging from a Boat

Using a boat for flounder gigging provides more coverage and comfort. A typical flounder gigging boat is equipped with gigging lights and a motor, either an air motor or a trolling motor. Air motors are small and attached to a prop, while trolling motors are quieter and standard on most boats. The ideal boat for flounder gigging has a flat bottom and is made of aluminium or fiberglass. It should also have a shallow draft to navigate shallow waters without dragging the bottom.

When choosing between flounder gigging by foot or from a boat, consider your preferences for mobility, coverage, and comfort. Both methods require knowledge of local regulations, strong lighting, and attention to factors such as water temperature, barometric pressure, tides, and water clarity.

Best spots for flounder gigging

Flounder gigging is most popular along the Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida, and up the Atlantic Coast to the Carolinas. If you're looking for specific locations, here are some of the top spots to try out:

• Texas: Rockport and Galveston
• South Carolina: Charleston area
• Florida Panhandle: Panama City and Pensacola
• North Carolina: Outer Banks
• Georgia: Georgia Coast and inter-coastal waters of Hilton Head
• Mississippi: Mississippi Sound or Mobile Bay
• Louisiana: Anywhere along the coastline from Venice to Cameron

When planning your flounder gigging trip, it's important to consider factors such as water temperature, barometric pressure, water clarity, and tides. Flounder tend to move into deeper waters on a falling tide, and water clarity is usually lower during this time. On the other hand, a rising tide opens up more ground for gigging from a boat. Windy nights are generally not ideal for flounder gigging, as it can be harder to spot your target.

Flounder gigging season typically starts in late August and lasts through November. However, you can also go gigging in spring and summer if local regulations allow it. If you're in Australia or New Zealand, the best time for flounder gigging is from November to May.

Flounder gigging equipment

Flounder gigging is a unique sport that allows you to explore marine life at night and hunt for food the way your ancestors did. It involves using a spear or handheld prong to pierce your target fish, which is usually flounder. This equipment is known as a gig, trident, leister, or trishul.

Flounder Gigging Lights

Since most flounder gigging happens in the evening and at night, proper lighting is essential. Lights help you locate the flounder lying on the seabed. Look for lights that can penetrate both clear and muddy water while being compact and bright enough to fit on your pole or boat. Warmer yellowish lights work best for muddy conditions, while cool white lights are optimal for clear waters. Most flounder gigging boats have LED lights mounted above and underwater. Some anglers also use headlamps to illuminate fish further ahead.

Flounder Gig

A flounder gig is a type of fish spear that fits on the end of a pole or pipe and has barbed tines, giving it a trident-like appearance. It is usually made of corrosion-resistant material with sharp points. Higher-quality gigs are made from 316 or 17-4 stainless steel, while lower-quality gigs are made from carbon or 304 stainless steel. The number of prongs on your gig may be regulated by your local laws, so be sure to check before heading out.

Boat or Kayak

For flounder gigging, you will need a flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft, usually made from aluminum. Regular boats can get stuck on rocks and oyster shells in shallow waters. Bay fishing fiberglass boats can also be used, but extra care must be taken to avoid dragging the bottom. Some anglers also prefer to use kayaks, which can serve as boats in calm waters.

Motors

There are two main types of motors used for flounder gigging boats: air motors and trolling motors. Air motors are small air or fan motors with a prop attached, while trolling motors are quieter and come standard on most boats. Air motors are preferred by many anglers because trolling motor shafts need constant adjustment to avoid dragging on the bottom.

Other Equipment

Other useful equipment includes a foot-controlled trolling motor for the bow, a handheld spotlight, and wading boots if you plan to wade-gig.

Frequently asked questions