As the days and nights get hotter,and the water temperature begins to get warmer,I feel the excitement starting to build inside me.I can’t wait to sneak off to the beach and stick something.I’m talking about flounder-gigging of course.Some folks prefer the term floundering.I am going to talk about the gear I use,the times and places I like best,and I’ll also try and give you a few tips on tracking and gigging a flat fish. 

If you’re looking for flounder-gigging gear,there is different gear available.The gear you use is up to you. I’ve known people to put an ice chest in an inner-tube,grab a gig and a propane light,and bring home dinner. Some people,including me in the past,mount bright lights on the front of the boat that go under water and light up the bottom.I have went several times dragging a blow-up raft carrying an ice chest and a car battery. I once got caught in a storm and gigged my own boat though.Hmmm,blow up raft,the gulf, and a flounder gig.That just sounds like trouble.I prefer having a small alluminum or fiberglass boat,equiped with a small motor for changing locations.A small boat and motor can also be pulled under piers and docks. I use a three or four prong gig with a long bamboo handle. The lengh helps you to use the gig for poling or paddling.I like my light under water,as opposed to the above water type.The higher wattage the better.Lastly,an ice-chest to hold fish and crabs is a necessity.You may or may not choose to wear shoes.A crab on a pinky toe will make you wish you had shoes.  

I’m by far no expert on times and places,but I do know what has worked best for me.I have gigged flounder at all times. I like it best when the tide is moving in. I believe flounder move in also as noted by there beautiful spots. The spots are much brighter when the fish first moves in from the gulf.They get along rocks and boat docks and piers waiting to ambush some food.Also,I like to check on the edge of deep water like a channell or boat slip. Normally,I’m around the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area,but I’m imagine the same would apply anywhere.
 

Gigging a flounder takes a little practice.The flounder will bury its whole body under the sand waiting to ambush it’s prey.Sometimes,you only see the eyes sticking out. Sometimes,you don’t see them at all. When the water is murky,and you’ve already seen a sting-ray or two. Stepping on a flounder can startle you a bit. You have to train your eyes to see them.When they move little by little, you’ll see an indention in the sand that looks like a flounder.This is a flounder track. See which way he is headed by following the way the track or tracks is pointing until you find him or lose his trail.I also take note of how fresh the track is and if the flounder are moving towards shore or away from shore.I also will adjust how close to shore I stay depending on this tactic.Look real good under and around piers.  

Next time you head to the beach for your vacation,give flounder-gigging a try. There’s nothing quite like walking through the salt water gigging flounder. Be very cautious though. There are lots of jellyfish and crabs around. And especially watch for the sting-rays if u get in some milky looking water. I can’t wait to get down there to give it a try. There is nothing better than a couple of fresh flounder filets and a big bowl of grits!

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