Family Night Flounder Gigging in Aransas Pass

Published Date: October 3, 2025
Fishing

Aransas Pass
$440 - $570 price range

Summary

Join Captain John Cryer for a night of flounder gigging in Aransas Pass. This 8-hour trip is perfect for families or small groups looking to try something different. You'll head out at 7:45 pm, equipped with all the gear you need to hunt flounder in the shallows. While flounder is the main target, you might also spot black drum, sheepshead, or even alligator gar. No fishing license? No problem - it's all covered. The trip can take up to 4 people, so bring the whole family or a few friends. At $440 per trip, it's a great way to spend an evening on the water. Just remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so be sure you're good to go. Once you book, you'll get all the details on where to meet up. It's a unique way to fish and a cool experience for both kids and adults.

Family Night Flounder Gigging in Aransas Pass

Night Fishing Adventures

Fish on in Aransas Pass!

Hooked on fishing in Aransas Pass!

Flounder Fishin' frenzy in Aransas Pass!

Catch of the day in Aransas Pass: Flounder

Night Flounder Gigging: Family Fun in Aransas Pass

Ready for a nighttime adventure the whole family will love? Captain John Cryer's got you covered with this unique flounder gigging trip in Aransas Pass. It's not your average fishing charter - this is hands-on action that'll have everyone from the kids to grandpa excited. As the sun sets, you'll head out onto calm coastal waters for 8 hours of searching, spotting, and gigging flounder. But that's not all - you might just encounter some other local favorites like black drum, sheepshead, and even the prehistoric-looking alligator gar. No experience needed, and all the gear's provided. Just bring your sense of adventure!

Trip Overview

This ain't your typical day of casting lines. Flounder gigging is a whole different ball game, and it's perfect for families looking to try something new together. You'll meet up with Capt. John as dusk settles in, hopping aboard his specially rigged boat designed for nighttime shallow-water prowling. As you cruise the flats, powerful lights illuminate the water, revealing the shadowy outlines of flounder nestled in the sand. That's when the real fun begins - who's got the sharpest eyes and steadiest hands to land dinner? With a max of 4 guests, there's plenty of action for everyone. And don't worry about licenses or gear - it's all taken care of. This 8-hour trip kicks off at 7:45 pm, so be ready for a late night and some unforgettable memories.

How Flounder Gigging Works

Alright, let's break down this flounder gigging business. First things first - we're not using rods and reels here. Instead, you'll be armed with a gig, which is basically a long pole with a multi-pronged spear on the end. As we drift along in shallow water, those bright lights on the boat illuminate the bottom. Flounder are masters of camouflage, but their eyes give 'em away - they reflect the light, kinda like cat eyes on the road. Once you spot one, it's time to strike! A quick, precise jab with the gig, and you've got yourself a flounder. It takes a bit of practice, but don't worry - Capt. John will show you the ropes. And hey, even if you miss, watching these flatfish dart away is pretty cool too. Just remember, we're after flounder, but keep your eyes peeled for other bottom-dwellers like black drum and sheepshead - they might make an appearance too!

What Anglers Are Saying

While we don't have specific reviews for this trip yet, flounder gigging is a customer favorite in the area. Folks love the unique experience and the thrill of spotting and nabbing these camouflage masters. Many families come back year after year, making it a tradition. The nighttime setting adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for kids who get to stay up late and see the water in a whole new light (literally).

Target Species Breakdown

Flounder: These flat, funny-looking fish are the stars of the show. They're masters of disguise, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But once you get the hang of spotting them, it's game on. Flounder in Aransas Pass can grow up to 25 inches long, though most you'll gig will be in the 14-20 inch range. They're most active at night, which is why we head out after dark. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of gigging your first flounder - it's a mix of hunting and fishing that's totally addictive.

Black Drum: While we're mainly after flounder, don't be surprised if you spot some black drum. These guys can get big - we're talking up to 30 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders, so you might see them rooting around in the sand for crabs and shrimp. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear if we're lucky enough to encounter them. They put up a good fight if you manage to gig one!

Sheepshead: These striped beauties are another potential bonus catch on our trip. They're easy to spot with their black and white stripes (hence the name - they look a bit like sheep). Sheepshead are known for their strong, human-like teeth which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They typically hang around structure like pilings or rocks, so keep an eye out when we pass near any.

Alligator Gar: Now, these are the real prehistoric monsters of Texas waters. Alligator gar can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. They've been around since dinosaur times, and they look it - with long, toothy snouts that give them their name. While we probably won't be gigging any (they're way too big!), seeing one of these giants is always a highlight of any night trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a night of flounder gigging that's guaranteed to be unlike any fishing trip you've done before. It's perfect for families looking to bond over something unique, or for anglers wanting to try a different approach to landing dinner. Remember, Capt. John's boat only takes 4 guests, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. At $440 for the whole group, it's a great value for 8 hours of guided adventure. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendars and get ready for a night on the water you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a gig, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready to make some memories (and maybe catch some dinner) under the stars in Aransas Pass!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are the prehistoric monsters of our waters, sometimes stretching 6 feet long and pushing 100 pounds. You'll spot these armor-plated beasts in rivers, bayous, and backwaters, often lurking in deep bends next to shallow areas. Late summer's your best bet when it's hot and dry. Folks get a kick out of catching these living fossils - it's like hooking into a dinosaur. They put up one heck of a fight and can even breathe air, so be ready for anything. Carp or mullet make good bait, rigged on a big treble hook under a bright bobber. Here's a local tip: focus on those deep river bends where they hang out to ambush prey. And remember, it's catch-and-release only for these ancient fish. Landing one of these toothy giants is an experience you won't forget!

Black Drum

## Black Drum (Pogonias Cromis) ## Black Drum Description The Black Drum is a fish in the Sciaenidae family. The Black Drum is also the largest fish of that family, including almost 300 species, including their popular cousin, the Redfish. They are known as drums or croakers due to the repetitive drumming or croaking sounds they make. They are black and or grey and have powerful jaws with strong teeth capable of crushing prey like shellfish and oysters. ## Black Drum Size The Black Drum's typical weight range varies considerably from 5 to 30 pounds but can reach a weight of up to 90 pounds. If you intend to eat your catch, you may want to release Black Drum over 15 pounds. As they grow larger, the meat is tough and more comparable to chicken than a flaky texture. Also, the flavor of the older fish is not as tasty as the smaller-sized fish. ## Black Drum Spawning Black Drum have mating calls that they use to seek out others during the spawning season, capable of producing tones that reach 100 to 500 Hz. Black Drum grow rapidly and reach maturity within the first 2 years of their lives and live to 50 years. The females can lay eggs every three days during the spawning season. Their spawning seasons vary due to location, spawning occurring in February and March in southern areas like Texas, and April to June farther north. ## Black Drum Habitat Black Drum typically prefers brackish waters and estuaries. The adults live closer to the saltier areas near the ocean. They can be found around an oyster bed and other areas with plentiful food sources. The juveniles prefer the less salty areas of the same estuaries with sandy bottoms. Black drum are extremely adaptable when it comes to temperatures and salinity and can be attracted to freshwater creek openings and extremely shallow water, but are also found in depths of up to 100 feet. ## Black Drum Fishing You will find the best Drum fishing is on shallow water, muddy flats, and oyster beds, but they can also be found near inlets, pier pilings, creeks and estuaries that make way inward. Most anglers also fish for the Black Drum in the spring around the spawning season. At this time, the fish school up and are easier to target. After the spawning season, the fish disperse and become much harder to target. ## ## Black Drum Bait and Lures The best bait an angler can use for Drum fishing is live bait because they are bottom-feeders. Live bait such as fresh soft crabs, mollusk, peelers crabs, sea clam, or crushed mussels are the preferred bait. Anglers like to use crab because it does not tend to get eaten by catfish and other bait stealers. If you are not using live bait, then choose very slow-moving jigs like bucktail jigs. It is also vital to use the correct weighting for the conditions to ensure that your bait is on the bottom. When fly fishing, most anglers prefer to use a 7- or 9-weight fly rod, leaning towards a 9-weight for throwing heavier flies and a little extra strength when pulling on fish that may be more than 20 pounds. You will want to present your fly on the bottom, and weighted black flies that get to the bottom quickly are best such as the Redfish Worm, Merkin, and Clouser Minnow. ## Distribution and Range The Black Drum has a wide range and extends as far north as Nova Scotia, down the whole Atlantic coast of the United States, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. ## Black Drum Regulations Check the state you are fishing in as they each have their own regulations, but you will find most at 5 fish per day between 14 and 24 inches long, with one allowed over 24 inches.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of our waters, usually weighing in at 1-8 pounds. You'll find these crafty nibblers around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, jetties, you name it. Spring's prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these bait-stealers, plus they're downright delicious on the table. Their human-like teeth make short work of crustaceans, so fiddler crabs or shrimp are top baits. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale nibble, don't hesitate - set the hook hard or they'll strip your bait clean. Light tackle works best, but be ready to muscle them away from the pilings. And if you're lucky enough to land one, those tough scales make for some work at the cleaning table, but man, is that sweet white meat worth it!

About the Skiffs And Flats Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a nighttime fishing adventure with Captain John Cryer in Aransas Pass! This 8-hour family-friendly trip introduces you to the unique technique of flounder gigging. Starting at 7:45 pm, you'll head out on the water with up to three other guests to search for flounder using specialized lights and gear. While flounder is the main target, you might also come across black drum, sheepshead, or even the prehistoric-looking alligator gar. Don't worry about bringing equipment or fishing licenses – Captain John has you covered with everything you need for a successful night of gigging. It's a great way to bond with family or friends while trying something different from typical daytime fishing. At $440 per trip, you'll get personalized attention and guidance from an experienced local captain who knows all the best spots. Just be sure to confirm the meeting location after booking, and remember that deposits are non-refundable. Get ready for a memorable night on the water!

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