Ready for a wild night on the water? Captain John Cryer's got your ticket to some of the best flounder gigging action in Aransas Pass. This ain't your average fishing trip – we're talking 8 full hours of stalking the shallows under the cover of darkness. If you've got experience and a hunger for adventure, this is the charter that'll scratch that itch. We're not just chasing flounder either; black drum, sheepshead, and even the prehistoric alligator gar are on the menu. Grab your spot now, 'cause with only room for 4 anglers, these trips fill up fast!
Alright, here's the lowdown: We shove off at 7:45 pm sharp, just as the sun's calling it quits. Captain John's got all the gear you need, so no worries about packing a bunch of stuff. And get this – you don't even need a fishing license. Pretty sweet deal, right? For $440, you and three buddies get a full night of non-stop action. Just remember, that deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Once you're locked in, we'll send over the meetup details. Easy peasy.
If you've never been gigging before, you're in for a treat. We cruise the shallow inshore waters with bright lights mounted on the boat. These lights cut through the water like a knife, revealing fish on the bottom. When we spot a flounder, it's go time. You'll use a specialized pole with a barbed tip (that's your gig) to spear the fish. It's a bit like playing darts, but way cooler. For the other species, we might switch it up with some light tackle fishing. The key is stealth and a sharp eye – skills I bet you've honed if you're reading this pro-level trip description.
Let me tell you, there's something special about Aransas Pass at night. The water's calm, the air's cool, and the fish are active. It's not just about the catch (though that's pretty epic) – it's about the experience. You'll see the bay in a whole new light... literally. The bioluminescence in the water, the stars overhead, maybe even a shooting star if you're lucky. And let's not forget the rush when you spot a big flounder and make that perfect strike. It's addictive, I'm telling you.
Flounder: These flatfish are the stars of the show. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. But under our lights, they stand out like a sore thumb. Flounder in these parts can get up to 5 pounds or more. The best time to target them is during their fall run, but we catch 'em year-round.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – these guys put up a hell of a fight. Black drum hang out in the same areas as flounder, often in schools. They use their chin barbels to feel around for crabs and shrimp on the bottom. When you hook one, be ready for some serious pulling.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are easy to spot. They've got a mouthful of human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Catching these guys requires finesse and patience, which is why they're a favorite among skilled anglers.
Alligator Gar: Now we're talking prehistoric. These living fossils can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. They're not common, but when we do spot one, it's a sight you won't forget. Gar are ambush predators, so we might see them lurking near structure or in deeper holes.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but there's more to this trip than just what ends up in the cooler. You'll be out there with Captain John, a guy who knows these waters like the back of his hand. He's full of stories and local knowledge that'll make the night fly by. And there's something about being on the water at night that just can't be beat. The sounds, the smells, the way the water moves – it's a full sensory experience.
By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have a cooler full of fish (if we play our cards right), a head full of memories, and probably a strong desire to do it all over again. That's the thing about night fishing – it gets in your blood.
If you're still reading, I'm guessing you're itching to get out there. Here's my advice: Don't wait. These trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a local looking for a new challenge or you're visiting from out of town, this is the kind of experience that'll stick with you long after you're back on dry land. So gather your crew, give us a shout, and let's make it happen. The flounder are waiting, and Captain John's ready to put you on the fish. See you on the water!
Alligator gar are the prehistoric monsters of our waters, often stretching 4-6 feet long and weighing up to 160 pounds. These armored giants lurk in the deep bends of rivers and backwaters, coming up to shallows when it's hot and dry. Late summer's your best bet for hooking one. They're not the easiest catch, but man, are they a thrill to land. Anglers chase 'em for the pure challenge and the chance to tangle with a living fossil. If you're aiming to hook one, rig up a big bait like carp or mullet on a strong treble hook. Float it under a big, bright bobber - helps you spot when they're messing with your bait. Just remember, it's catch and release only for these bad boys. Hooking an alligator gar is an experience you won't forget.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often tipping the scales at 30-90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths in our brackish waters. They're bottom feeders with a taste for shellfish, using those powerful jaws to crush their prey. Spring's the prime time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the fight they put up, though stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds if you're planning to eat 'em - the big guys get tough and lose flavor. For bait, fresh crab is hard to beat. It stays put better than other options and really gets their attention. When you're fishing for drum, patience is key. Let that bait sit on the bottom and wait for the telltale thump of a hungry drum.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped tricksters of our waters, usually running 1-8 pounds but sometimes hitting the 20-pound mark. You'll spot these crafty fish around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, jetties, you name it. They're infamous bait stealers with those weird human-like chompers. Spring's prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the challenge - they're tough to hook - and for their sweet, white meat that's great on the grill. To catch 'em, you gotta think like a sheepshead. Get your bait - fiddler crabs work great - right up against the structure. They'll nibble like crazy, so when you feel that weight, set the hook hard. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum 'em up. Just check if it's allowed first. Once they start feeding, you're in for some fun.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150