Nighttime Gigging Adventure in Matagorda Bay

Night Gigging in Matagorda: Lights, Action, Fish!

Ready for a night out on the flats you won't forget? Bay Finatic's got your ticket to some serious after-dark action in Matagorda. We're talking 5 hours of gigging fun, chasing down black drum, sheepshead, and flounder in the shallow waters and back lakes. Our boats are decked out with bright LED lights that turn the water into a fish-spotting wonderland. It's like nature's own aquarium show, but you get to be part of it. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a light-up, stick-'em adventure that'll have you hooked from the get-go.

What's the Deal with Night Gigging?

Picture this: You're gliding through calm, shallow waters under a blanket of stars. The only sounds are the gentle hum of the boat motor and the occasional splash. Then, bam! Our LED lights kick on, and suddenly you're looking at an underwater world come to life. Fish dart in and out of the light beams, and that's when the real fun begins. We're on the hunt for those tasty bottom-dwellers – black drum, sheepshead, and the prized flounder. It's a whole different ballgame from daytime fishing, and trust me, once you try it, you'll be itching to come back for more.

Gig 'Em and Get 'Em

Alright, let's talk gear and technique. We use specialized gigging poles – long, sturdy sticks with a multi-pronged spear on the end. When we spot a fish, it's all about the stealth approach. You've gotta be quick, but smooth. One swift motion and you've got dinner on the end of your gig. It takes a bit of practice, but don't worry – we'll show you the ropes. The key is to keep your eyes peeled and your gig ready. These fish can be sneaky, but with our lights and a bit of patience, we'll get you on them. Just remember, in November, flounder's off the menu (gotta let 'em do their thing), but the drum and sheepshead are fair game year-round.

Species Spotlight: The Flat and Fabulous

Let's dive into the stars of our gigging show. First up, the flounder – these flatties are the kings of camouflage. They're masters at blending in with the sandy bottom, but our lights make them stand out like a sore thumb. Flounder can grow up to 25 inches long and put up a decent fight when you gig 'em. The best time to target these guys is in the fall, right before they head offshore to spawn.

Next, we've got the black drum. These bruisers can get big – we're talking up to 30 pounds or more. They love to hang out near oyster beds and structures, using their barbels to feel for food. You'll often see them tailing in shallow water, which is a gigging dream. They're around all year, but spring is when they really show up in numbers.

Last but not least, the sheepshead. These striped critters are like the dentists of the sea with their human-like teeth. They're notorious bait stealers on hook and line, but gigging levels the playing field. Sheepshead are most active in the cooler months, from fall to spring. They're not huge, usually topping out around 10 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in taste.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

I'll tell you what – there's something special about gigging that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of the hunt, or the unique way you get to interact with the fish. It could be the peace and quiet of the night, broken only by the excitement of a successful stick. Or maybe it's just the bragging rights of bringing home a cooler full of fish you caught with your own two hands (and a gig). Whatever it is, once you've tried it, you'll understand why our regulars can't get enough.

Book Your Spot and Get Gigging

So, you ready to give night gigging a shot? We've got room for up to 6 people on our trips, which makes it perfect for a group of buddies or even a family outing (kids love this stuff). Just keep in mind, we run these trips by appointment during the week, so give us a holler to set up your night on the water. Don't forget, November's off-limits for flounder, but the rest of the year is fair game. Bring your sense of adventure, maybe a light jacket, and we'll handle the rest. Trust me, once you've felt the rush of gigging your first fish under the stars, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock. Let's light up the night and stick some fish!