Thread: need help gigging flounder

I am from the gulf coast, grew up just outside of new Orleans. Been in Foley for about 2 years now. Love the area, and have done really well on reds, trout, even learned how to catch Spanish and Kings. But I have never gigged flounder. I bought a 16ft boat that has the big lights on the front, and now I'm looking for advice, and areas. I appreciate all the help in advance. Even though I am an LSU fan, I hope y'all won't hold it against me. (GEAUX TIGERS!)

Try try the lagoon and Bon secour bay. They always hold fish. Also I used to gig Perdido and wolf bay depending on the wind and water. Mobile bay was always hit or miss with the water clarity

There are some good spots around dauphin island that hold lots of fish.

You'll need a 4-5 prong spear head, usually attached to an 8' to 9' shaft. When you see one ease your spear head in the water, right behind its head(gills), then when you feel confident that you're within killing distance, stick him. Don't just slam the gig like in a stabbing motion(no splashing/sudden movements). Flounder will hardly move unless you bump them. Thats about it, also, be mindful of the size limit. Once you stick one, that can't be undone as far as a "catch and release".

Snakes advice is spot on.

When I was first taught how to gig, the captain tried to explain that vision underwater was different than above and takes practice figuring it out. You'll stick the water and miss because the fish is actually a foot away. So watch the tip of the gig once it is underwater and judge it from there. He made me practice on a submerged rag.

What I don't recommend is whittling a long stick into a single pointed end and trying to gig 100+ pound Pacific Halibut. Not that I ever tried that or anything...

Good point VG, forgot about the angle water puts on things. To others wanting to attempt gigging, think about when you were a kid and stuck a pencil in a glass of water and observed from the side for science class, the pencil looks broken. PRACTICE is a must to ensure you don't critically wound a missed fish.

It's called 'light refraction'



One other piece of advice: "headshot" ;-)

i always wanted to bowfish for them.

There are only two critical things to remember!

Looking for a place close to pier area to gig flounder on foot. Last time down I saw a spot at west beach blvd and sanddollar lane at that canal /pass, are there any flatfish in there??
or with rod n reel what bait?