I went gigging Sunday morning around 2am. Me, a couple flashlights, and a three prong gig. The plan was to sneak up on some flounder and sheepshead and invite them to dinner as the guest of honor. I’m very glad I went, even if I went alone.

I saw a family of raccoons working the edges of the mangroves trying to catch their dinner.
I saw blue crabs in all sizes, some rather decent.
I saw a couple of stone crabs, also big enough to eat. (Click link for video)
I saw snook, redfish, sea trout, small sheepshead, and LOADS of bait fish.
I saw several stingrays, and managed to keep away from them.
I saw over a dozen undersized spiny lobsters, all in less than three feet of water. (Click link for video)
I saw one sheepshead worth gigging, but he was between two pilings with no way to get to him or to get him out from where I was. Bummer!
I saw enough shrimp, in all sizes, to fill multiple five gallon buckets.

I also learned a few things.

I need a better light, as well as a backup power supply. As I went along my light faded more and more, that can be spooky when you are in three feet of dark water at night!
I need to either learn to better use my camera, or get one more suited to night shots underwater.
Spawning saltwater catfish attract a LOT of attention, predator-wise. I saw a ball of catfish rolling in the shallow water being followed by 6+ snook, and 10+ redfish, apparently waiting for the catfish to kick out a tasty shrimp or pinfish for them to eat. I had no fishing pole with me to try for them though 🙁
I need to find some other fool to go gigging with me after dark 🙂

And what did I NOT see? Flounder 😛

I had fun, and will be doing it again…..though I’ll be doing more “how to gig flounder” research first!

Peace,

db

Notes:

Flounder Gigging 101:
http://youtu.be/prQfm8HlbbY
And this

Then I ran across this:
http://youtu.be/Ab-4UyY9wBg

And just like that, I have a new interest….

And the pic of the flounder at the top is NOT my pic…..bummer.