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Caught a Southern Flounder Inshore in St Augustine
Southern Flounder Fishing in St Augustine
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The Southern Flounder belongs to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. It typically measures between 12 and 33 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. Habitat: onshore, inshore, channels, rivers. - Southern Flounder is a flat, oval fish with both eyes on the left side of its head. - Known for having an underdeveloped pectoral fin or none at all. - Distinguished by numerous light and dark spots across its body.
Fishing Charter by Captain John Riddling in August
Meet your Captain John Riddling
- Get Reel Excited In St Augustine Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain John Riddling of Hook-N-Gig Outfitters on Friday June offers one of Florida's most unique shallow water experiences with night flounder gigging charters in St Augustine. These 4 to 6 hour guided fishing trips take place after sunset when Southern flounder become easier to spot in calm, illuminated waters. Using specialized gigs and bright lights, you'll drift quietly across the inshore flats in a 16-foot aluminum skiff, targeting flounder along sandy bottoms and creek mouths. This hands-on fishing style combines technique with excitement, perfect for families and anglers seeking an interactive night fishing adventure. The experienced guides provide all necessary gear and local knowledge to make your flounder gigging trip both successful and memorable in these productive St Augustine waters.
Flounder Gigging Trips with Captain John Riddling – Rates & Booking
Captain John Riddling of Hook-N-Gig Outfitters on Friday June specializes in night flounder gigging adventures that showcase St Augustine's exceptional shallow water fishing. These 4 to 6 hour charters provide all specialized gear including 3-prong gigs, bright LED lights, and a stable 16-foot aluminum skiff designed for navigating the inshore flats. With years of local experience, Captain John knows exactly where to find active Southern flounder after sunset, working the productive waters around Vilano and the intricate creek systems. Book your night gigging experience online or call for current rates and availability.
Highlights of Flounder Gigging Trips In St Augustine | 4 To 6 Hour Charter
This shallow water experience offers something completely different from traditional rod and reel fishing. You'll learn the art of flounder gigging, a specialized technique that requires patience, stealth, and precision as you search for flatfish along sandy bottoms. The trip takes advantage of calm evening conditions when flounder are most active and visible under artificial lighting. Captain John provides expert instruction on proper gigging technique, fish identification, and reading water conditions for maximum success.
The 16-foot aluminum skiff allows access to shallow flats and creek mouths where flounder concentrate during feeding periods. This hands-on fishing style appeals to anglers of all experience levels, from families introducing kids to fishing to seasoned anglers seeking a new challenge. The interactive nature of gigging creates excitement and engagement that traditional fishing sometimes lacks.
Local Species Insights: Southern Flounder
Southern flounder thrive in St Augustine's diverse inshore environment, utilizing the mix of sandy flats, grass beds, and creek systems for feeding and shelter. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for small fish, shrimp, and crabs to pass overhead. During summer months like June, flounder become more active in shallow water as baitfish populations peak and water temperatures reach optimal levels. The species exhibits excellent camouflage abilities, making them challenging to spot without proper lighting and technique, which adds to the excitement of successful gigging.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your flounder gigging adventure begins after sunset when conditions are ideal for spotting these flatfish. The 16-foot aluminum skiff accommodates small groups comfortably while providing the shallow draft necessary for accessing prime flounder habitat. Captain John supplies all specialized equipment including gigs, lights, and safety gear, though you're welcome to bring your own if preferred. The charter includes instruction on proper gigging technique, fish handling, and local regulations. Dress for evening conditions with non-slip footwear and layers for changing temperatures as the night progresses.
Fishing in St Augustine: Southern Flounder
The Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) is a distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. This oval-shaped fish is easily recognized by having both eyes positioned on the left side of its head, a characteristic adaptation that allows it to lie flat on sandy or muddy bottoms while maintaining visual awareness of its surroundings. In St Augustine waters this June, these ambush predators are particularly active in shallow inshore areas.
Southern Flounder Overview
Southern flounder are prized by anglers for their excellent table fare and the unique challenge they present when gigging. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and sediment with only their eyes exposed, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass overhead. Their flattened body structure and mottled coloration make them nearly invisible against the bottom, which is why specialized lighting and technique are essential for successful gigging.
Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore and inshore waters including channels, rivers, and shallow flats throughout the southeastern United States. Around St Augustine, they frequent sandy bottoms, grass beds, creek mouths, and areas where fresh and salt water mix. They prefer areas with good current flow that brings food sources like small fish, shrimp, and crabs within striking distance.
Southern Flounder Size and Weight
Southern flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length, with weights between 1 and 4 pounds. The 19-inch specimen caught during this trip represents a solid keeper-sized fish that provides excellent eating. Larger specimens over 20 inches are considered trophy-class and become increasingly rare in many areas.
Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and marine worms. They are ambush hunters that rely on stealth and lightning-fast strikes to capture prey. Southern flounder are most active during low-light periods, particularly at dawn and dusk, which makes night gigging an effective technique for targeting them when they venture into shallow water to feed.
Southern Flounder Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in offshore waters during fall and winter months when water temperatures drop. Adult flounder migrate to deeper waters for reproduction, then juveniles eventually move into shallow inshore areas where they mature. During summer months, mature fish concentrate in productive feeding areas like those found around St Augustine.
Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques
Flounder gigging is the most exciting method for targeting these fish, requiring stealth, patience, and precision. Anglers use specialized 3-prong gigs and bright lights to spot flounder on sandy bottoms during nighttime hours. Traditional rod and reel methods include using live or cut bait fished on the bottom near structure, drop-shot rigs with soft plastics, and slow-trolling techniques. In June around St Augustine, focus on shallow flats and creek mouths where flounder concentrate during evening feeding periods.
Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Southern flounder ranks among the finest eating fish in coastal waters, featuring mild, sweet, flaky white meat with excellent texture. The fish is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for various cooking methods including pan-frying, baking, broiling, and grilling. Its delicate flavor pairs well with simple seasonings and light sauces, and the fish provides good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals.
Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best technique for gigging Southern Flounder?
A: Use bright LED lights to scan sandy bottoms slowly and quietly, looking for the distinctive outline and eye shine of buried flounder. Strike quickly and decisively with a 3-prong gig when you spot one.
Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near St Augustine?
A: Focus on shallow inshore flats, creek mouths, and areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, particularly around Vilano and the Matanzas River system where current brings food sources.
Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?
A: Absolutely - Southern flounder provides mild, sweet, flaky white meat that's excellent prepared in various ways and is considered one of the best eating fish in coastal waters.
Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?
A: Night gigging after sunset is most effective, though early morning and late evening also produce good results when flounder are actively feeding in shallow water.
