Night Gigging Adventure in Stuart, FL

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Stuart
$500 - $850 price range

Summary

Ready for a night adventure on the water? Join Captain Jacob Ertle of Shrimp Slingers Fishing & Gigging Charters for a 4-hour inshore trip after dark in Stuart, FL. As the sun sets, you'll slip into shallow waters armed with special lights to scan the seafloor. This isn't your typical fishing trip - you'll be gigging for a variety of species like Black Drum, Sheepshead, and even Lobster or Stone Crab. It's a hands-on experience that's perfect if you're looking to try something different. Captain Jacob knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in good hands as you glide along, keeping an eye out for movement below. With room for two guests, it's an intimate trip that lets you get up close to the nighttime marine life. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're ready for this unique after-hours sea adventure.

Night Gigging Action

Date night gigging charter was a great success!

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Night Gigging: Stuart's Hidden Underwater Treasures

Ready for a fishing trip that'll have you seeing the inshore waters of Stuart, FL in a whole new light? Captain Jacob Ertle's night gigging adventure with Shrimp Slingers Fishing & Gigging Charters is unlike anything you've done before. As the sun dips below the horizon, you'll slip into a world where the seafloor comes alive, and your keen eye becomes your best tool. This isn't your typical cast-and-wait game – it's a heart-pumping, hands-on hunt that'll test your reflexes and reward you with a cooler full of tasty catches.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're gliding through Stuart's shallow inshore waters under the cover of darkness. The boat's specialized lights pierce the water, illuminating a bustling underwater world. Captain Jacob's at the helm, using his years of local know-how to put you right where the action is. For four hours, you'll be on the lookout for the telltale signs of Black Drum, Sheepshead, and even the prized Cubera Snapper. And it's not just about fish – keep your eyes peeled for the scuttle of a Stone Crab or the antennae of a Lobster peeking out from its hidey-hole. This trip's all about being quick on your feet and steady with your hands. It's fishing, but not as you know it – and that's what makes it so darn exciting.

Gigging 101: Lights, Action, Fish!

If you've never been gigging before, you're in for a treat. Here's the lowdown: We use bright lights to spot fish on the bottom. Once you see one, you'll use a multi-pronged spear (that's the gig) to catch it. Sounds simple, right? Well, it takes a bit of practice to get your eye in and your aim true. But don't worry, Captain Jacob's got your back. He'll show you the ropes, from how to spot different species to the best way to stick 'em. It's a bit like playing darts, only your target's alive and trying not to end up as dinner. The shallow waters around Stuart are perfect for this – clear enough to spot your prey, but with plenty of nooks and crannies where the big ones like to hide.

Target Species

Cubera Snapper: These bruisers are the kings of the inshore snappers. They love hanging around structure and can grow to monster sizes – we're talking 50 pounds or more! Cuberas are known for their powerful runs and bulldog-like fighting style. They're most active at night, which makes our gigging trip prime time to encounter these bucket-list fish. Their flesh is prized for its sweet, firm texture, making them a top target for both sport and table.

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these crafty fish are abundant in Stuart's inshore waters. They're smaller than their Cubera cousins but make up for it with their smarts and tasty fillets. Grey snappers are masters of cover, often hiding in mangrove roots or around dock pilings. Night gigging gives us a unique advantage, as they're less wary in the dark. Keep an eye out for their distinctive reddish-brown color and those tell-tale canine teeth.

Black Drum: These drum roll into the shallows at night to feed, making them perfect targets for gigging. Black drum can grow to impressive sizes, with some old-timers tipping the scales at over 100 pounds! We usually target the smaller "puppy drums" which are better eating and more abundant. They've got a distinctive down-turned mouth and use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish from the bottom. When you spot one, it'll likely be slowly cruising along the seafloor – giving you a perfect shot.

Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. During the day, they're nearly invisible against the sandy bottom, but our lights make them stand out like sore thumbs at night. Summer flounder lie in wait to ambush passing prey, so they're often found in depressions or near structure. They're not just fun to catch – they're also some of the best-eating fish in the sea, with sweet, white flesh that's a favorite among seafood lovers.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead look like they're wearing prison uniforms. These crafty fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They love hanging around pilings, jetties, and other hard structures where their prey grows. Gigging for sheepshead requires a keen eye – they often hide in plain sight, using their stripes to blend in with the shadows. But once you spot one, you're in for a treat – sheepshead are considered top-notch table fare.

Why Locals Can't Get Enough

Ask any Stuart fishing enthusiast about night gigging, and you'll see their eyes light up. It's not just about the catch – it's about the whole experience. There's something special about being out on the water at night, with the stars above and the underwater world lit up below. It's a chance to see familiar waters in a completely different way. Plus, the hands-on nature of gigging means you're always engaged, always on the lookout. It's fishing at its most primal and exciting. And let's not forget the bragging rights – bringing home a cooler full of diverse catches that you speared yourself? That's the stuff fishing legends are made of.

Time to Grab Your Gig

If you're itching to try something different, or you're looking to add a new skill to your fishing repertoire, Captain Jacob's night gigging trip is calling your name. With room for two on the boat, it's perfect for a one-on-one lesson or a unique date night. Just remember, this isn't your typical sit-and-wait fishing trip – come ready to move, to learn, and to have a blast doing it. The waters around Stuart are teeming with life, and on this trip, you'll see it all up close and personal. So what are you waiting for? The fish aren't going to gig themselves! Book your spot now and get ready for a night on the water you won't forget. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself hooked on gigging after just one trip – consider yourself warned!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black Drum are the bruisers of the inshore scene. These cousins of redfish can grow huge, with some topping 90 pounds, though most run 5-30 pounds. You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, pier pilings, and muddy bottoms. They use sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish, making a distinctive grunting sound as they feed. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones can be tough and wormy. Drum put up a solid fight, especially on light tackle. For bait, fresh crab or shrimp is hard to beat. Pro tip: When you locate a school, don't spook 'em. These fish communicate, so if you hook one, the whole group might stick around for more action.

Cubera Snapper

Cubera Snapper are the giants of the snapper world, often weighing 40-60 pounds with some monsters topping 100. They're ambush predators, hanging around reefs and rocky structures in depths from 60 to 180 feet. These brutes have a mouthful of impressive teeth, including large canines perfect for crushing crabs and lobsters. Cuberas are most active at night, making them a prime target on our gigging trips. They put up one heck of a fight and their firm, white meat is delicious. Look for them year-round, but summer months see more activity as they gather to spawn. When targeting cuberas, go big with your bait - whole fish or large crabs work well. Just be ready for a battle when one of these bruisers takes the hook. A local trick: try fishing deeper structures on a full moon for your best shot at a trophy.

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are sneaky little thieves that'll test your patience. They usually run 1-3 pounds inshore, but can hit 10+ pounds offshore. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and any structure with enough cover. These fish are masters of the light bite - they'll nibble your bait clean off the hook if you're not quick. Best fishing is at night or low light, when they're most active. Greys make great eating with sweet, white meat. To catch 'em, use light tackle and small hooks. Fresh shrimp or cut bait works well. Here's a tip: When you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a second before setting the hook. Let 'em get it good, then show 'em who's boss.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict-striped oddballs of inshore fishing. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can hit 20. Look for them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, reefs - where they use those weird human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. They're around year-round, but really bunch up to spawn in late winter and early spring. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, often cleaning your hook without you knowing. But they're worth the effort - their white, flaky meat is top-notch. Use small, strong hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a tip: When you feel a bite, don't jerk. Instead, slowly lift your rod tip. If you feel weight, then set the hook hard. These fish have tough mouths, so you gotta mean it.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage with both eyes on their left side. They typically run 15-20 inches, but can grow to 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and coastal waters. These ambush predators lie flat, blending in perfectly, then striking fast at passing prey. They're most active in warmer months, moving inshore in spring and offshore in fall. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white meat. To catch 'em, try drifting or slow trolling with live bait or soft plastics. Work your offering slowly along the bottom. Here's a local secret: When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait and swallow it head-first. Then, reel down and lift steadily to set the hook.

About the Shrimp Slingers Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 34

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Get ready for a night of excitement with Captain Jacob Ertle's 4-hour inshore gigging trip in Stuart, FL. As the sun sets, you'll head out to explore the shallow waters, armed with special lights and gear to spot your prey. This unique after-dark adventure lets you try your hand at catching Black Drum, Sheepshead, Cubera Snapper, Lobster, Stone Crab, and Summer Flounder in a whole new way. Captain Jacob's extensive local knowledge ensures you'll be in the right spots for the best action. Whether you're new to gigging or an experienced angler looking for something different, this hands-on trip offers a fresh take on nighttime fishing. It's a great chance to see the marine world come alive after dark and potentially land some impressive catches. Remember, spots are limited to just two guests, so book early to secure your spot on this distinctive nocturnal fishing experience.

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