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Night Gigging Adventure in Stuart, FL
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Stuart
- $500 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: November 20, 2025
Summary
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Nighttime Catches
Night Gigging Adventure in Stuart's Shallows
Get ready for a night fishing trip like no other with Captain Jacob Ertle of Shrimp Slingers Fishing & Gigging Charters. We're talking about stalking the flats after dark, armed with lights and gigs, on the hunt for some of Stuart's tastiest inshore species. This ain't your average fishing charter – it's a hands-on, stealthy approach that'll have you seeing the water in a whole new light (pun intended).
Trip Overview
Picture this: The sun's gone down, and you're gliding through Stuart's shallow waters, scanning the bottom with powerful lights. Captain Jacob's at the helm, using his local knowledge to put you right where the action is. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of fish and crustaceans – we're talking Black Drum, Sheepshead, Cubera Snapper, even Lobster and Stone Crab if we're lucky. This 4-hour trip is perfect for folks who want to try something different, or anglers looking to add another skill to their arsenal. Just remember, it's catch-and-keep, so bring a cooler for your haul!
How We Gig
Gigging is all about stealth and sharp eyes. We use specialized lights to illuminate the seafloor, looking for the telltale shine of a fish's eye or the outline of a flounder. When you spot one, you use a multi-pronged spear (the gig) to quickly and humanely catch the fish. It's a skill that takes practice, but don't worry – Captain Jacob will show you the ropes. We'll be wading in some spots and using the boat in others, depending on where the fish are holding. The gear is simple but effective, and you'll be amazed at how much you can see once your eyes adjust to the night fishing game.
Species You'll Want to Stick
Cubera Snapper are the kings of the night in Stuart's waters. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though the ones we target while gigging are usually in the 5-20 pound range. They love structure and often hang around docks and bridges. Cuberas are known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare – just be careful of those teeth when you're handling them!
Grey Snapper, also known as Mangrove Snapper, are another prime target. These guys are smaller than their Cubera cousins but make up for it in numbers and fight. They're sneaky and quick, so you'll need a sharp eye and a quicker hand to gig them. The best part? They're absolutely delicious, with firm white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but the ones we typically gig are in the 5-15 pound "puppy drum" range. These fish love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so we often find them in slightly murky water. They put up a great fight and make for some tasty fish tacos.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke as they're sometimes called, are the masters of camouflage. These flatfish can change their color to match the bottom, making them tricky to spot. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed at how many you see. They're not huge fighters, but they more than make up for it on the dinner plate – some of the best-eating fish in the sea.
Sheepshead are the oddball of the bunch, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These fish love structure and are often found around docks and oyster beds. They're known for being bait stealers when you're fishing with hooks, but gigging levels the playing field. Sheepshead are excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's similar to Red Snapper.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about being on the water at night. The daytime crowds are gone, and it's just you, the captain, and the fish. It's a totally different vibe from your typical day fishing trip. Plus, gigging is active – you're not just sitting and waiting for a bite. You're constantly moving, scanning, and ready to strike. It's a rush when you spot a fish and make a successful stick. And let's not forget the eating – most of the fish we target are top-notch table fare, so you're not just getting a unique experience, you're bringing home dinner too.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this night gigging adventure in Stuart is hard to beat. It's a chance to learn a new skill, experience the water in a whole new way, and bring home some of the tastiest fish Florida has to offer. Captain Jacob knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's passionate about sharing the gigging experience with others. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete novice, you'll have a blast on this trip. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cup of coffee for the late night). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your gigging trip. Get ready to see Stuart's inshore fishing in a whole new light!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big boys of the drum family, hitting 5 to 30 pounds on average, with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shellfish. Spring's prime time when they school up for spawning. Anglers love 'em for the fight - when you hook a big one, it's like hauling in a truck. For bait, nothing beats fresh crab or clams. Use a circle hook to make it easier for 'em to grab. Fish slow and deep, keeping your bait on the bottom. Listen for their distinctive drumming sound - it can help you locate a school. Just remember, for good eating, stick to ones under 15 pounds. The big ones get tough and lose flavor.
Cubera Snapper
The Cubera Snapper's a real bruiser - the biggest of all snappers. They usually run 40 pounds but can hit 120. You'll find 'em lurking around reefs and rocky ledges, down to about 180 feet. These guys love structure, so we target them near wrecks and ledges. They're most active May to August during spawning. Cuberas put up a hell of a fight and make great eating, but watch out for those canine teeth. To land one, use a live medium-sized fish like skipjack tuna for bait. Let 'em take it for a bit before setting the hook hard. Just don't give 'em too much time or they'll bolt for cover. If you hook into a big one, hold on tight - these snappers fight dirty and will try to break you off on the rocks.
Grey Snapper
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are sneaky little devils. They usually run 1-2 pounds inshore, but can hit 20 pounds in open water. You'll find 'em around mangroves, docks, and grass flats. They love structure and use it to ambush prey. These guys are most active at night, which makes 'em perfect for our gigging trips. Greys are prized for their white, flaky meat. They're fun to catch 'cause they're quick and put up a good scrap for their size. To target 'em, use a live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom near structure. Don't bob it around too much - these opportunistic feeders like to sneak up on stationary bait. When you feel a tug, reel in slowly to make sure the hook sets before bringing 'em up. Patience is key with these guys.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of the sea, with those distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds, hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. These guys are structure junkies, so look for barnacle-covered pilings. They're most active in early spring, February to April, when they spawn. Anglers love 'em for their sweet, white meat and the challenge of catching them. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth. For best results, use natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Get as close to the structure as you can and fish straight up and down. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that nibble, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let 'em commit to the bait, then set it hard. Their tough mouths and sneaky bites make landing one a real accomplishment.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. They're usually 15-20 inches long, lying flat on the seafloor with both eyes on their left side. You'll find 'em inshore and in estuaries, especially from September to November. These ambush predators blend in with the bottom, then strike fast at passing prey. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, use live minnows or sea worms on a circle hook. Fish slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive flounder bite. Here's a local trick: when you feel a nibble, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a moment to get the bait in its mouth, then reel steadily. They've got a bony mouth, so a steady pressure works better than a hard hookset. It's a unique fishing experience, perfect for our night gigging trips.
About the Shrimp Slingers Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
