| More Flounder | |
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by Ron Brooks
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We all have different ways to gig flounder - those of us who gig flounder, that is. Each of us thinks his or her method is best. Accordingly, I am inundated with flounder gigging commentary and questions. One reader, Captain Ray, who I believe is from Louisiana, provided his method. Check out his story:
"I have read many articles on the art of gigging flounders from a boat, and every method was harder than the method I use. I have gigged flounders from a boat most of my life and I have tried every method you can think of, and then some.
The method I use is the simplest and most effective, I do believe. First, you will need a Jon boat, that's what they call it up North. To us in the south it is just a flatboat. For one person gigging alone I recommend a 14' extra wide, about 3 1/2' across the bottom. For two men, nothing less than an 18' flatboat will do.
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Next, you have to buy a sheet of 1/2" exterior plywood, treated. Cut the plywood to sit on top of the gunnels from 3" past the bow tip to 3' aft of the bow.
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Make sure that at the bow there is at least 3" overhanging forward and sideways. Go to the hardware store and buy two ceramic light bulb sockets. The kind that usually hang from the ceiling with a pull string. Only, get the kind without a switch. Also buy four 75 watt, 12 volt DC light bulbs. They look just like regular house light bulbs but they run on 12 volts DC. Two I use, and two I keep as spares in case I break one. You will need a good 12 volt automobile battery ( I carry two).
Install the light fixtures under the two front corners of the plywood at the bow. Now you can look for flounder and there is absolutely nothing in your way when you try to gig one.
I use five prong frog gigs. I go to the lumber yard and buy 1-1/4 closet rod, ten feet long. Very seldom does a flounder come off of this gig. There's no bending over or reaching to retrieve your flounder. Just lift it out of the water, place the flounder, still on the gig, into the ice chest, close the lid and pull! I use my foot on the lid.
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I place my gig just behind the flounders gills with the prongs running alongside the gills, not front to back. It works pretty good. I'm yet to find anyone with a better method. By the way, I also pole along with my gig. There's no need for a trolling motor.
I am a fisherman most of my life and anytime I can help a fellow fisherman, that's great! I hope you will find this little hint helpful.
Your friend,
Capt. Ray
PS: I am 61 years of age."
I hope this information can help some of you find and gig a limit of flounder. You'll not find a better eating fish, in my book!
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