When people think of a fishing trip, many images come to mind. A solitary fisherman standing in the surf along the beach; a family aboard a boat in a peaceful creek or river; or a large charter boat heading offshore to bring back trophy game fish are just a few options available to local anglers. However, Amelia Island fishermen now have another option to consider - one that will take them on a very different kind of fishing adventure.

Captain Mac Daniel has modified his 24' aluminum boat, aptly named The Flounder Barge, to allow charter groups of up to six people to experience the exciting and obscure nighttime sport of flounder gigging.

The Flounder Barge can take up to six people on a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure.
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For those who have tried flounder gigging before, chances are it involved walking through shallow waters on muddy, rocky or uneven ground. Attempting to do this while carrying a gig in one hand and a lantern or floodlight in the other can be quite a cumbersome task. Thankfully, gigging on The Flounder Barge is much easier.

The boat was specially designed by Captain Mac to float in just four inches of water. After the outboard motor is trimmed up, the boat is propelled by a custom-built air motor. An onboard generator powers the 6,000 watts of bow-mounted Halogen lights, which illuminate the river bottom with almost perfect visibility.

Flounder gigging is a fun way to land the really big flounder!
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Not only do guests aboard The Flounder Barge avoid the traditional consequence of getting soaked from the waist down while searching for flounder, they don't even have to touch the fish they catch. Captain Mac has a custom-designed "flounder rake" that removes the fish from the multi-pronged barbed gigs used for this unique experience.

Flounder gigging is one of those things you have to try before you will believe it. Captain Mac Daniel and The Flounder Barge will make the experience all the more enjoyable. All charters depart at sunset and last approximately four hours. For more information call 277-3050 or visit www.floundergigging.com.

Fernandina Beach native Mac Daniel is a licensed
U.S.C.G. captain and a certified scuba diver.
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