Want to go home with a fish story to impress your friends? Anglers of all skill levels will experience some exciting saltwater fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where over 200 varieties of saltwater fish are at home in the rich coastal waters. This valuable fish population is supported by giant marshes and estuaries which make up the nursery grounds for the Gulf of Mexico. There’s also a climate for year-round fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can keep the fish they catch and licenses are bargain-priced, too. There are over 30 public boat ramps, marina slips, a number of private camps and launches that provide everything from rental boats to live bait and a thriving charter boat industry – all ready to make every fishing dream come true.

Active Charter Boat Association

The Mississippi Charter Boat Captains Association is an active organization with members who are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. These seasoned captains are happy to share with visitors a wealth of fishing lore and know where the fish are, depending on
wind, tide and particular season. They’ll take visitors into the Mississippi Sound or past the barrier islands and into the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico for unforgettable deep sea fishing. A wide variety of boats are available for small groups of one to six
passengers or multiple passenger boats for large parties. Customized fishing trips for four, six or eight hours or overnight are easy to schedule. Whether fishing near shore or offshore, charter boat captains and mates take responsibility for successful trips.

Artificial Reefs Create Feeding Sites For Fish

Both nature and man have provided good fishing spots in Mississippi Gulf Coast waters. Areas around the barrier islands and gulf islands are excellent for wade and skiff fishing for speckled trout and red drum. Deep Gulf waters around gas and oil rigs afford opportunities for landing fighting fish such as gag grouper, greater amberjack and king mackerel. Thirty-five artificial fishing reefs have been established by the State of Mississippi to create feeding sites for red snapper, red drum, speckled trout, cobia and other species. Maps to locate these reefs are available at bait shops and through state and federal fishing agencies.

Seasonal Fishing

From mid spring through fall, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, red drum, Jack Crevelle, bonito, tarpon, speckled trout, red snapper and cobia are biting near shore. Small coastal sharks can be caught with light tackle during the summer. Bottom-fish for trout, black drum, sheephead, flounder and ground mullet during our short winter season. Venture offshore to deeper waters to land marlin, tuna, king mackerel, grouper, red snapper, blue fish, amberjack and dolphin. Wade or skiff-fish for flounder, speckled trout and red drum around the large chain of islands in the Gulf.

Fishing Tournaments

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to prestigious fishing tournaments where anglers can win prizes and admiration for their trophy fish.

Always held in May at the Isle of Capri Crowne Plaza Resort in Biloxi, is the Kingmaster 100 with large $$ top prize. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is held in June each year and attracts deep sea fishermen from across the United States. Catches are cleaned and donated to Loaves & Fishes, a local charity kitchen. Still going strong after 50 years, the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in the world and takes place during the July 4th weekend. Onshore headquarters are Rice Pavilion at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor where thousands of dollars worth of prizes are awarded and prize fish are on display each day. Advance registration by anglers is not necessary. This traditional Mississippi Gulf Coast happening also features live musical entertainment, food vendors, marine displays and carnival rides.

To Receive your free copy of the
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Charter Boat Directory
please call
1-800-237-9493