Fishing In Biloxi 101

Fishing in Biloxi: A Seasonal Guide to Casting Lines on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

From the tranquil marshes to the vast Gulf waters, Biloxi, Mississippi, offers an angler's paradise, merging southern charm with some of the best fishing experiences on the coast. With Captain Experiences, you'll navigate these diverse waters, where every season brings a new bounty and every cast could lead to the catch of a lifetime. Let's dive into what makes Biloxi a premier destination for anglers of all skills.

Types of Fishing in Biloxi

Biloxi’s diverse waters provide a variety of fishing experiences, whether you prefer the calm of the back bays or the thrill of open Gulf waters. From inshore to offshore, here’s a breakdown of the fishing opportunities waiting for you:

Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing in Biloxi takes place in calm, shallow waters like the Back Bay and around the grassy marshes. These areas are perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, offering a chance to reel in redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The serenity of inshore fishing makes it ideal for those who enjoy a laid-back day on the water.

• Key Species: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder
• Best For: Beginners and families, or anglers looking for a relaxed experience.

Nearshore Fishing

For those wanting to venture slightly further out, nearshore fishing offers a taste of adventure without the commitment of a full offshore trip. Nearshore waters around barrier islands and coastal structures are home to Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and cobia, with the occasional red snapper thrown in for good measure.

• Key Species: Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia
• Best For: Anglers looking for a mix of excitement and accessibility.

Jetty Fishing

Biloxi’s jetties are hot spots for anglers targeting species that love structure. These rock formations attract a variety of fish, making them perfect for those who want to stay near shore but still have a productive day. Popular jetty catches include sheepshead, black drum, and flounder.

• Key Species: Sheepshead, black drum, flounder
• Best For: Shoreline anglers or those seeking a productive, stationary experience.

Offshore Fishing

For the ultimate fishing adventure, offshore fishing is where the action gets serious. Heading into the deep blue waters of the Gulf, you’ll target larger game fish like snapper, amberjack, and even tuna. Offshore trips often include trolling for pelagic species or bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks.

• Key Species: Snapper, amberjack, grouper, tuna
• Best For: Thrill-seekers and experienced anglers looking to land big catches.

Species to Catch in Biloxi

Biloxi’s waters are a haven for a variety of fish species, making every trip a potential surprise. Some of the top catches include:

• Redfish: A staple in the inshore waters.
• Speckled Trout: Found in abundance, particularly in the shallower, inshore water.
• Flounder: Best targeted around the sandy bottoms near jetties and inshore.
• Snapper: A common catch deeper offshore, particularly during the summer spawning season.
• King Mackerel: Known for their speed and agility, found nearshore to offshore.
• Red Snapper: A prize catch for any sport fisherman, available primarily in the warmer months.

Techniques to Use in Biloxi

Fishing in Biloxi isn’t just about the gear—it’s about knowing the waters and using techniques tailored to this Gulf Coast gem. Here are the most effective methods to ensure you’re reeling in the best Biloxi has to offer:

• Live Bait Fishing: One of the most reliable techniques in Biloxi, live bait like shrimp, minnows, or pogies works wonders for inshore and nearshore species. Drift your bait near grassy marsh edges or structure-rich areas like jetties to hook redfish, speckled trout, or flounder.

• Casting with Artificial Lures: For anglers who enjoy a bit more action, soft plastics, topwater plugs, and paddle-tail jigs are highly effective in Biloxi’s inshore waters. Early mornings are ideal for topwater lures when targeting speckled trout or redfish in the shallows.

• Popping Corks: A Biloxi favorite, popping cork rigs are a go-to for inshore fishing. Use them to suspend bait like shrimp just above the grass beds or oyster reefs. The popping sound attracts fish like redfish and trout, leading to frequent strikes.

• Trolling for Nearshore Species: When fishing nearshore waters, trolling spoons or diving plugs works well for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. These fish respond well to the movement and flash of lures moving at a steady speed behind the boat.

• Bottom Fishing with Cut Bait: Ideal for offshore waters or near structure like artificial reefs and wrecks, bottom fishing with cut bait is a proven method for landing snapper, grouper, and black drum. Drop your bait to the seabed and wait for the bite.

• Jetty Casting: Fishing around the jetties is a must for targeting species like sheepshead, black drum, and flounder. Use heavier tackle and bait like fiddler crabs or cut shrimp, casting near the rocks where these fish congregate.

• Drift Fishing in the Back Bay: The calm, shallow waters of Biloxi’s Back Bay are perfect for drift fishing. Let the current carry your baited hook or jig, covering more ground and increasing your chances of a bite from trout or redfish.

• Sight Casting for Redfish: On clear days, sight casting is an exhilarating way to fish Biloxi’s inshore waters. Look for schools of redfish moving in the shallows and cast your bait or lure directly to them for an adrenaline-filled fight.

The 4 Seasons of Biloxi Fishing

Biloxi’s waters are rich and rewarding year-round, but the fishing experience shifts with the seasons. Each time of year brings unique opportunities and challenges, making it essential to know what’s biting and where to focus your efforts.

Spring: The Awakening Waters

Spring in Biloxi is a time of renewal, with warming waters bringing fish out of their winter slumber. Speckled trout begin to move into the shallow inshore waters, and redfish start feeding more aggressively. Offshore, snapper and grouper activity picks up as they migrate toward reefs and wrecks. This is a prime season for inshore fishing with popping corks or soft plastics and for targeting bottom-dwelling species offshore.

• Best Targets: Speckled trout, redfish, snapper, grouper
• Top Tip: Focus on inshore marshes and grass beds for trout and redfish, and try bottom fishing over structure offshore.

Summer: Peak Fishing Season

Summer is the height of Biloxi’s fishing season, with calm seas and abundant fish. Inshore waters teem with redfish and flounder, while nearshore and offshore anglers can target king mackerel, cobia, and even tarpon. This is also prime time for trolling offshore for big game species like marlin and sailfish. With long, sunny days, summer offers the perfect conditions for extended fishing trips.

• Best Targets: Redfish, flounder, king mackerel, cobia, tarpon
• Top Tip: Head out early to avoid the midday heat and take advantage of the morning feeding frenzy.

Fall: The Feeding Frenzy

As the waters cool, fish enter a feeding frenzy to prepare for winter, making fall one of the most exciting times to fish in Biloxi. Redfish are particularly active, often schooling in large numbers, while flounder migrate toward deeper waters. Offshore, king mackerel and grouper remain prime targets. The fall season also sees fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed fishing experience.

• Best Targets: Redfish, flounder, king mackerel, grouper
• Top Tip: Look for redfish in shallows near oyster beds and grass flats and use cut bait or live shrimp for the best results.

Winter: A Time for Giants

Winter in Biloxi doesn’t mean the end of fishing—it means the hunt for giants begins. Massive redfish are a hallmark of the season, often found in deeper inshore channels. Offshore, grouper and amberjack are the main attractions, particularly around reefs and wrecks. While the fishing might be slower overall, the rewards are worth the effort for those who brave the cooler temperatures.

• Best Targets: Oversized redfish, grouper, amberjack
• Top Tip: Use heavy tackle and fish deeper inshore channels or over offshore structure to connect with these winter bruisers.

Where to Go

• Back Bay of Biloxi: A hotspot for redfish and speckled trout, especially for beginners or those looking for a sure catch.
• Mississippi Sound: A challenging area with a larger variety of species, from flounder to king mackerel.
• Deer Island Coastal Preserve: Just offshore, this area provides excellent nearshore fishing opportunities.
• Biloxi’s Jetties: Accessible and productive, especially for jetty fishing enthusiasts targeting a diverse catch.

Biloxi is more than just a city; it’s a comprehensive fishing destination. Each season offers something unique, from spring’s vibrant inshore waters to winter’s challenging deep-sea adventures. With Captain Experiences, you're not just going fishing; you're immersing yourself in a storied tradition of Gulf Coast angling. Gear up, set out, and discover why Biloxi is a beloved fishing locale year-round.