Biloxi Fishing Seasons

Fishing the Four Seasons in Biloxi: A Guide to Year-Round Fishing

There’s something about Biloxi, Mississippi, that calls to anglers. Maybe it’s the salty tang of the Gulf breeze or the way the sun dances on endless blue water. Whatever it is, Biloxi has a way of making every fishing trip feel like an epic adventure. And the best part? No matter the time of year, the fish are always biting. From redfish to speckled trout to plagics, south Mississippi offers a feast for anglers, seasoned and greenhorn alike.

Here’s your guide to Biloxi’s four fishing seasons, the species to target, the techniques that’ll hook you up, and the best spots to cast a line.

Spring: Redfish & Specks in the Shallows

Spring in Biloxi is like shaking off a long nap and jumping straight into action. As the water warms, redfish and speckled trout move into the shallows, hungry and ready for a fight. This is prime time for sight fishing and wade fishing.

• Species to Catch: Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead.
• Techniques: Use light tackle with soft plastics or topwater plugs for redfish and specks. For sheepshead, rig up with live shrimp or fiddler crabs around dock pilings and jetties.
• Where to Fish: The Biloxi Back Bay is a hotspot in spring. Its sheltered waters warm up faster, drawing in fish like a magnet. Don’t overlook the marshes and flats around Deer Island.

Summer: Offshore Dreams

When summer hits, it’s time to think big. The Gulf of Mexico is teeming with action, and anglers flock offshore for thrilling deep-sea battles. But don’t count out the inshore scene—there’s plenty of action closer to shore.

• Species to Catch: Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Tarpon.
• Techniques: Trolling is your best friend for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. For red snapper, bottom fishing with cut bait or squid over reefs is a sure bet. And if you’re chasing tarpon, get your casting arm ready and sling big live baits.
• Where to Fish: Book a charter and head to the artificial reefs or rigs just offshore. For a more laid-back vibe, hit the beaches and pier fish for Spanish mackerel and the occasional tarpon.

Fall: Bull Red Bonanza

Fall in Biloxi is legendary. The cooler weather kicks off the annual bull redfish migration, and anglers from all over come to test their mettle. These big bruisers put up a fight you won’t soon forget.

• Species to Catch: Bull Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum.
• Techniques: For bull reds, grab heavy tackle and toss cut mullet or live pogies into passes and channels. Target flounder with jigs tipped with soft plastics or live mud minnows.
• Where to Fish: The Mississippi Sound and the bridges around Biloxi are ground zero for fall action. Be sure to hit the Katrina Reef and the Biloxi Bay Bridge.

Winter: Deep Water Haunts

Don’t let winter fool you—Biloxi’s fishing doesn’t go into hibernation. Cooler water temps push some species into deeper channels, but they’re still ready to bite. It’s also a great time to target monster black drum.

• Species to Catch: Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout.
• Techniques: Use dead shrimp on Carolina rigs for black drum around bridges and channels. For speckled trout, switch to slow-sinking MirrOlures or shrimp imitations on jigheads.
• Where to Fish: The Biloxi Marsh is a winter wonderland for trout. For sheepshead and black drum, stick to structure like the Biloxi Bay Bridge or local jetties.

Pro Tips for Biloxi Fishing Success

• Gear Up Smart: Pack a versatile rod-and-reel combo that can handle both inshore and nearshore fishing. A 7-foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000-4000 size reel will cover most of your needs.
• Watch the Weather: Gulf Coast storms roll in fast. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a plan to get back to shore quickly.
• Timing is Everything: Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times, especially in summer when the heat can be intense.

Biloxi’s fishing seasons aren’t just about catching fish—they’re about soaking up the magic of the Gulf Coast, one cast at a time. Whether you’re chasing bull reds under a fiery fall sunset or battling tarpon in the summer surf, Biloxi offers an angling experience that feels like it was pulled straight from a Hemingway novel. So pack your tackle box, grab your favorite hat, and head to Biloxi. The fish—and adventure—are waiting.