Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In Gulfport

Gulfport, Mississippi, sits quietly on the Gulf Coast, a place where inshore fishing feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The waters here are a rich tapestry of shallow bays, tidal flats, and marshes, all teeming with life. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder thrive in these waters, offering up an adventure with every cast. Whether you're gliding through the bay on a skiff or casting off the shoreline, the feeling here is unhurried. Gulfport’s inshore fishing isn't just about the catch; it's about the rhythm of the water, the steady pull of the tide, and the simplicity of being present. Here, the Gulf Coast provides an intimate fishing experience, where the quiet is broken only by the soft splash of a fish breaking the surface.

The seasons in Gulfport are like a quiet dance, each one bringing its own flavor to the waters. Spring marks the start of the inshore action, when the fish begin to stir and make their way into the shallows. The warmer weather breathes new life into the bays, and it’s the perfect time for speckled trout and redfish. Early mornings are filled with the sound of gentle waves lapping against the boat as you drift along the water, casting into the deeper channels where the fish are lurking. There’s an unmistakable feeling of anticipation as the season unfolds, and every bite feels like a victory, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to these waters.

By the time summer arrives, Gulfport’s inshore fishing reaches its peak. The days grow long and the water warms up, making it ideal for anglers to target everything from big reds to trout, all while soaking in the sun-soaked beauty of the Gulf Coast. The bay fills with boats, the air rich with the sound of engines idling and fishermen chatting about their hauls. Summer is the season for long days on the water, working the shorelines, and navigating the hidden coves where fish are abundant. As the tide shifts, the bite can get fast and furious, but there’s a calmness to it, a sort of peaceful chaos. By the time fall rolls in, the weather cools, the crowds thin, and the fishing gets more deliberate. The fish are still there, hungry and ready for a fight, but the quieter days bring a sense of calm that lets you focus on the water, the fish, and the satisfaction of a great day spent out in the Gulf.

In Gulfport, the fishing seasons are a seamless flow of ebb and tide, each one offering something a little different for the dedicated angler. Spring is when the magic starts to unfold. As the Gulf waters warm up, the inshore bite picks up. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder begin to move into the shallows, hungry and ready to chase down whatever bait comes their way. The weather is still cool enough to enjoy long mornings on the water, with the air crisp and the water just beginning to stir with life. It’s a time of optimism—the start of the fishing year, and every cast feels like it could lead to something big. The best part? The waters are still peaceful, with fewer boats around, so you can carve out your own little slice of the coast.

As summer takes hold, Gulfport’s inshore fishing ramps up, and the heat brings with it a burst of energy. The waters warm, and so does the bite—bluefish, big reds, and plenty of trout are all in full swing. Summer is when Gulfport really comes alive, as boats are out early and late, working the flats and marshes for whatever’s hungry. The days are longer, the sun’s relentless, but that’s when the action is at its peak. The waters teem with life, and the inshore bite can feel like a sprint, where every cast could bring a fight, whether you’re fishing from the shore, a kayak, or a boat. The summer heat is a constant companion, but it’s worth it when the fish are biting, and the horizon stretches endlessly in front of you.

By the time fall rolls in, the pace slows, and the fishing takes on a more reflective feel. The temperatures drop just enough to make the mornings crisp again, and the fish—still plentiful—start to bulk up before the cooler winter months. The inshore waters of Gulfport see fewer anglers, making it the perfect time for those looking for solitude and quiet moments on the water. The bite can be slower, but the fish are still there, hungry and ready to take the bait. Fall is a time to appreciate the quiet beauty of the Gulf Coast as the marshes and waterways turn gold with the changing season. Whether you’re targeting a big redfish or enjoying the calm of a drifting boat, fall is a time for reflection and rewarding patience—reminding you that the season doesn’t end with summer, it simply shifts into something a little more soulful.

In Gulfport, inshore fishing is all about blending technique with patience, as the waters here offer a rich variety of species that make every cast worth the effort. One of the most popular techniques for targeting species like redfish and speckled trout is drifting the shallow waters using live bait, like shrimp or mullet. The key is to let your bait naturally move with the current, and as the boat drifts over grass flats or oyster bars, you’ll find the fish are ready and waiting. Redfish, in particular, like to hang near these structures, so casting right near them with a slow retrieve is often the best approach. For a little more action, tossing a topwater plug at dawn or dusk for trout is a killer technique, as these fish love to hit the surface when they’re actively feeding.

Another go-to method in Gulfport is bottom fishing, where you’ll drop your baited rig straight to the bottom for species like flounder and black drum. This technique is especially effective in the deeper channels near the mouths of rivers or around drop-offs. A weighted rig with cut bait like squid or mullet is the perfect way to get your offering down to the fish that are feeding close to the bottom. Flounder, with their stealthy ambush tactics, are a fun target here, often waiting just beneath the sand or mud, and you’ll feel a gentle tug when they bite. Black drum, with their slow but steady pull, are another great catch that can really test your patience and gear. A heavier setup is recommended for these bottom dwellers to handle their weight and persistence.

For a bit of a thrill, try casting for the fast-moving and unpredictable Spanish mackerel. These sleek predators are a favorite for anglers looking for speed and action. Spanish mackerel are typically caught with fast-moving lures like spoons or small jigs, which mimic the fast baitfish they love to chase. The technique is simple: cast, reel in quickly, and keep your line tight. They’ll hit hard and fast, so be ready to feel the jolt when they strike. Whether you’re working the grass flats for redfish or stalking the deep bottom for flounder, Gulfport’s inshore waters offer a range of techniques that will keep you on your toes and pulling in a variety of species throughout the day.

When you’re in Gulfport, the inshore waters are teeming with fish that will make every trip to the coast an adventure. Redfish, or “reds,” are one of the standout species you’ll want to target. Known for their hard-fighting nature and distinctive copper-colored scales, redfish are a common catch here. You’ll find them prowling the shallow grass flats and around oyster bars, always on the hunt for a good meal. A live shrimp or a well-placed cut mullet is your best bet to lure them in. The thrill of hooking into a redfish is hard to beat, especially when it peels line off the reel and takes off for deeper water. It’s a fight you’ll remember long after the fish is in the boat.

Speckled trout are another crowd favorite in Gulfport’s inshore waters, offering a more delicate but no less rewarding challenge. These sleek fish are known for their subtle bites, so it’s all about finesse when targeting them. Cast soft plastics or topwater lures during the early morning or late afternoon, when trout are feeding near the surface. Work the lures slowly, keeping them near grass beds or drop-offs, where trout like to hang out. When you feel that light tap, don’t rush—wait for the hook to set before reeling in these acrobatic fighters. Trout might not have the same brute strength as redfish, but they make up for it with their lightning-fast strikes and sharp, erratic runs.

If you’re looking for something a bit more elusive, try your hand at catching flounder. These flatfish love to hang out on the sandy bottoms of shallow bays and estuaries, waiting to ambush their next meal. Flounder fishing requires a different approach—slowly working a jig or soft plastic along the bottom, letting the bait drift naturally with the current. The bite is often subtle, so you’ll need to stay alert and be ready to set the hook the moment you feel a tug. Flounder are tricky, but landing one feels like you’ve earned it. Whether you're after the power of redfish, the finesse of speckled trout, or the stealth of flounder, Gulfport’s inshore waters provide a rich variety of species that will keep you hooked.