Damn Good Mississippi Fishing Charters

The name “Mississippi” literally means great river. Where there’s a great river, there’s usually great fishing, and that rings true in this state full of southern charm. With a rich history of fishing from the indigenous people’s who used the river networks and oxbows to today where Mississippi has become one of the greatest states for recreational and commercial fishing. Having direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the development of waterways all across the state with the the creation of dams, reservoirs, and other river diversions for agriculture provides ample fishing opportunities all over Mississippi.

Mississippi has year round fishing both in salt and freshwater. Different species of fish have different peak times of the year, especially offshore migratory fish who only pass through Mississippi’s waters in specific seasons. If you just want to get out on the water and catch some fish, head on down and get hooked up.

***Mississippi Inshore Fishing***

Mississippi only has 44 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, but for what it lacks it space it makes up for in great fishing. The bays and bayous of Mississippi’s inshore waters are a great fishery year round and are particularly productive in the fall. This is when the white shrimp appear creating a perfect feeding ground for speckled trout, big bull reds, and more. Similar to Louisiana, the Mississippi's coastline has great fishing because of the rivers and tributaries flowing into the marshy coast. The mix of water creates brackish water estuaries that inshore fish love.

***Mississippi Nearshore Fishing***

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has placed 73 artificial reefs in the nearshore waters of the state. These artificial reefs are made of crushed concrete, limestone, and oyster shells which are placed within a few miles of shore have vastly improved nearshore fishing since the 2000s. The reefs provide much needed habitat to attract and hold fish that wasn’t previously easily accessible to anglers in Mississippi.

***Mississippi Offshore Fishing***

Offshore fishing in Mississippi used to be one of the best kept secrets of the Gulf until 1997 when the first Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic blew up and showed what an ideal spot it is. The fishing is unique compared to other Gulf Coast states with Mississippi deep sea fishing trips usually being overnight or even multi-day events. This is due to the length of time it takes to get to the stomping grounds of tuna, marlin, and other trophy fish which lurk near the oil and gas rigs scattered throughout the Gulf. The journey is absolutely worth it, since the fish there are known for not only their quantity but the quality.

***Inshore Target Species in Mississippi***

***Black Drum***

Black Drum are a notorious fan favorite for Mississippi inshore fishing and can be found nearshore amongst the reefs, and sometimes around offshore structures in the winter. They are fun to catch due to their size and the shallow shallow water they feed in. Black drum are also delicious and highly sought after for table fare. The brackish water conditions of Mississippi’s inshore bayous and marshes are ideal for these drum, and where there’s prime habitat the fish will find the real estate.

***Redfish***

Although redfish can be found through out the year on the coast of Mississippi, the bull run is from July to October. This is when the bigger bull redfish follow baitfish into the marshes of the coast, feeding on anything they can to prepare for spawning and making them a fantastic target for inshore anglers. Redfish can typically be found in the staples of Mississippi’s landscape consisting of marshes, beaches, and harbors, making it an ideal place to target them.

***Speckled Trout***

Speckled Trout can be caught year round in Mississippi, but they really start lighting up in the spring and summer as the waters warm. Unique to Mississippi is their marsh areas hold a lot of hidden submerged grass beds. These secret spots can be in just two to four feet of water, and hold some of the biggest specks. The key is to follow the migration of baitfish because where you find them is where you’ll find the trout, and maybe some redfish as well.

***And More!***

With the artificial reefs in state waters, and access inland via rivers the inshore marshes and bayous of Mississippi provide the perfect habitat for all sorts of fish. Following the baitfish and water temperature changes is a sure fire way to catch fish like flounder, sheepshead, and more.

***Nearshore Target Species in Mississippi***

***Kingfish***

King mackerel, or kingfish, can be found both among the artificial reefs in state water, and in deep offshore waters surrounding oil and gas rigs. They follow baitfish up to the reefs in the summer, making them an easy target for those that don’t want to cruise 75 miles from the coast. Kingfish are also known to be strong and fast fighters and are a truly unique experience so close to land.

***Cobia***

Another migratory fish, cobia need to be targeted at the reefs when they make their spring run through Mississippi waters. Cobia follow a loop current that actually stems from the Gulf Stream near the Florida Keys that drops them right into the state waters of Mississippi. The greatest numbers will be found in April to May. The best way to catch them is to pay attention to what the local bait shops are selling since what they’re catching baitfish that the fish on the reef are eating.

***Tripletail***

Tripletail are another part time Mississippi resident that show up in the summer. They can be found floating among debris throughout the nearshore area waiting to ambush their prey. This is a great species to target in the dog days of summer because the best way to catch them is to cruise the water at high speeds searching for floaters which is a great way to stay cool. Tripletail, or blackfish, are also speedy on the line, making them a fun fight and worth the search.

***And More!***

The artificial reefs put in place by the state of Mississippi provide the structure that holds baitfish, which attract larger nearshore fish. Species like jack crevalle, pompano, shark, tarpon, and more can be found cruising through the area in search of prey or maybe your hook.

***Offshore Target Species in Mississippi***

***Red Snapper***

As with all Gulf Coast states, the red snapper seasons are managed both by the state for water within nine miles from the shore, and by the federal government for waterfurther out. In state waters red snapper will gather around the artificial reefs and other structures. The trophy sized snappers are found further offshore in federal waters, about 30 miles out. The barrier islands along with the oil and gas rigs off the coast of Mississippi hold some of the Gulf’s finest snapper, you just have to get out there.

***Amberjack***

Another fish that calls oil rigs and barrier islands home is amberjack or reef donkeys as they are sometimes called. Amberjack are one of the strongest fish in the Gulf and in the deep bluewater of Mississippi it’s common to have multiple hookups and catch at least one trophy all in one trip. Amberjack have a regulated season, so make sure to plan your trip when the season is open.

***Mahi Mahi***

Dorado, dolphin fish, mahi mahi, or whatever you want to call them, are a fan favorite in the Gulf. Out of Mississippi, one of the best opportunities to catch these deep sea creatures is with an overnight trip. This will give you plenty of time to cruise the wide open waters in the search for a feeding frenzy. They can be found through out the year, but the best luck will be from May to June.

***And More!***

The oil rigs and barrier islands that dot the federal waters off the coast of Mississippi hold a great deal of baitfish, and where there are baitfish the trophy fish come running (or swimming). Wahoo, gag grouper, bluefish, bonito, Atlantic spadefish, gray snapper, gray triggerfish, and more all follow their prey to this pocket of the Gulf of Mexico.

***Bass***

Largemouth, smallmouth, white, and spotted bass, Mississippi has it all when it comes to bass. Mississippi is chock full of freshwater with some of the best habitat for bass, but the real gems are the 20 state fishing lakes that are managed specifically for bass and other freshwater species. Mississippi is at the top of the ranks among the states for producing bass, with excellent fishing available in almost every body of water. These state fishing lakes are the ones that consistently produce record breaking trophy bass.

***Catfish***

If you’re a fan of whiskered fish, Mississippi is the place to go to get your hands on the abundance of blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Year round fishing for cats is successful all across the state, but those 20 state managed lakes hit their high in June. Mississippi is a unique state when it comes to fishing for catfish, in that there are many techniques you can use that are not legal in other states which include conventional tackle, trotline, yo yo fishing, and also noodling.

***Crappie***

Mississippi has produced many a record breaking crappie, both state and international. Although they can be found throughout the state, crappie are king in northern Mississippi in the flood control reservoirs. Year round anglers can catch crappie off the pole, and by doing their own form of trolling. Spider rigs are commonplace in this state, where fishermen rig up multiple poles with bait and attach them in a “spider” pattern to their boat, and troll along throughout the lake.

***And More!***

Mississippi is full of fertile lakes, ponds, and reservoirs supplied by the Mississippi River that runs throughout the state. This provides prime habitat for freshwater fish of all shapes and sizes including panfish, stripers, walleye, bullhead, gar, and more.

***Biloxi***

With direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, and several harbors and island bars, Biloxi is easily one of the most popular places for fishing the salt in Mississippi. With inshore marshes and bays, artificial reefs placed strategically nearshore, and oil rigs further offshore, Biloxi has it all. Biloxi red snapper and tuna trips are some of the best, just hit those rigs, plain and simple.

***Chandeleur Islands***

The Chandeleur Islands are a set of uninhabited barrier islands between Gulfport and New Orleans that are remnants of St. Bernard Lobe which once made part of the Mississippi Delta. Although technically property of Louisiana, they can be accessed from Mississippi for some of the best redfish and speckled trout fishing around. The structure that the islands provide for the fish, as well as the lack of pressure combines to create a haven for many species and some prime fishing.

***Gulfport***

With a rich history in fishing, Mississippi’s second city, Gulfport, is one of the best coastal towns in the state to get out into the Gulf of Mexico. Similar to Biloxi, Gulfport’s fertile marshy coast, artificial reefs, and the deep sea oil rigs make for an absolutely excellent trifecta of fishing. Once you’ve caught your fill of everything from the lower marsh, you can head in and test your luck at the casinos.

***And More!***

Although Mississippi has a short coastline compared to other Gulf Coast states, it makes up for it with a range of pristine habitats with great fishing. The inshore marshes, bays, and bayous fertilized by the Mississippi river, state implemented artificial reefs for bottom fishing, and far offshore oil rigs create a perfect pocket in Gulf of Mexico for a variety of fishing opportunities.

***Neshoba County State Lake***

This state lake is a big bass lake, both in size of the bass and quantity. Located in the east central section of the state, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks stock the 138 acre lake with bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Since it was originally renovated in the 1990s, Neshoba County State Lake has thrived and produced some of the biggest bass in the state, consistently in the double digits for weight. Strategically sunk brush, stumps, and trees as well as a large amount of aquatic vegetation create perfect habitat and an excellent angling experience.

***Grenada Lake***

Grenada Lake is huge, coming in at over 35,000 acres and makes for some great fishing for largemouth, white bass, and catfish. The real highlight of this lake though is the crappie, consistently weighing over three pounds, and often coming in at over four pounds. Some anglers pass off Grenada Lake due to its lack of clear water, but that is where the big fish hide. The lake now holds over 3,000 unmarked fish shelters including flooded timber, brush, and even leftover Christmas trees that make for prime fishing spots.

***Ross Barnett Reservoir***

Black bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and striped bass can all be found in the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Crappie are once again the star of this spot. Both white and black crappie can be caught year round but the colder the better. Ross Barnett Reservoir features a spillway and rock outcroppings around the edges that create fish shelter and active warm water that freshwater fish love, and anglers can take advantage of.

***And More!***

Bordered by the Mississippi River, this state is full of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs stemming from its tributaries, streams, creeks, and previously flooded lands. All of this creates fertile waterways and submerged cover producing excellent fishing. Spots like Calling Panther Lake, Lake Washing, Enid Lake, and more are great for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish.

Mississippi is a great destination for fishing, offering a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater opportunities. The state is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that provide excellent habitats for a variety of fish species. Popular fishing spots like Ross Barnett Reservoir, Sardis Lake, and the Mississippi River are well-known for their abundant populations of Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bream. Whether you prefer bank fishing, boat fishing, or casting a line from a pier, Mississippi’s freshwater environments cater to all types of anglers, making it an inviting place for fishing enthusiasts.

In addition to its freshwater fishing, Mississippi boasts a rich coastal fishing scene along the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, with its barrier islands and coastal marshes, offers a productive environment for saltwater fishing. Anglers can target species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead inshore, while offshore fishing provides opportunities to catch Snapper, King Mackerel, and even Tuna. The coastal areas around Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula are popular starting points for fishing excursions, with numerous charter services available to guide anglers to the best spots.

Mississippi’s fishing community is supported by a range of resources and events that enhance the angling experience. The state hosts various fishing tournaments and festivals, like the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and the Bass Tactix Team Tournament Trail, which bring together local and visiting anglers for friendly competition and camaraderie. Local bait shops, fishing guides, and online resources provide valuable information and support, helping anglers plan successful trips. Mississippi’s commitment to conservation and responsible fishing practices ensures that its waters remain healthy and productive, making it a reliable destination for fishing year after year. With its diverse fishing environments, strong community support, and rich tradition of angling, Mississippi is indeed a good place for fishing.