Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In Ship Island

Inshore fishing at Ship Island is a quieter, yet equally exhilarating experience compared to its deep-sea counterpart. Nestled just a stone’s throw from the shore, the waters around Ship Island offer up an array of fish species that keep the action consistent and the thrill high. As you drift through the shallow flats and estuaries, you'll find redfish, speckled trout, and even the occasional snook lurking around the seagrass beds and mangroves. The calm, turquoise waters give you a front-row seat to nature’s show, where every cast could hook into something worth bragging about. There’s a peaceful rhythm to it all—casting, waiting, and enjoying the sounds of the island as you fish, all while keeping your eyes peeled for a big strike.

Spring is one of the best times for inshore fishing around Ship Island. As the weather warms, the fish come closer to shore, and the shallow waters become teeming with life. Redfish and speckled trout are especially abundant, chasing baitfish around the estuaries and the mouth of the bay. The action is fast and can be found in the quiet pockets between sandbars, where the water moves just enough to keep the fish active. The key during this time is being strategic—working the flats and estuaries with patience, letting your bait drift into the right spot. It’s a season full of promise, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself reeling in a trophy redfish as the sun starts to rise.

As summer rolls in, the fishing stays hot, though the fish begin to move toward cooler, deeper waters as the sun bakes the shallows. But don’t let that fool you—there’s still plenty of action to be had around Ship Island. Redfish and speckled trout can still be found near the deeper drop-offs and around the islands, where the waters remain cooler and more hospitable. The summer months bring a slower pace to inshore fishing, as the fish aren’t as eager to bite in the midday heat. The trick here is to adjust your tactics—use slower retrieves, and fish early or late in the day when the sun is lower, and the fish are more active. Even with the heat, there’s a serenity to fishing these waters that makes every moment spent there feel like a small escape.

Inshore fishing around Ship Island offers something different with each season, each bringing its own rhythm and opportunities for those in search of a great catch. Spring is when the waters around the island truly come alive. As temperatures rise, redfish, speckled trout, and flounder move into the shallow estuaries and flats to feed and spawn. It’s the perfect time to throw soft plastics or live bait into the shallows, where hungry fish are chasing the influx of baitfish. Mornings are particularly magical—still waters, cool air, and the promise of an active bite. Spring is the time for anglers to capitalize on the abundance of fish that flood these inshore waters, and the feeling of hooking into a hefty trout or redfish feels like the reward for your patience.

Summer brings a shift to the fishing scene around Ship Island, with the waters warming and the fish moving slightly deeper to find relief from the heat. The shallows may seem a little quieter, but the action isn’t over. Redfish and trout still patrol the outer edges of the estuaries, often hanging around structure like submerged rocks or the edges of the mangroves. Fishing in the summer requires a different rhythm. The fish aren’t as hungry as in spring, but they’re still there if you know where to look. You might need to slow down your presentation, especially when the sun is high. Early mornings or late evenings are the sweet spots, when the bite picks up, and you can feel the calm of the water wash over you as you wait for that next tug on your line.

Fall is one of the most underrated seasons for inshore fishing around Ship Island. As the weather cools, fish like redfish and speckled trout return to the flats and shallows, hungry and aggressive after the summer lull. The flats come alive with a renewed energy as baitfish move in to feed on the abundant grasses. There’s something special about fall—the water is cooler, the fish are active, and the days are just right for a long day on the water. It’s the perfect time to fish without the summer crowds, where the rhythm of the tides and the occasional jump from a fish breaking the surface make the quiet satisfaction of inshore fishing even sweeter. If you’ve got your eye on a trophy redfish or a limit of trout, fall on Ship Island offers some of the most rewarding fishing of the year.

Inshore fishing around Ship Island offers a laid-back yet thrilling experience that perfectly blends the art of patience with the thrill of a catch. Whether you’re casting from the shore or working the shallows with a boat, the waters around the island are teeming with life. One of the best ways to fish these inshore waters is by using live bait, such as shrimp or small baitfish, and casting it near the marshes, oyster beds, and sandy flats that make up the coastline. Redfish are often the prize of the day in these areas, and a popping cork rig with a lively shrimp beneath it can make all the difference. As the cork dances across the water, keep your eyes peeled for the telltale swirl of a redfish that’s about to strike.

If you're looking for a bit of variety, consider targeting speckled trout, another prized catch of Ship Island’s inshore waters. These fish are a bit more elusive than reds but are equally rewarding once hooked. A great technique for targeting trout is using soft plastics or suspending a live shrimp beneath a popping cork, especially when the tide is rising. Specks love to hang around the structure of grassy flats, drop-offs, and deeper channels where the water is clear. On warmer days, trout can be found schooling near the surface, so a slow, steady retrieve with a soft plastic jerkbait or twitching a minnow pattern fly can tempt even the pickiest of fish into biting.

Of course, no inshore experience would be complete without chasing after a few pompano. These sleek, silver fish are found along the sandy bottoms and shallow bars around Ship Island and are known for their fast, light bites. Pompano are often caught using a simple, effective technique: a small jig tipped with shrimp or sand fleas, bouncing it along the sandy bottom just enough to grab their attention. With their fast runs and spirited fights, pompano are the perfect catch for those looking to test their skills in the shallows. Whether you’re fishing the flats, the marshes, or the deeper inlets, inshore fishing around Ship Island is all about the hunt—finding the right technique and having the patience to reel in the rewards.

Inshore fishing around Ship Island offers an impressive lineup of species, each more exciting than the last. Redfish are the stars of the show, and for good reason. With their muscular build and aggressive strikes, they’re a must-catch for any angler. Found in the shallows near marshes, flats, and oyster bars, redfish thrive in these nutrient-rich waters, especially in the warmer months. For the best shot at landing one, cast a live shrimp or a soft plastic bait along the shoreline, where these fish are cruising for their next meal. Whether you're targeting young slot reds or the bigger trophy-sized bull reds, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hooking into one of these hard fighters.

Then there’s the speckled trout, another fan favorite in Ship Island’s inshore waters. These sleek, spotted beauties can be a bit tricky to catch, but when you hook one, it’s all worth it. Trout are often found in the deeper channels, flats, and around grassy beds where they hunt for smaller fish and shrimp. A great technique for targeting them is using a popping cork with a live shrimp or a soft plastic minnow. Their strikes can be subtle, but once you feel the pull, you’ll know you’ve got a good one on the line. Speckled trout are a delicacy for both the angler and the table, with their firm white flesh making them a sought-after catch.

And don’t forget about the pompano, the sleek and speedy fish that are a hidden gem of inshore fishing. These guys are known for their acrobatic runs and light bites, making them a fun challenge for anyone in search of a fight. Pompano like to hang out in the sandy, shallow waters around the island, often near sandbars and beaches. To hook one, use a small jig tipped with shrimp or sand fleas and bounce it gently along the bottom. While they’re not as easy to spot as reds or trout, once you land a pompano, you'll appreciate the effort—especially when you’re enjoying a fresh, flavorful meal. Whether you’re chasing reds, trout, or pompano, inshore fishing around Ship Island has something to keep you on your toes, casting and reeling under the warm Gulf sun.