Learn Inshore Fishing on Mississippi's Gulf Coast

Published Date: October 4, 2025
Fishing

Biloxi
$500 - $750 price range

Summary

Ready to try your hand at inshore fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? This beginner-friendly trip is perfect for small groups of up to 4 people looking to learn the ropes in comfort. You'll head out on a 2022 Tidewater Carolina Bay, exploring the calm back bays and estuaries where redfish, trout, and other seasonal catches swim. Don't worry about gear – top-quality rods, reels, and tackle are all provided, along with your fishing license. Just bring your own drinks and snacks, and you're set for a day on the water. Whether you're casting for the first time or the hundredth, these protected waters offer ideal conditions to hone your skills. Your guide from Charter Boat Family Tradition will show you the local hotspots and share tips to improve your technique. It's a great way for families, friends, or anyone new to fishing to experience the Gulf Coast's rich marine life up close.

Learn Inshore Fishing on Mississippi's Gulf Coast

Coastal Catches

Biloxi redfish fishing: reel in the fun

Catching big fish in Biloxi waters

Angler fishing in Biloxi with line and rod

Fresh catch day in Biloxi, MS

Fishing adventure in the beautiful city of Biloxi

Biloxi angling at its finest

Mississippi's Best Inshore Fishing for Newbies

Ready to wet a line but not sure where to start? Our Mississippi Gulf Coast inshore fishing trip is tailor-made for folks just getting their feet wet in the angling world. Hop aboard our slick 2022 Tidewater Carolina Bay, and we'll show you the ropes in the calm, fish-filled waters of our back bays and estuaries. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a day with family or friends, learning the ins and outs of inshore fishing from a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.

What's the Deal?

Look, we get it - fishing can seem intimidating if you've never done it before. But that's where we come in. We've got all the gear you need - top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that'll make you feel like a pro from the get-go. And don't sweat the fishing license - we've got that covered too. All you need to bring is some drinks, snacks, and a good attitude. We'll handle the rest, showing you how to cast, reel, and hopefully land some of the Gulf Coast's most popular inshore species. Redfish, trout, and whatever else is biting - we'll put you on the fish and teach you how to bring 'em in.

Fishin' 101

Inshore fishing is all about working the shallows and structures where fish like to hang out. We might be tossing lures around oyster beds, drifting live bait near grassy flats, or sight-casting to tailing reds in the skinny water. Don't worry if those terms sound like gibberish now - by the end of the day, you'll be speaking fish like a local. We'll show you how to read the water, spot fish activity, and present your bait or lure in a way that'll get those fish biting. And when you hook up? That's when the real fun begins. We'll coach you through the fight, helping you land that fish and snap a photo you'll be proud to show off back home.

Fish on the Menu

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to a variety of inshore species that'll give you a run for your money. Let's break down some of the main players you might tangle with on your trip:

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among inshore anglers. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and they pull like a freight train when hooked. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. We target these guys year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your grandpa's creek trout. Specks, as we call 'em, are saltwater predators with a mouthful of teeth and an appetite to match. They're known for their delicate flesh and their willingness to hit artificial lures. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch 'em all year long. When you find a school, hang on tight 'cause the action can be fast and furious.

Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish might not win any beauty contests, but they sure can pull. Black drum can grow to massive sizes, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drum" inshore. They've got sensitive barbels under their chin that they use to feel for crabs and shrimp on the bottom. Drop a bait in front of one, and you're in for a tug-of-war you won't soon forget.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the oddballs of the inshore world. These structure-loving fish are masters at stealing bait, making them a challenging and fun target for anglers of all skill levels. We find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds, where they use those chompers to crush crabs and barnacles.

Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters show up in the late spring and summer, it's time to break out the light tackle. Spanish macks are fast-moving, hard-hitting fish that'll make your drag sing. We often find them chasing bait schools near the passes and along the beaches. Catching these silver bullets is a blast, and they're mighty tasty on the grill too.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the marsh. Or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water, just begging for your lure. Could be the satisfaction of learning a new skill and putting it to use right away. Whatever it is, we've seen plenty of first-timers get hooked (pun intended) on inshore fishing after just one trip. And the best part? Every day is different out here. The tides, the weather, the fish - it all changes, keeping things exciting no matter how many times you've been out.

Time to Wet a Line

So, what do you say? Ready to give inshore fishing a shot? Whether you're looking to learn the basics, spend quality time with family and friends, or just enjoy a day on the water, our Mississippi Inshore Fishing for Beginners trip is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of angling. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how - all we need is you. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite hobby. Don't let those fish keep swimming around uncaught - book your spot today and let's make some memories on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, known for their powerful jaws and distinctive croaking sound. You'll typically find these bruisers in the 5-30 pound range, though they can grow much larger. Look for them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy bottoms. They're bottom feeders, so that's where you'll want to focus your efforts. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a moment before setting the hook. Black Drum like to mouth their food, so giving them a second to take it fully can make all the difference.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored fighters usually run 3-10 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in super shallow water, often with their backs exposed, around oyster reefs and grass flats. They love a muddy bottom. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for Redfish because of their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try a gold spoon or a live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local secret: when you see their tails sticking up out of the water, that's your cue. They're rooting for crabs in the mud. Sneak up quietly and make a precise cast just beyond them. Let your bait sink, then give it a twitch. When that line goes tight, hold on - you're in for a battle.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and dropoffs. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and mild, flaky meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for "nervous water" - that's often Sea Trout chasing bait. Cast a topwater plug just beyond the commotion and work it back slowly. The strikes can be explosive, so hold on tight. Remember, these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure during the fight.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or "convict fish" as we call 'em, are crafty little thieves that'll test your skills. These striped fish usually run 1-8 pounds and love structure - docks, pilings, and reefs are prime spots. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs, which is exactly what you should use for bait. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers get a kick out of Sheepshead for their light bite and delicious white meat. To catch one, you've got to feel for that subtle nibble. Here's a tip: use a small, sharp hook and keep your line tight. When you feel the slightest tap, set the hook hard. These bait stealers are experts at stripping your hook clean, so you've got to be quick on the draw.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These silver beauties, with dark green backs and yellow spots, usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structures in open water. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer. Folks love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their fast-paced action and tasty meat. They're great on the grill or smoked. To catch 'em, try trolling with shiny spoons or small jigs near the surface. A local tip: when you see birds diving, that's a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Move in quietly and cast beyond the school, retrieving through it. These fish hit hard and fast, so be ready for some excitement when that line goes tight.

About the Charter Boat Family Tradition

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Our 2022 Tidewater Carolina Bay is the perfect vessel for beginners looking to explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This spacious and stable boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests, making it ideal for small groups or families eager to learn the ropes. We'll cruise the calm back bays and estuaries, targeting popular catches like redfish and trout, as well as other seasonal species. Don't worry about gear - we provide top-quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus your fishing license is covered. Just bring along your favorite drinks and snacks, and you're set for a day of fishing fun. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or looking to brush up on your skills, the gentle waters of Mississippi's coastline offer the perfect backdrop for your fishing adventure. Remember, while we aim to make your trip memorable, deposits are non-refundable.

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