Ready to hook into some serious action on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Hop aboard our 2022 Tidewater Carolina bay boat for an inshore fishing trip you won't forget. We're talking redfish tailing in the shallows, speckled trout smashing topwaters, and maybe even a bull black drum testing your drag. This ain't your grandpa's lazy day of fishing – we're on the hunt for the coast's hardest fighting fish in the maze of back bays and rich estuaries.
Picture this: You're gliding through glassy waters at dawn, the air thick with that salty Gulf Coast breeze. Our captain's got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, and we're rigged up with top-shelf gear to make sure you're in the game. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. No need to sweat the small stuff – your fishing license is all squared away. Just bring your favorite drinks and snacks, and we'll handle the rest. With room for up to four guests, it's the perfect setup for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.
We're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. Our arsenal includes light tackle setups perfect for finessing those wary speckled trout and versatile medium-heavy rods when a big red decides to make a run for it. We'll mix it up between casting artificial lures and soaking live bait, depending on what's working. One minute you might be working a popping cork along a grassline, the next you're sight-casting to redfish in skinny water. We'll hit productive spots like oyster reefs, channel edges, and grass flats – the kind of places where fish like to ambush their prey. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; our captain's always ready to share tips and tricks to up your inshore game.
"Made a quick trip to Biloxi and chose fishing over the casinos—definitely the right call. Had a great time on the water and caught plenty of fish. Glad I booked it!" - Jamie
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can range from slot-sized "rats" to trophy "bulls" over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water. Sight-fishing for reds in clear water is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth and aren't afraid to use them on your lure. Specks can be finicky, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Early mornings and late evenings often see them busting bait on the surface – a topwater angler's dream.
Black Drum: The redfish's big, ugly cousin, black drum can grow to massive sizes. Smaller ones, called "puppy drum," are great eating and put up a stubborn fight. The big ones? They'll test your arms and your drag. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so a fresh shrimp or crab bait can be irresistible.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy teeth fool you – sheepshead are smart, strong, and notoriously tricky to hook. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, using those chompers to pick off barnacles and crabs. Landing a big "convict fish" (named for their black and white stripes) is a badge of honor for any inshore angler.
Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters show up, it's time to hold on tight. Spanish macks are lightning-fast and slice through the water like torpedoes. They often hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is firing on all cylinders right now. We've been seeing some monster redfish cruising the flats, with several over 30 inches coming to the boat in recent weeks. The speckled trout bite has been lights out around dawn and dusk, especially on topwater lures. And for those looking for a real pull, we've tangled with some hefty black drum in the 20-30 pound range. Spring and fall are prime times for variety, but honestly, there's quality fishing to be had year-round if you know where to look – and we do.
Look, we could go on all day about the fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy a day on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, we've got you covered. Our 2022 Tidewater is ready to go, the fish are biting, and we're itching to put you on them. Don't let this chance slip away – the best days fill up fast. Give us a shout, and let's get your Mississippi inshore adventure locked in. Trust me, swapping the casino for the coastline is a bet that always pays off. See you on the water!
October 15, 2022
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders you'll find in our back bays and estuaries. Adults typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but can get up to 90 pounds for the real monsters. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in water 3 to 15 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the strong, steady fight Black Drum put up. They're not the prettiest fish, but make good eating when smaller. For best results, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Here's a local trick - scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Just be ready for a subtle bite - they're not aggressive strikers.
Redfish are the bruisers of our inshore waters. Most run 3-10 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water are prime spots. Fall is the peak season when big schools move in. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and hard-pulling fight. They're also excellent eating. For best results, use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try gold spoons. Local tip: on low tides, look for mud boils or tailing reds up in the grass. Cast ahead of them and slowly drag your bait across their path.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are one of our most popular inshore gamefish. They typically run 1-3 pounds but can get up to 5-6 pounds for the gators. Find 'em in grassy flats, around oyster reefs, and near creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. They're not huge fighters, but make up for it in numbers when you find a school. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the go-to rig, but soft plastics work great too. Here's a local trick - on calm mornings, look for subtle v-wakes on the surface. That's often a trout cruising for bait.
Sheepshead are those striped, buck-toothed oddballs you'll find hanging around structures in our coastal waters. Most run 1-5 pounds, but the big ones can top 10 pounds. Look for them around pilings, jetties, and reefs in 5-15 feet of water. Winter and early spring are peak seasons when they group up. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers - you've got to finesse 'em just right. They put up a good scrap for their size too. Sheepshead make excellent eating with sweet, white meat. For best results, use fiddler crabs or barnacles on a small, sharp hook. Local tip: when you feel the "tap-tap" nibble, wait a second before setting the hook to let them get it in their mouth.
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers often found in schools along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. Look for them near the surface in open waters, especially around structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They also make great table fare with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local tip: when you spot birds diving, there's a good chance Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Cast into the frenzy with a flashy lure for exciting topwater action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Made a quick trip to Biloxi and chose fishing over the casinos—definitely the right call. Had a great time on the water and caught plenty of fish. Glad I booked it!