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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Gulfport, MS
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Mississippi Gulf Coast
- $675 - $925 price range
Summary
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Reels and Catches
Impressive black drum catch!
Redfish fishing charters 2024, great start!
Fishing Redfish around Gulf Coast MS
Hook, Line, and Sinker: Fishing Fun in Gulfport!
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Massive black drum catch!
Successful fishing trip!
Big redfish catch!
Nice striped bass catch!
Great sheepshead catch!
Impressive black drum catch!
Redfish fishing charters 2024, great start!
Fishing Redfish around Gulf Coast MS
Hook, Line, and Sinker: Fishing Fun in Gulfport!
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Massive black drum catch!
Successful fishing trip!
Big redfish catch!
Nice striped bass catch!
Great sheepshead catch!
Impressive black drum catch!
Redfish fishing charters 2024, great start!
Fishing Redfish around Gulf Coast MS
Hook, Line, and Sinker: Fishing Fun in Gulfport!
Gulfport's Top-Rated Inshore Fishing Charter
Ready to hit the rich waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Captain Ben's got you covered with his 5-hour fishing adventures that'll have you reeling in some of the area's most sought-after catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailored to give you a true taste of what makes Gulfport fishing so darn good.
What to Expect on the Water
When you climb aboard one of Captain Ben's well-equipped charters, you're in for a real treat. We'll cruise out from Gulfport, setting our sights on the most productive inshore spots. Depending on the day and what's biting, we might stick close to shore or venture a bit further out. The beauty of fishing with a local pro like Captain Ben is his flexibility – he'll read the water and adjust our game plan to maximize your chances of landing a cooler full of fish.
Rigs and Techniques
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light and medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics for trout, working a popping cork for redfish, or dropping live bait for sheepshead around structure. Captain Ben's all about teaching, so if you're new to these techniques, don't sweat it. He'll walk you through everything from knot tying to proper casting. And for you more experienced anglers, he's always got a few local tricks up his sleeve that might just change your fishing game forever.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite among Gulfport anglers. Known for their distinctive "croaking" sound, black drum can grow to impressive sizes. The best time to target them is typically in the cooler months, from fall through spring. They love hanging around structure and will give you a solid fight on light tackle. Plus, the smaller ones make for some mighty fine eating.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are no joke to catch. These striped battlers are structure-loving fish that require finesse and patience. They're most active in the cooler months and are notorious bait stealers. But when you hook one, get ready for a scrappy fight. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat, making them a top target for many of our guests.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a staple of Gulfport inshore fishing. They're active year-round but really fire up in the warmer months. Sea trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. Their delicate, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum. These copper-colored beauties are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast inshore fishing. They can be caught year-round but really shine in the fall. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and their ability to test your drag. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working deeper water, hooking into one of these guys is always a thrill.
Cobia: While technically more of a nearshore species, we sometimes encounter cobia on our inshore trips, especially in the warmer months. These curious fish are often called "crab eaters" and can grow to impressive sizes. They're known for their strong fights and their tendency to make blistering runs. Landing a cobia is always a highlight of any trip.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks come from all over to fish with Captain Ben, and it's not just because of the fish. Sure, the chance to battle with some of the Gulf's most prized species is a big draw, but it's the overall experience that keeps people coming back. Captain Ben's easy-going nature, his wealth of local knowledge, and his ability to put you on fish consistently make for a day you won't soon forget. Plus, with the flexibility to start early or later in the day, you can tailor the trip to fit your schedule perfectly.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day out on the water with good company, Captain Ben's 5-hour Gulfport fishing charter is the ticket. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a family outing, a day with friends, or even a solo adventure where you can pick the captain's brain. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sleep on this opportunity. Grab your hat, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready for a fishing trip that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Book your charter with Captain Ben today and get ready to make some serious fishing memories on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Cobia are a prized catch around here, growing up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them near reefs, wrecks, or buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring's the best time to target them during their spawning migration. These solitary fish are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. What makes cobia really special is their excellent flavor and firm texture - some of the best eating fish out there. When targeting cobia, I like to use bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, but weight does. Keep an eye out for them near the surface - sight fishing can be incredibly exciting. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin. Cobia put up an impressive battle and make for some unforgettable catches, especially if you manage to land one of the big ones.
Cobia
Redfish
Sheepshead are one of the more unique fish we target here. They're easily recognizable by their black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can get up to 20. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, oyster beds. They're notorious bait stealers with their strange human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crustaceans. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge sheepshead present - they're tricky to hook but put up a good fight. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. When targeting sheepshead, I like to use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. And here's a local tip: when you feel the bite, count to two before setting the hook. It'll dramatically improve your hookup ratio.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple in our inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure like docks or oyster beds. They're most active in cooler months, especially at dawn and dusk. Trout are popular for their light, flaky meat and the fun they provide on light tackle. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers - when you find one, you've often found a school. My go-to lure for sea trout is a soft plastic jig worked slowly along the bottom. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another killer method. One local trick: listen for their distinctive "pop" sound on calm mornings - it's a dead giveaway to their location.
Sheepshead
Redfish are a favorite target in our shallow waters, usually 1-4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. These copper-colored beauties are identifiable by the black spot near their tail - a clever decoy for predators. Most redfish we catch are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow much larger offshore. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can find them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them versatile for cooking. When fishing for reds, I like to use topwater lures early in the morning - there's nothing like seeing a big red explode on a surface bait. If that's not working, switch to a jig or live bait near structure. Redfish will often give themselves away by "tailing" in shallow water, so keep your eyes peeled for their dorsal fins sticking up.
About the Reel Adventure
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330
