Gulfport's Best Beginner Fishing Charter

Reel in the Fun: 4-Hour Fishing Trip in Gulfport

Ready to wet a line in the Gulf? Captain Ben's Charters LLC has you covered with this beginner-friendly 4-hour fishing trip out of Gulfport, Mississippi. Whether you're a first-timer or just looking to brush up on your skills, this trip is perfect for groups up to six who want to experience the thrill of inshore and nearshore fishing without the intimidation factor. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of hard-fighting species like mackerel, redfish, cobia, jack crevalle, and even blacktip sharks – all while learning the ropes from a seasoned pro.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard Captain Ben's comfortable vessel, you'll feel right at home. The captain provides all the quality gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. No need to worry about packing a lunch – this half-day trip lets you focus on the fishing without the fuss. Flexible departure times mean you can plan your adventure around your schedule, whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in a bit. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for its productive fishing grounds, and Captain Ben knows just where to find the action. He'll get you set up with the right techniques for each species, so even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be reeling 'em in like a pro in no time.

Hooking into the Action

Inshore and nearshore fishing is all about variety, and that's exactly what you'll get on this trip. Depending on the season and conditions, you might find yourself bottom fishing for redfish near structure, casting lures for Spanish mackerel in open water, or even battling a hard-charging jack crevalle. Captain Ben will walk you through each technique, from how to present your bait to setting the hook when a fish strikes. You might troll with live bait for cobia, use cut bait on the bottom for sharks, or try some light tackle action for schooling fish. The beauty of this area is that you never know what might show up next – half the fun is in the surprise!

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Ben and Deckhand Peyton were great. Very personable and they put us fish. Right from the get go, we were hooking fish. It was awesome. My wife, son, and dad all loved it. PS The fish dinner that evening was awesome!" - Albert

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite target for Gulf Coast anglers. They love to hang around structure like jetties and oyster bars, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and small fish. Redfish put up a great fight, often making powerful runs and head shakes. The "bull reds" (over 27 inches) can reach 40 pounds or more, giving even experienced anglers a run for their money. Fall is prime time for redfish action, but you can catch them year-round in Gulfport waters.

Blacktip Shark: For an adrenaline rush, it's hard to beat hooking into one of these toothy predators. Blacktips are one of the most common inshore sharks in the Gulf, known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. They typically range from 3 to 6 feet long, with larger specimens reaching up to 8 feet. Summer months are best for targeting blacktips, as they follow bait schools into coastal waters. Fighting a shark on rod and reel is an experience you won't soon forget – just be sure to listen to the captain's safety instructions when handling these powerful fish.

Crevalle Jack: Often called "jacks" by local anglers, these silver missiles are pure muscle. They travel in schools, ambushing bait with explosive strikes that can startle even veteran fishermen. Pound for pound, jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. They can reach weights of 30 pounds or more, and even a modest-sized jack will test your arms and your drag. Look for them busting bait on the surface, especially during the warmer months. When a school of jacks moves through, the action can be non-stop!

Cobia: These curious brown fish, sometimes called "ling" or "lemonfish," are prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent table fare. Cobia are migratory, typically showing up in Gulfport waters from spring through fall. They have a habit of following large animals like sharks or rays, so keep your eyes peeled for hitchhikers. Cobia can grow to over 100 pounds, though most caught inshore are in the 20-40 pound range. They're known for making powerful runs and can be surprisingly acrobatic for their size.

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, fast-moving predators are a blast on light tackle. Spanish mackerel travel in schools, slashing through bait balls with razor-sharp teeth. They're typically in the 2-4 pound range, but their speed and agility make for exciting fights. Trolling or casting small lures and spoons is a great way to target these fish. Look for Spanish mackerel from spring through fall, often feeding near the surface. Their firm, flavorful meat makes them popular for grilling or smoking.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this 4-hour trip with Captain Ben's Charters LLC checks all the boxes. You'll have the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most exciting inshore species while soaking in the beautiful Mississippi coastline. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to document your catches). With flexible scheduling and a focus on beginner-friendly instruction, there's never been a better time to experience the rich fishing grounds of Gulfport. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now and get ready to make some fishy memories!