Top-Rated Charter Fishing in Gulfport, MS

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Mississippi Gulf Coast
$675 - $925 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing in Gulfport? Captain Ben's got you covered with a 6-hour charter that'll have you reeling in the big ones. We're talking Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Blacktip Shark, Redfish, and Cobia - all waiting for you in the Gulf Coast waters. Don't sweat the schedule; we'll work around what suits you best. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's designed to give everyone a fair shot at landing a trophy catch. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a productive day out on the boat. With room for four, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. Get ready to create some fish tales of your own on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Top-Rated Charter Fishing in Gulfport, MS

Gulf Coast Catches

Sheepshead fish caught in Gulfport by fishing

null

Massive black drum catch!

6 people enjoying a fishing trip in Gulfport

Successful fishing trip!

Two people fishing in Gulfport with a 24-inch catch

Big redfish catch!

Reel in the Big Ones: Gulfport Charter Fishing

Ready to hit the Gulf waters and land some serious fish? Captain Ben's Charters has you covered with our 6-hour fishing trip out of Gulfport, Mississippi. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. From hard-fighting redfish to lightning-fast mackerel, the Gulf Coast is teeming with action-packed fishing opportunities.

What to Expect on the Water

Our day starts when you want it to – we offer flexible departure times to fit your schedule. Once we shove off, we'll cruise out to the hotspots where the fish are biting. Captain Ben knows these waters like the back of his hand and will get you to where the action is. You'll have plenty of time to try different techniques and target various species throughout the day. We provide all the gear, so just bring your sunscreen and a can-do attitude. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

Depending on what's running, we might be bottom fishing for monster red drum, trolling for king mackerel, or sight casting to cobia cruising the surface. We use top-notch gear suited for Gulf Coast fishing – sturdy rods, reliable reels, and a variety of lures and bait to entice the fish. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; Captain Ben will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for you experienced anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod – we're always game to try out new tactics.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the Gulf. They love hanging around structure and will give you a workout when hooked. Black drum can grow to over 40 pounds, and they're most active in the cooler months. When you feel that telltale thump on your line, get ready for a battle!

Sheepshead: Don't let their funny looks fool you – these striped fish are clever and put up a great fight. They're notorious bait stealers, so finesse is key. Sheepshead hang around pilings and reefs, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to take home dinner.

King Mackerel: Hold on tight when a king hits! These speedsters can top 50 mph and will make your reel scream. We often troll for kings, and when one slams your bait, it's pure adrenaline. They're most common in the warmer months and can reach sizes over 50 pounds.

Redfish: The poster child of Gulf Coast fishing, redfish (or red drum) are a favorite among anglers. They put up a stubborn fight and can be caught year-round. We target them in the shallows or near structure, and their copper color with a black spot on the tail is unmistakable. Bull reds over 40 inches are the trophy catch every angler dreams of.

Blacktip Shark: For an extra shot of excitement, we might tangle with some blacktip sharks. These toothy predators are fast, acrobatic, and will test your stamina. Watching a shark leap out of the water with your line attached is a sight you won't forget. We practice catch and release with sharks to keep the population healthy.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing the Gulf out of Gulfport isn't just about what ends up in the cooler – it's about the whole experience. The thrill of the hunt, the rush when a big one hits, and the satisfaction of a well-fought battle are what keep our guests coming back year after year. Plus, there's nothing like being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle, enjoying the coastal breeze and the company of good friends or family. Every trip is different, and that's what makes it exciting – you never know what might be on the end of your line next.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some fishing memories? Our 6-hour trip is perfect for getting a real taste of Gulf Coast fishing without taking up your whole day. Remember, we're flexible with start times, so we can work around your schedule. Whether you're a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor wanting to experience the best fishing Gulfport has to offer, we've got you covered. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check our Trips & Rates page for all the details. Don't let the big ones get away – book your charter with Captain Ben's today and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the beautiful waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

The Black Drum is a big, powerful fish you'll find in our coastal waters. These guys can grow up to 90 pounds, but we usually catch them between 5 and 30 pounds. They love hanging out near oyster beds and in brackish water, especially in the spring when they're spawning. Black Drum put up a great fight and make for some tasty eating if you keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're bottom feeders, so using live bait like crabs or clams is your best bet. One local trick: try fishing for them during their spawning season in spring. That's when they school up and are easier to target. Just listen for that distinctive drumming sound they make - it's how they communicate and can lead you right to them.

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are a thrill to catch and pretty common in our waters. These guys usually run 4-5 feet long but can grow up to 9 feet. You'll find them in coastal waters, often around artificial reefs or following schools of bait fish. Summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. Blacktips are known for their acrobatics - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. Use heavy tackle with steel leaders and circle hooks. Fresh cut bait like mackerel or mullet works well. Here's a tip: chum the water to draw them in, but be ready for a fast bite. These sharks are quick and will make blistering runs. It's catch-and-release for most sharks around here, but the fight alone is worth it. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, and they're a favorite target for many anglers. These fish typically weigh around 30 pounds, but some monsters can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40 to 150 feet deep, especially near structures like oil rigs. Kings are migratory, so late spring through fall is your best bet. They're voracious predators, chasing down smaller fish like blue runners and menhaden. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the way to go. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks when fishing live bait. Kings are known for short-striking, so this setup helps you hook more fish. The fight is incredible - these fish make blistering runs and often go airborne. Just be careful eating the big ones; they can have high mercury levels.

Redfish

Redfish are a local favorite here in Gulfport. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can hit 40+ inches and weigh over 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live bait like shrimp or mullet is hard to beat. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they feed on the bottom. Sight-casting to these fish is incredibly exciting and a great way to land a trophy.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of the trickier fish to catch, but they're a blast once you figure them out. These guys usually run 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. Look for them near barnacle-covered pilings - that's their favorite snack. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush shellfish. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Use light tackle and try fiddler crabs or shrimp for bait. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum the water and draw them in. The fight is fun, and the meat is sweet if you can get past those tough scales. Just watch out for those sharp dorsal spines when you're handling them.

About the Reel Adventure

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cummins

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Ready for some offshore action in Gulfport? This 6-hour charter gives you a real taste of Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing. Captain Ben knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish - whether you're after hard-fighting Mackerel, acrobatic Jack Crevalle, or powerful Blacktip Sharks. With flexible departure times, you can customize the trip to fit your schedule. Novice or pro, you'll have a blast reeling in the local species. There's room for up to 4 guests, so bring your buddies or the family along. Everything you need is provided - just show up ready to wet a line and make some great memories out on the beautiful Gulf. Don't miss this chance to experience some of the best fishing Gulfport has to offer. Book your spot and get ready for an awesome day on the water!

Sitemap