Gulf Coast Fishing Vacations
The Mississippi Gulf Coast and the outlying waters of the Mississippi Sound are located in the heart of what’s referred to as the “Fertile Fisheries Crescent,” a term used to describe the area from Mobile to the Texas/Louisiana border known for outstanding fishing. Mild temperatures during the winter months allow for year-round fishing in some cases. Whether you are looking for something as low key as spending a few quiet hours at the end of a long-stretching pier surrounded by lapping waves, or the excitement of wrangling in the “big one” with your family and friends from a deep sea fishing charter, the Mississippi Gulf Coast can give you the ultimate fishing vacation you are looking for.
Inshore fishermen can cast their line from more than half a dozen public piers along the coastline. Twelve miles off the coast lay the barrier islands which have been protected from commercial development and offer a one-of-a kind opportunity to enjoy pristine, untouched beaches that are a prime location for fishing. These islands are only accessible by boat; Ship Island Excursions offers ferry rides from Gulfport to Ship Island throughout the day. Many fishing charter boats also offer inshore fishing excursions along the shoreline, around the barrier islands or in Biloxi’s Back Bay. Anglers can expect to catch white trout, whiting, speckled trout, red fish, flounder, black drum, and sheep head.
For a true deep sea fishing adventure, there is no shortage of charter boat companies that will be happy to provide you with a truly one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll be excited to tell your fishing buddies about later. Traditional catches include Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, speckled trout, Jack Crevalle, bonita, black drum, sheep head, red drum, cobia, white trout, grouper and flounder. Some extended, half-day trips might even net a marlin or a shark. Many of these excursions are family-friendly but they do book up fast, so be sure to plan your fishing vacation in advance.
If you have a competitive edge, the Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts numerous competitive fishing tournaments ranging from casual to professional. The two most notable include the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic which takes place in June, where reeling in the winning catch could “net” large cash prizes. In November, hundreds of the country’s finest fishermen vie to beat the Gulf Coast fishing record and a chance for the winning title during the Southern Kingfish Nationals. Hosted by the Southern Kingfish Association, the eight day event has been America’s largest saltwater tournament since 1991.
