4 Hour Pro Angler Charter - Gulfport's Best
Captain Ben's Charters LLC delivers exactly what serious anglers want – a focused, no-nonsense fishing trip that puts you on the fish. This 4-hour charter targets the Mississippi Gulf Coast's most sought-after species, from hard-fighting redfish to blazing-fast Spanish mackerel. You'll fish the productive inshore and nearshore waters where these species thrive, using proven techniques and top-shelf gear. With only four anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain Ben knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust tactics based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts at the dock in Gulfport, where Captain Ben and his first mate Ryan will have everything rigged and ready. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for everything from finicky redfish to aggressive cobia. You'll head out to spots that produce consistently – grass flats for reds, structure for cobia, and open water edges where mackerel and jacks patrol. The flexible departure times mean you can plan around tides, weather, or your schedule. This isn't a leisurely sightseeing cruise; it's a focused fishing mission designed for anglers who want to catch fish. The crew's goal is simple: put you on productive water and help you make the most of every bite.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Ben runs a versatile operation that adapts to what's working. For redfish, you'll work the grass flats with live bait and soft plastics, sight-casting when conditions allow. Cobia fishing often involves working structure and channel edges with jigs and live bait. Spanish mackerel respond well to trolling small spoons and casting jigs near bait schools. The crew provides all tackle, but if you have favorites, feel free to bring them. Lines range from light spinning gear for mackerel up to medium-heavy setups for larger cobia and sharks. Bait selection depends on target species and conditions – live shrimp for redfish, pinfish or crabs for cobia, and cut bait for sharks. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate structure and bait, while the crew's local knowledge puts you in the right spots at the right time.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"OUTSTANDING. Captain Ben and his First Mate Ryan are great. They wanted to make sure that we found and got fish and they delivered. Honestly you would be crazy to use anyone else. They are docked right in front for easy access. They are very friendly with a great sense of humor. Their main concern is the customer. We had so much fun. Look at our photos and see a tiny section of our fun. Thanks again Captain Ben." - Lawson
"Captain Ben and Ryan were absolutely amazing! They made sure we didn't go home empty handed and found a honey hole for Redfish." - Joseph
"Excellent time today. All around great memories for us. Thanks Captain Ben and Ryan." - Josh
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mississippi's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and put up a solid scrap in shallow water. They feed aggressively in the grass flats and around structure year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Reds hit live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to eat in shallow water where you can sight-cast to cruising fish – nothing beats watching a red inhale your bait in two feet of water.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to every trip. These silver bullets rarely exceed three pounds, but they make up for size with pure energy. They show up in good numbers during warmer months, often in schools that create feeding frenzies. Mackerel hit fast-moving lures like small spoons and jigs, and they're perfect for anglers who like constant action. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs keep you on your toes, and they're excellent table fare when iced immediately.
Cobia are the prize catch that gets every angler's attention. These brown sharks lookalikes can reach 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. Peak season runs from spring through fall, when they cruise structure lines and follow rays in shallow water. Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting. They hit live bait, jigs, and even topwater lures when they're aggressive. Landing a good cobia requires patience and muscle – they make long, powerful runs and don't give up easily.
Crevalle jacks bring pure chaos to the fishing experience. These broad-shouldered brawlers school up and attack bait with reckless abandon. When you find a school of jacks, it's game on – they'll hit anything you throw at them and fight way above their weight class. Most jacks run 10-20 pounds, but they pull like fish twice that size. They're year-round residents that provide reliable action when other species are finicky. Jack fishing isn't subtle; it's fast, furious, and a lot of fun.
Blacktip sharks add an element of raw power to your fishing day. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They patrol the nearshore waters year-round, feeding on baitfish and whatever else they can catch. Blacktips hit cut bait, live fish, and even lures meant for other species. Fighting a blacktip means dealing with blistering runs and heart-stopping jumps. They're catch-and-release only, but the experience of battling one stays with you long after you head home