5.0(1 Reviews)6-Hour Fishing Charter Gulfport Mississippi
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target mackerel, redfish, cobia, and blacktip sharks offshoreSixhour charter accommodates four guests with provided equipmentCaptain Ben customizes trips based on angler skill levels
Captain Ben's Charters offers serious fishing action in the productive waters off Gulfport, Mississippi. This 6-hour trip targets Gulf Coast favorites like mackerel, redfish, cobia, jack crevalle, and blacktip shark. We fish both inshore and nearshore waters, adjusting our strategy based on conditions and what's biting. Your group of up to four anglers gets quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle you need. Captain Ben works around your schedule with flexible departure times, and he'll customize the trip based on what you want to catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this charter delivers quality fishing in Mississippi's rich Gulf waters.
Your day starts at Gulfport Harbor, where Captain Ben briefs your group on the game plan. The boat is set up for comfort and fishing efficiency, with plenty of room for four anglers to work without getting tangled up. We typically start in the inshore waters targeting redfish and sheepshead around structure, then move to nearshore areas for mackerel, cobia, and sharks. Captain Ben reads the conditions and fish activity to put you on the best bite. The first mate keeps baits fresh, helps with hookups, and makes sure everyone stays in the action. Six hours gives us time to try different spots and techniques, so you're not stuck in one area if the fish aren't cooperating. The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers year-round fishing opportunities, and Captain Ben knows how to adjust tactics for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
We run a mix of fishing methods depending on target species and conditions. For redfish, we work live bait around oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges. Sheepshead require finesse fishing with small hooks and fresh shrimp around pilings and structure. When we target mackerel, we troll spoons and small lures or drift with live bait. Cobia fishing involves sight casting to fish we spot cruising the surface, or working them around markers and structure. For sharks, we set out heavier tackle with fresh cut bait and let them find us. All rods and reels are tournament-quality gear matched to the target species. Captain Ben provides circle hooks for better fish survival, and we use the right sinker weights and leader materials for each situation. The boat carries a full selection of lures, live bait, and cut bait, so we're ready for whatever comes our way.
"Fun day! Our boys loved catching sharks and experiencing fishing for bigger fish. The captain kept an eye on the weather but we lucked out and had no rain just clouds which helped stay cool in August. The first mate was great. The boat was fun to ride on and the fishing fun." - Jennifer
Black drum are bottom dwellers that love structure and can grow massive in these waters. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and oysters around pilings, reefs, and oyster beds. Spring and fall offer the best action, when big drum move into shallower waters to spawn. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and stubborn bulldogging. Landing a 20-pound black drum is a real achievement, and the bigger ones can test your tackle and patience. They're not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with pure pulling power.
Sheepshead are the trickiest fish we target, earning the nickname "convict fish" for their black stripes and thieving ways with bait. They hang around structure with their strong teeth, crunching barnacles, crabs, and oysters. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action when they school up for spawning. These fish require light tackle, small hooks, and quick reflexes to set the hook before they steal your bait. A 5-pound sheepshead is excellent eating and represents a real angling accomplishment. They're abundant around Gulfport's many piers, markers, and artificial reefs.
King mackerel are speed demons that provide some of the most exciting action in Gulf waters. They roam nearshore areas chasing baitfish, and when they hit a trolled bait, the reel screams. Spring through fall offers prime king mackerel fishing, with fish ranging from 10 to 40 pounds. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders and circle hooks. Kings make blistering runs and aerial jumps that test your drag system. These fish are also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both action and eating quality.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mississippi inshore fishing, offering consistent action and hard fights in shallow water. They feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Fall brings the best redfish action when they school up for their spawning runs. These copper-colored fighters make powerful runs and use their broad tails to maximum advantage. Slot-size redfish (16-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the big bull reds over 27 inches provide trophy-class battles. They're found year-round in Mississippi waters, making them a reliable target species.
Blacktip sharks bring non-stop action and aerial acrobatics that get everyone on the boat excited. These sharks patrol Mississippi's nearshore waters year-round, feeding on schools of baitfish. Spring and summer offer peak blacktip action when they move closer to shore. They typically run 20 to 60 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Blacktips fight clean with powerful runs and multiple jumps, making them perfect for family groups and young anglers. We practice catch and release for all sharks, using circle hooks and proper handling techniques. The adrenaline rush of a jumping shark never gets old, no matter how many you've caught.
Step aboard the 'Reel Adventure,' a proven 36-foot Topaz that's been working Gulf Coast waters since 1984. Twin 330 HP Cummins engines push this charter boat at a steady 20 knots to the best fishing spots around Gulfport. Built for serious anglers, she's rigged with outriggers for trolling, a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh, and all the electronics you need – GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you on the fish. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, while the cabin features a bed for quick breaks, onboard toilet, refrigerator, and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or chasing cobia offshore, this reliable vessel has the range and equipment to make it happen. Captain Ben knows these waters and will put you on mackerel, jack crevalle, and blacktip sharks throughout your 6-hour adventure on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are powerhouse bottom feeders that can range from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 50+ pound bulls. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in 3-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most consistent action. They're known for their crushing bite and stubborn fight, using their broad sides to pull drag. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start moving - they like to mouth the bait first before committing. Fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom works best around here.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are athletic sharks that average 3-5 feet but can hit 6+ feet, and they put on quite a show with their jumping ability. We find them in 20-80 feet of water around structure and bait schools, especially during warmer months. What makes them exciting is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times. They're also more aggressive feeders than most sharks, so the action can be fast once you get into them. While we release most sharks, the fight and the spectacle are what people remember. Here's the key: use fresh, oily bait like mackerel or bonito, and don't be shy with the chum. Once you get their attention, they'll compete with each other, and that's when the real fun starts.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed and excitement, typically running 10-30 pounds with some reaching 40+ in our offshore waters. We find them in 40-100 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish stack up. Summer and early fall are peak season when the water temperatures hit that sweet spot. What guests love is that explosive strike and the blistering runs - these fish can peel line like few others. The meat is rich and great for smoking or grilling. Here's what works: set up a slow troll with live bait on a wire leader, and make sure you have two hooks - one in the nose and a stinger hook trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that stinger hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise the shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 2-6 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they use those broad shoulders to fight in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The sight fishing is what really gets people excited - watching a big red cruise the shallows and eat your lure right at the surface. Local trick: if you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past their nose. They spook easy in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some nice 8-10 pounders around the rigs and bridge pilings. They love barnacle-covered structure and are active year-round, though spring brings the best action when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you really have to pay attention and set the hook fast when you feel that nibble. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: get your bait right against the structure, and when you feel them picking at it, don't wait - they'll clean your hook without you knowing it. Fiddler crabs and shrimp work great.
5.0 out of 5.0Fun day! Our boys loved catching sharks and experiencing fishing for bigger fish. The captain kept an eye on the weather but we lu...
Jennifer Atkins, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Mississippi Gulf Coast