5.0(1 Reviews)6-Hour Gulfport Fishing Charter – Gulf Coast Action
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour charter targets mackerel, redfish, cobia and sharksCaptain Ben provides all equipment for up to four guestsFlexible departure times accommodate different fishing schedules
Captain Ben's Charters offers one of the top-rated fishing experiences along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, combining productive inshore waters with the excitement of targeting multiple species in a single trip. This 6-hour charter takes you into the prime fishing grounds around Gulfport, where redfish patrol the grass flats, mackerel cruise the nearshore waters, and cobia make their seasonal runs. With flexible departure times and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you'll fish the spots that are producing while avoiding the crowds that hit the same honey holes every weekend.
Your day starts at the Gulfport marina, where Captain Ben's well-equipped vessel waits loaded with everything you need for a successful fishing trip. The boat handles the Gulf's choppy conditions with ease, getting you to the fish quickly and comfortably. You'll fish a mix of inshore grass flats, nearshore structure, and open water depending on what's biting and the conditions that day. Captain Ben reads the water constantly – checking bait schools on the fish finder, watching bird activity, and adjusting the game plan to put you on fish. The crew provides all rods, reels, bait, and tackle, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. With space for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to work without tangling lines or bumping elbows during the action.
This charter covers multiple fishing techniques to match the diverse species you'll encounter. For redfish, expect to work the shallow grass flats with live bait under popping corks or cast soft plastics around structure. When targeting mackerel and cobia, the crew sets up trolling spreads with spoons and diving plugs to cover water efficiently. Blacktip sharks often show up when fishing cut bait on the bottom for black drum and sheepshead around bridges and pilings. Captain Ben switches tactics throughout the day based on tides, weather, and fish activity – one hour you might be sight-casting to cruising redfish, the next you're fighting a strong cobia that hammered a trolled bait. The diverse fishing keeps everyone engaged, and the crew teaches techniques that work in these specific waters.
"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 patrol the deeper channels and around bridge pilings, with fish ranging from 15 to 40 pounds providing serious muscle when hooked. These bottom-dwellers feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets when using cut bait on heavy tackle. Spring through fall offers the best action, and black drum fight with a steady, powerful pull that tests your endurance. Anglers love the reliability of black drum fishing – when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move off the structure.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as bait thieves around Gulf Coast docks and bridges, but their excellent table fare makes them worth the challenge. These black-and-white striped fish rarely exceed 5 pounds but compensate with incredible wariness and quick bites. Fiddler crabs and small shrimp work best, and successful anglers learn to set the hook at the slightest tap. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when sheepshead stack up around structure to spawn. The light tackle fight and cooking quality make every sheepshead a prize worth celebrating.
King mackerel bring speed and aggression to the nearshore waters, with fish from 10 to 30 pounds common in Gulfport's productive grounds. These silver bullets hit trolled baits with explosive strikes, often launching themselves clear of the water during the initial run. Summer months provide the most consistent action as kings follow bait schools along the coast. Anglers appreciate the combination of exciting fights and excellent eating – fresh king mackerel on the grill is hard to beat. Wire leaders and sharp hooks are essential when targeting these razor-toothed speedsters.
Redfish represent the backbone of Gulf Coast fishing, with slot-size fish providing consistent action year-round in Gulfport's grass flats and marshes. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches and are known for powerful runs when hooked in shallow water. Redfish feed aggressively on live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Fall months offer peak fishing as schools of reds gather before winter, but you can catch quality fish any month of the year. The combination of accessibility, fighting ability, and table quality makes redfish every angler's favorite target species.
Blacktip sharks bring raw power and excitement to the fishing day, with juveniles ranging from 2 to 4 feet providing spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These athletic sharks prefer shallow, warm waters and often show up when least expected during bottom fishing. Cut bait on heavy tackle produces the most hookups, and blacktips fight with a combination of speed, jumps, and strong runs. Summer months offer the best action as sharks move into the nearshore waters to feed. Catch-and-release fishing for blacktips creates lasting memories, especially for young anglers experiencing their first shark encounter.
Captain Ben's 6-hour charter delivers consistent fishing action in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters. With experienced crew, quality equipment, and flexible scheduling, this trip accommodates serious anglers and families equally well. The diverse species opportunities mean you're likely to catch multiple types of fish, keeping everyone engaged throughout the day. Whether you're targeting dinner for the table or creating fishing memories with the family, this charter provides
Step aboard the 'Reel Adventure,' a proven 36-foot Topaz motorboat that's been working Gulf waters since 1984. Twin Cummins engines pack 330 HP each, pushing this fishing machine to 20 knots when you need to reach the hot spots fast. Built for serious anglers, she handles up to 6 fishermen comfortably with all the gear that matters – outriggers for trolling, live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh, and a fish finder to locate those schools of mackerel and cobia. The onboard refrigerator keeps your catch cold and drinks iced, while GPS and radar ensure you fish safely in Gulf conditions. When the bite slows, grab a break in the cabin with a proper head and bed. Captain Ben knows these Gulfport waters inside out, targeting redfish in the shallows and bigger game like jack crevalle and blacktip sharks in deeper water. Quality rods and reels are included, so just bring your fishing license and get ready to work the productive inshore grounds where Mississippi meets the Gulf.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger fish get tough and aren't worth keeping. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait since it stays on the hook better than shrimp. My tip: feel for that subtle tap-tap-tap bite rather than waiting for a hard pull - they're notorious for stealing bait if you're not paying attention.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks bring the excitement level up a notch with their jumping ability and hard runs. These guys average 3-5 feet but can reach 8 feet and over 200 pounds. They patrol depths from 20-100 feet around reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Summer months are best when they move inshore following the bait. What guests love most is watching these sharks leap completely out of the water during the fight - they can jump 20 feet in the air! They're catch and release only, but the fight alone makes it worthwhile. We use heavy tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders, chumming with cut mackerel or sardines. Here's my advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag and reflexes. Most fish run 15-30 pounds, but we catch plenty in the 40-50 pound range during summer months. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks and structure. Peak season runs May through September when water temps hit 75-85 degrees. These fish are pure adrenaline - long screaming runs and acrobatic jumps that get everyone's heart pumping. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or blackening. We typically troll with live bait on a stinger rig or pull spoons and diving plugs. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep that drag loose on the initial run. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and will cut you off in a heartbeat if your tackle isn't right.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing - copper-colored beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. They typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds in our shallow waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-6 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat topwater lures in skinny water - watching them blow up on a surface plug never gets old. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for blackening. They're also great fighters that make long, powerful runs. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then cast ahead of their path with a gold spoon or soft plastic.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the Gulf - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. They live around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, oil rigs, jetties. These fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans off pilings. Spring months from February through April are best when they're spawning around offshore structures. People love targeting them because they're excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also notorious bait thieves with those strong jaws. Here's the key: get your bait tight against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. Fiddler crabs or sand fleas work best.
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