Family Fishing Charter Gulfport Mississippi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour family fishing charter targeting multiple Gulf Coast speciesAccommodates up to four guests with all equipment providedFlexible departure times from Gulfport's productive fishing waters
Captain Ben's Charters LLC runs one of the top-rated family fishing operations out of Gulfport, serving up serious action on the Mississippi Gulf Coast waters. This 6-hour charter targets the area's most popular species while keeping things comfortable for everyone in your crew, whether you've got seasoned anglers or kids who've never held a rod. With flexible departure times and a captain who knows how to read both the water and his guests, you're looking at a day that delivers exactly what your group needs.
Your day kicks off from Gulfport's harbor, where Captain Ben's got everything rigged and ready before you step aboard. The boat handles both inshore grass flats and nearshore structures, giving your group access to diverse fishing grounds without beating you up in rough water. You'll spend six hours working productive spots where redfish cruise the shallows, mackerel schools light up the fish finder, and cobia patrol around structure. The captain adjusts tactics based on conditions and what's biting, so some days you might be sight-casting to tailing reds while others have you dropping baits near offshore rigs. Groups love how Captain Ben reads the room – if the kids are getting restless, he'll switch to faster action spots, and if the adults want to target trophy fish, he knows exactly where to position the boat.
All your tackle comes included, from quality spinning reels loaded with fresh line to a full spread of terminal tackle matched to target species. Captain Ben runs both live and cut bait depending on what's working, plus he's always got artificials ready when fish are aggressive. For redfish, you'll often work shallow water with popping corks and live shrimp, letting baits drift over grass beds where these copper-colored bruisers feed. Mackerel fishing means either trolling spoons or casting small jigs when schools surface, and cobia require a completely different approach – often sight-fishing with live crabs or eels near channel markers and structure. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so your job is simply to fish and enjoy the ride. When targeting blacktip sharks, he'll set up a proper shark rig with circle hooks and wire leaders, ensuring safe releases for these hard-fighting gamefish.
Redfish anchor this charter's reputation, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters cruise Mississippi's inshore waters year-round, though spring and fall produce the most consistent action. Slot-sized fish typically run 18-27 inches and fight like freight trains, making multiple runs and testing your drag system. What makes redfish special here is how they feed – you'll often see their copper backs and black-spotted tails working shallow flats, creating sight-fishing opportunities that get everyone excited. Kids love how reds pull hard but don't jump, making them easier to handle during the fight.
Spanish mackerel bring pure speed and aggression to the mix, especially during their spring and fall migrations through Mississippi waters. These chrome rockets rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with pure attitude, often hitting baits so hard they hook themselves. When schools move through, the action gets fast and furious – multiple hookups are common, and their aerial displays keep everyone entertained. Captain Ben knows exactly when and where these schools appear, positioning your group for maximum action when they're feeding.
Cobia represent the charter's trophy potential, with fish ranging from 20-50 pounds showing up around channel markers, pilings, and nearshore structure. These chocolate-brown bruisers are curious fish that often approach the boat, creating sight-fishing opportunities where you can watch your target before making the cast. Spring brings the best cobia fishing as fish migrate through Mississippi waters, and their powerful runs combined with their excellent table fare make them a customer favorite. When you hook a good cobia, expect a long, sustained fight that tests both your endurance and the captain's boat handling skills.
Jack crevalle might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. These golden-sided fighters school up around structure and baitfish, often creating feeding frenzies that produce multiple hookups. What jacks lack in table fare they make up for in pure fighting ability – a 15-pound jack fights like a 30-pound fish of most other species. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel their rod doubled over and their drag screaming, plus they're abundant enough that everyone usually gets a shot.
Blacktip sharks add serious excitement when they show up, particularly during warmer months when they patrol Mississippi's nearshore waters. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet and provide spectacular aerial displays once hooked, often launching completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. Captain Ben practices proper shark handling and release techniques, ensuring these important predators swim away healthy. The combination of power, speed, and acrobatics makes blacktips a highlight for many families, especially when kids realize they're actually fighting a real shark.
Captain Ben's family-friendly approach combined with his knowledge of Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing creates exactly what most groups are looking for – consistent action without the stress. The flexible scheduling works around your family's needs, and the included tackle means you don't have to worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and snacks. With only four spots available per trip, this charter fills up quickly during peak seasons. The 6-hour format gives everyone plenty of time to get comfortable on the water while ensuring you experience the variety that makes Mississippi fishing special. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or just want a relaxed day targeting quality gamefish, this charter delivers the goods without the drama.
Step aboard the "Reel Adventure," a reliable 36-foot Topaz that's been working these Mississippi Gulf waters since 1984. Twin Cummins engines pack 330 HP each, cruising smoothly at 20 knots to get you on the fish fast. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - outriggers for trolling, live bait tank to keep your bait frisky, fish finder to locate schools, plus GPS and radar for safe navigation. The galley keeps your catch cold with both an icebox and refrigerator, while the onboard head and sleeping berth add comfort during longer trips. Whether you're chasing cobia runs or working the grass flats for redfish, this boat handles inshore and nearshore waters with ease, accommodating up to 6 anglers with plenty of rod storage and deck space for fighting fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of our nearshore waters, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet. These streamlined predators patrol depths from 30-100 feet around reefs, wrecks, and muddy bays. What sets them apart is their jumping ability - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked, spinning like a torpedo. Spring through early fall brings the best fishing when water temps climb above 70 degrees. Guests love the aerial shows and steady fights these sharks deliver. They're curious but cautious, often circling before committing to a bait. The key to landing blacktips is using heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of oily chum. Fresh mackerel chunks work best, but here's the trick - let your bait drift naturally in the current rather than anchoring tight. They prefer moving presentations.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize fish of our spring runs, with most ranging 30-50 inches and 20-40 pounds. These brown, shark-like fish are usually loners, cruising around structures like buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet of water. Peak season runs April through June when they move through on their spawning migration. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually approach the boat to investigate, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. The meat's absolutely top-shelf, firm and white like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're strong fighters that make long runs but won't jump like other species. Here's my go-to technique: when you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming. Cobia are smart - if you spook them, they're gone for good.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bullies of our local waters, and they fish like it. These brassy, golden-sided fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - they fight like fish twice their weight. You'll find them schooling over grass flats, around structures, and chasing bait in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall offers consistent action, especially when they're pushing baitfish to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue jacks are feeding below. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. The meat's decent smoked, though most folks release them. Here's a tip from years of chasing jacks: cast past the school with a silver spoon or white jig, then retrieve it fast and erratic. They can't resist the chase.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are one of our most reliable targets here in the Gulf. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love cruising shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs and the way they'll eat just about anything - shrimp, crabs, mullet, you name it. The meat's excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you see their backs breaking the surface in super shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a fight worth remembering.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes with lightning-fast strikes. These silvery fish with yellow spots typically measure 14-20 inches and make up for size with pure velocity - they're some of the fastest swimmers in our Gulf waters. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, grass flats, and open water from spring through fall. When water temps hit the 70s, they move closer to shore and piers. What guests love is the non-stop action when you hit a school - it's bent rods all around. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked, with a rich flavor that's not too fishy. They school in massive groups that can stretch for miles. Pro tip: use small, shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. These fish are built for speed, so your presentation needs to match their energy level.
Mississippi Gulf Coast