Family Fishing Charter Gulfport Mississippi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets mackerel, redfish, cobia, and sharksAccommodates four guests with rods, reels, and tackle includedFlexible departure times from Gulfport's productive coastal waters
Captain Ben's Charters LLC offers one of the top-rated family fishing adventures along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where six hours on the water means serious fish-fighting action for everyone aboard. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to add some variety to your angling game, this Gulfport-based charter delivers consistent results in some of the most productive inshore and nearshore waters you'll find. With flexible departure times and a captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting, you're looking at a day that'll have everyone talking about "the one that didn't get away."
Your six-hour fishing adventure starts right from Gulfport's harbor, where Captain Ben has you rigged and ready to hunt down redfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, and even blacktip sharks. The boat handles up to four guests comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention without feeling crowded. You'll fish both inshore flats where redfish cruise the shallows and venture into nearshore waters where the bigger predators hang out. Captain Ben provides all the quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle you need, so you can focus on what matters most – getting that fish to the boat. The flexible scheduling means you can plan around nap times, work schedules, or just when the bite is hottest.
Depending on what's running and where we find the action, you'll experience different fishing styles throughout the day. Live bait fishing is a customer favorite here – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or finger mullet to get a redfish fired up in the grass flats. When we're targeting cobia and jacks in deeper water, you might find yourself sight-casting or working structure with heavier tackle. The Spanish mackerel bite often calls for light spinning gear and fast retrieves, while blacktip sharks require stepping up to medium-heavy rods with strong drag systems. Captain Ben matches the gear to both the target species and your comfort level, so first-timers aren't overwhelmed while experienced anglers still get that satisfying fight. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate productive spots, but local knowledge of seasonal patterns and tide movements makes the real difference in putting fish in the cooler.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mississippi inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in our waters and put up one heck of a scrap in shallow water. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with big schools moving through the marsh edges during rising tides. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut bait, or even topwater plugs when they're feeding aggressively. Kids love them because they're not too finicky, and adults appreciate the way they peel line off the reel.
Spanish Mackerel show up in big numbers during warmer months, typically running 12-20 inches and providing fast-paced action that keeps everyone busy. These silver rockets have razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed, making them exciting to fight on light tackle. They school up around structure and baitfish, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. The key is keeping your bait moving – mackerel won't chase a dead offering. They're also excellent table fare, making them a popular choice for families planning a fish fry.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of this trip, often reaching 20-40 pounds in our nearshore waters. Peak season runs from April through September, when these brown sharks (that's what locals call them) cruise just under the surface around structure and other fish. Cobia are sight-fishing targets – you'll actually see them swimming before you cast. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action. Landing a cobia is a real accomplishment and provides enough meat to feed the whole family.
Jack Crevalle might not win any beauty contests, but they'll sure test your tackle and your arms. These silver bulldogs average 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Jacks are year-round residents that school up in impressive numbers, especially around baitfish concentrations. They hit hard, run fast, and keep pulling until they're in the boat. While they're not the best eating fish, they're absolutely the most fun to fight pound-for-pound, making them perfect for anglers who fish for sport.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement to any family fishing trip, with most fish running 3-6 feet long. These sharks are common in our nearshore waters from spring through fall, and they're absolutely spectacular fighters. Blacktips are famous for their jumping ability – once hooked, they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times. The combination of speed, power, and aerial displays makes them a world-class gamefish that creates memories lasting long after the trip ends. Captain Ben practices catch and release with sharks, ensuring future generations can enjoy these amazing fish.
Captain Ben's family fishing charter represents some of the best value and most consistent action you'll find along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Six hours gives you time to target multiple species, try different techniques, and really get everyone comfortable with the gear and the fishing. The four-person capacity means personalized service and plenty of room to move around, while the included tackle and bait eliminate the guesswork of what to bring. With flexible departure times and a captain who tailors each trip to your group's experience level, you're looking at a day on the water that'll have everyone from grandparents to grandkids talking about their catches. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect schedule – the fish are biting now, and Captain Ben knows
Meet the 'Reel Adventure,' your ticket to some serious Gulf Coast fishing action. This classic 36-foot Topaz motorboat has been working these Mississippi waters since 1984, powered by twin Cummins engines that'll get you to the fish at a steady 20 knots. Captain Ben knows where the mackerel, redfish, and cobia are biting, and this boat is rigged to help you land them. The fishing setup includes outriggers for trolling, a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh, and a top-notch fish finder to locate schools below. When you need a break from reeling in dinner, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or stretch out on the bed. The GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh for the trip home. With a private toilet onboard, you can focus on what matters – getting your line in the water and bringing home the big ones.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the Gulf, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of hitting 9 feet and jumping clean out of the water. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around structure like oil rigs, artificial reefs, and drop-offs where they hunt mackerel and herring. Spring and summer offer the hottest action when they're most active. These sharks are pure adrenaline - they'll jump, spin, and give you a fight you won't forget. They're also surprisingly social, often traveling in small groups. The key is using oily bait like cut mackerel or live sardines with circle hooks and heavy braided line. Keep that chum slick going and they'll find you.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. They're loners, cruising solo around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during spawn. Guests love them because they're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, plus they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat. The fight's strong and steady, not flashy but determined. Best approach is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. When you spot one, drop that jig right in front of their nose and work it slow.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters, typically running 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though they can hit 60 pounds. Look for them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, or follow the diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface creating feeding frenzies. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love is the pure power - pound for pound, nothing fights harder than a jack. They hit like freight trains and never give up. The meat's decent but it's all about the battle. Pro tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast - silver spoons work great. They love the chase, so keep it moving.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets, running 20-35 inches on average with that distinctive copper back and black eyespot near the tail. They love shallow water from 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they tail and cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially on warmer days when they're more active. What makes them special is that powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My go-to trick is using live shrimp under a popping cork near structure. When you see that cork disappear, set the hook and hang on.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons, averaging 1-2 feet and 2-3 pounds with silver sides covered in yellow spots. They school up near the surface around piers, jetties, and nearshore structure, especially during spring and fall migrations. These fish are built for speed, hitting 18 mph and putting up a scrappy fight with lots of runs and jumps. Families love them because they're cooperative biters and make excellent eating - mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling or smoking. They're also great for getting kids hooked on fishing. The trick is using small, fast-moving lures like tiny spoons or jigs. When you find a school, work quickly because they move constantly.
Mississippi Gulf Coast