Gulfport Inshore Fishing with Captain Ben
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-5 hour fishing trips targeting sheepshead, redfish, and mackerelInshore and offshore options available based on conditionsQuality gear, bait, and tackle provided aboard comfortable vessel
Captain Ben's Charters puts you right where the fish are biting along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Whether you're looking to work the calm inshore waters or venture out into the open Gulf, this 4 to 5-hour charter delivers serious fishing action for up to 4 anglers. You'll target everything from hard-fighting redfish in the marsh to tasty sheepshead around structure, with Captain Ben calling the shots based on conditions and what's hot that day. All your gear, bait, and tackle come included, so you can focus on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
Captain Ben runs a top-rated operation that caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. Your trip kicks off from Gulfport, where you'll board a well-equipped vessel designed to handle both protected bay waters and Gulf runs. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if the weather's perfect and you're feeling adventurous, you might head offshore for jack crevalle, cobia, or even blacktip sharks. When conditions call for staying inshore, you'll work the productive waters around Gulfport targeting species like sheepshead, mackerel, and the ever-popular redfish. Captain Ben knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts the game plan to give you the best shot at success. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need, plus he'll handle the bait situation so you don't have to worry about stopping at the tackle shop before dawn.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain Ben knows how to work them all. Inshore, you'll be bottom fishing around structure for sheepshead and black drum, often using live or fresh dead shrimp and small crabs. These fish love pilings, jetties, and oyster bars where they can pick off crustaceans. For redfish and sea trout, expect to work grass flats and shallow water structure with both live bait and artificials. Captain Ben carries a solid selection of soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that produce when the fish are aggressive. When conditions allow for offshore runs, the techniques shift to trolling for pelagics and bottom fishing over structure for larger species like cobia. The Gulf waters off Gulfport hold plenty of surprises, from schools of mackerel that'll bend your rod to monster bull reds that'll test your drag system. Captain Ben reads the water, tide, and weather to put you on the most productive spots, whether that's a shallow grass flat or a deep water structure miles offshore.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Gulfport, and they're a customer favorite for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They hang around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deeper holes where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime times, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. The bigger specimens are called "bull drum" and they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" thanks to those distinctive black stripes, but anglers love them for their excellent table fare. These guys are notorious bait thieves with crushing teeth designed for munching barnacles and crabs off structure. Around Gulfport, they stack up on jetties, bridge pilings, and anywhere there's hard bottom with growth. They're most active in cooler months, and landing a nice one requires finesse – they'll steal your bait before you know they're there. A 5-pound sheepshead is a trophy, and they make some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of Mississippi inshore fishing. These spotted beauties love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish congregate. They're aggressive predators that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Sea trout are active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. A nice "gator trout" over 20 inches is always a photo-worthy catch, and smaller ones make excellent table fare.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and the waters around Gulfport hold some bruisers. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their bull-like runs and stubborn fight. You'll find them in shallow water around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Redfish bite year-round but really fire up in fall when they school up for their offshore spawning runs. Landing a bull red over 30 inches is a milestone for any angler – they're pure muscle and attitude.
Cobia are the wild cards of your offshore adventures, showing up when you least expect them and delivering world-class fights. These brown sharks look-alikes cruise near the surface around structure, following rays and sharks. Spring brings the best cobia action as they migrate through Gulf waters, with fish in the 30-50 pound range not uncommon. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat for a closer look, giving skilled anglers a shot at sight fishing. Cobia are also phenomenal table fare, with firm white meat that's hard to beat.
Captain Ben's Charters delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With flexible departure times, quality equipment, and a captain who knows how to find fish in any conditions, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just need to get away from the dock for some serious angling
The 'Reel Adventure' is a solid 36-foot Topaz built for serious Gulf fishing. This 1984 workhorse runs on twin Cummins diesels putting out 330 HP each, cruising comfortably at 20 knots to get you to the fish fast. Whether you're targeting sheepshead around structure or chasing redfish in the shallows, she's got the gear to make it happen. The live bait tank keeps your bait frisky, while the fish finder and GPS help locate the action. When you need a break from the heat, there's AC inside, plus a fridge and icebox for cold drinks. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and if you want to stay out late, there's even a bed for longer adventures. Built tough for Gulf waters with outriggers ready for offshore runs when conditions call for it.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the biggest fish in the drum family and can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with giants reaching up to 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws that crush shellfish all day. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we have our best luck. These fish put up a solid fight and make great eating when they're under 15 pounds. Bigger ones get tough and aren't worth keeping. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait. Here's a local tip: look for that muddy water after a good rain - that's when they really turn on and feed aggressively.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks - they're actually some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds and can hit 6 feet long, so they'll test your tackle. We find them around structure like oil rigs, buoys, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes cobia fishing exciting is that it's mostly sight fishing - you'll see them cruising near the surface. They fight like freight trains and the meat tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is hard to beat. Pro tip: look for floating debris or other fish - cobia often follow rays and sharks looking for an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and black eyespot near the tail. They average 20-30 inches and really know how to fight. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water over oyster bars, grass flats, and around structure. They bite year-round here, but fall is when they really school up thick. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. These fish will eat just about anything, from live shrimp to gold spoons. The secret is working the edges of oyster bars on moving water. When you see their backs out of the water, that's called "tailing" - cast ahead of them and get ready for action.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple around these grass flats. Most weigh 1-3 pounds with silver sides covered in black spots. They love shallow water over grass beds, especially in 2-6 feet during warmer months. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with dawn and dusk being prime time. These fish hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is white and flaky - perfect for the dinner table if you don't overcook it. They're also great fighters for their size. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp or topwater plug over the grass beds early morning. Watch for slicks on calm water - that's where they're feeding and you'll find the schools.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we catch plenty in the 3-5 pound range around here. They live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings - feeding on barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is when they really bunch up and bite best. These fish are notorious bait thieves, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook hard when you feel them pecking. They make some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is getting your bait tight to the structure and being patient. Once you feel that telltale nibble, don't wait - they'll steal your bait every time if you hesitate.
Mississippi Gulf Coast