Gulfport Inshore & Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
45 hour fishing trips targeting sheepshead, redfish, and mackerelInshore and offshore options with quality gear and bait includedCaptain Ben guides up to 4 guests with flexible departure times
Captain Ben's Charters offers some of the best fishing opportunities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with flexible 4- and 5-hour trips that put you on the fish whether you're a weekend warrior or first-time angler. From Gulfport's prime location, we can hit productive inshore waters for consistent action or make offshore runs when conditions are right and bigger fish are calling. With quality gear, fresh bait, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you'll spend more time fighting fish and less time wondering where they're hiding.
Every trip starts with a quick rundown of the day's game plan based on weather, tides, and what's been biting. Captain Ben keeps his vessel stocked with top-rated tackle and live bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging lines. Inshore trips target structure-loving species around jetties, grass flats, and oyster reefs where sheepshead, redfish, and sea trout hang out. When we head offshore, expect deeper drops for cobia, jack crevalle, and the occasional blacktip shark that'll test your drag system. The boat handles both environments comfortably, with enough space for up to four anglers to spread out and work different techniques without tangling lines.
Inshore fishing means switching between bottom rigs for sheepshead around pilings and live bait presentations for cruising redfish in shallow water. We'll use circle hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp when targeting black drum, and switch to artificial lures or cut bait when sea trout are schooled up. Offshore runs call for heavier tackle and different approaches – live bait on free-lines for cobia, bottom fishing with chunk baits for bigger drum, and sight fishing when sharks show up near the surface. Captain Ben carries medium to heavy action rods matched with reels that can handle Gulf Coast species, plus backup gear so mechanical issues don't end your day early.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Mississippi's inshore waters, with fish regularly topping 30 pounds around jetties and deeper channels. These bruisers feed heavily on crabs and shellfish, making them perfect targets during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. The fight is all power and endurance – they won't jump like a tarpon, but they'll test your patience with long, bulldogging runs that make your arms burn. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, especially around structure where they root for food.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes, but anglers know them as some of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch. These guys have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which means they're masters at stealing bait without getting hooked. Success comes down to feel – you need to detect that subtle tick and set the hook before they spit your offering. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they stack up around jetties, bridges, and offshore rigs.
Sea trout provide consistent action year-round in Mississippi waters, with speckled patterns that make each fish unique. They school up over grass beds and sandy bottoms, feeding aggressively on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. While they don't grow as large as their Texas cousins, Mississippi specks fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Summer months offer the most reliable action, though winter can produce trophy-sized fish for anglers willing to work deeper water.
Redfish are the poster child for Gulf Coast fishing – copper-colored bulldogs that hit hard and fight harder in shallow water. These fish cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges looking for crabs and mullet, often giving away their location with nervous water or visible wakes. A good red will make multiple runs toward structure, testing your drag and nerves. Fall brings the best numbers as fish stage for their offshore spawning runs, though resident fish provide action throughout the year.
Cobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target during their spring migration past Mississippi waters. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise near the surface, often following rays or sharks while hunting for easy meals. When you spot one, the adrenaline kicks in – they're curious enough to investigate boat noise but smart enough to spook if something looks off. A hooked cobia will make powerful runs and head straight for the bottom, using their broad tail to generate serious pulling power. Prime time runs from April through June when fish are moving through Gulf waters.
Captain Ben's Charters delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back to Gulfport year after year. Whether you're looking to check new species off your list, introduce family to Gulf Coast fishing, or just spend a day doing what you love most, these trips offer the perfect combination of local knowledge and fishing opportunity. Flexible scheduling means you can work around tides and weather, while quality gear ensures you're ready when the fish cooperate. Ready to get on the water and see what Mississippi's fishery has to offer? Book your charter today and find out why Gulfport remains a customer favorite for serious anglers.
Step aboard the 'Reel Adventure,' a proven 36-foot Topaz that's been working these Mississippi Gulf waters since 1984. Twin Cummins diesels deliver 660 HP combined, pushing this fishing machine to 20 knots when you need to chase the bite. Built for serious anglers, she comfortably handles up to 6 fishermen with outriggers rigged for trolling and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The electronics package includes GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate structure and schools whether you're working inshore grass flats for redfish and sheepshead or running offshore for cobia and jacks. Creature comforts include a head, bunk, icebox, and refrigerator so you can stay on the water longer. Captain Ben knows where the fish are holding and provides all tackle, bait, and gear. This charter boat handles both protected bay waters and Gulf swells with confidence.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers hang around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in our brackish waters. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their famous drumming sounds underwater. They're powerful fighters with crushing jaws built for shellfish, making every hookup a real tug-of-war. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big bulls are better released. Pro tip: use fresh crab on the bottom and keep your drag loose - they'll snap you off in the oysters if you horse them. Fish the incoming tide around structure for best results.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these brown beauties average 20-50 pounds and can reach 100+. They're loners, cruising around structures like oil rigs, buoys, and channel markers in 20-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime when they migrate through our area for spawning. What makes them special is their incredible fight and top-notch table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They're curious and will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing. These fish hit bucktail jigs, eels, and live bait hard. Here's my go-to method: when you spot one, get ahead of it and drop a bucktail jig right in its path. They rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species, easily spotted by their copper color and black eyespot near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bull reds offshore can hit 40+ pounds. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. These fish eat everything: shrimp, crabs, mullet, you name it. They're fantastic fighters and excellent table fare when slot-sized. The thrill is sight-fishing them in skinny water with topwater plugs. Local secret: look for nervous water and mullet jumping - that's usually redfish feeding underneath. Use weedless spoons in the grass.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably our most reliable inshore species, averaging 1-3 pounds with occasional 5-pounders. Look for them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially during dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring and fall, though we catch them year-round. Winter finds them schooled up in deeper channels. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with aggressive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is tender and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Night fishing under lights can be outstanding. Here's a local trick: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it over the grass beds. The noise draws them in from a distance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their black and white stripes, running 1-8 pounds typically but occasionally hitting 20. These guys live around any structure - docks, pilings, reefs - feeding on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Spring through fall is best, especially around spawning time in early spring when they congregate near passes and jetties. They're notorious bait thieves and fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The challenge is their finicky bite and strong jaws. My advice: get as close to structure as possible, use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
Mississippi Gulf Coast