Extended Half Day Redfish And Crevalle Jack Trip
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's most powerful fighters, this 6-hour charter with FINally Fishing Charters delivers the goods. We're talking about targeting bull reds that'll peel drag like it's going out of style and crevalle jacks that fight like they're twice their size. Based out of Bay St. Louis, this trip takes you to the prime feeding zones where these aggressive predators hunt. You'll spend your day working reef structures and may venture into deeper water if that's where the action is heating up. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some serious fish to your logbook or a newcomer wanting to experience what a real fight feels like, this charter puts you right in the thick of it.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical laid-back fishing trip – we're going after fish that mean business. The day starts early, and departure times shift based on weather conditions, so you'll want to confirm with Captain ahead of time. We kick things off around the reef structures where these predators like to ambush baitfish. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – if the bite is slow on the reefs, we're not stuck there. We'll move to deeper water, work different structure, or follow the bait until we find where the fish are feeding. The boat accommodates up to 2 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to work a hot spot. Everything's included in your trip – tackle, bait, ice, water, and fish cleaning service. All you need is a valid Mississippi fishing license and a cooler to haul your catch home. The non-refundable deposit secures your spot, and trust me, these dates fill up fast during peak season.
Tactics and Gear Setup
We're fishing with medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle serious runs. The drag systems get a real workout on this trip, especially when a bull red decides to make a break for deep water. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, mullet, and whatever baitfish are running thick in the area. We'll also throw artificials when the conditions are right, particularly soft plastics and spoons that trigger aggressive strikes from jacks. The reef fishing involves working structure in 15-30 feet of water, where redfish cruise the edges looking for crabs and baitfish. When we move to deeper water, we're typically fishing 40-60 foot depths where the bigger bull reds roam and jacks school up in impressive numbers. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, feel free to bring it along. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing – they're easier on the fish and give you better hookup rates on these hard-fighting species.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Bay St. Louis fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to massive bull reds that can push 40+ inches and weigh north of 30 pounds. The bulls are catch-and-release only, but they provide some of the best fights you'll experience in these waters. Redfish feed year-round, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. They're ambush predators that love structure – downed trees, shell beds, and reef edges where they can pin baitfish against cover. What makes them so exciting is their initial run when hooked. A big red will strip line like a freight train, and even smaller fish punch well above their weight class. The way they use their broad tails and deep bodies to fight in the current makes every hookup a memorable battle.
Crevalle jacks are pure muscle wrapped in silver skin, and they fight harder pound-for-pound than just about anything that swims in the Gulf. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds in our area, with some bruisers pushing 30+ pounds. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick, often feeding in aggressive schools that create surface commotion you can see from a distance. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that slam both live bait and artificials with reckless abandon. When you hook one, get ready for a sustained fight – these fish don't give up. They'll make multiple long runs, circle under the boat, and use every trick in the book to throw the hook. The beautiful thing about targeting jacks is they often travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more waiting. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to keep a few for the dinner table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Time to Book Your Spot
This extended half-day trip offers serious bang for your buck – 6 hours on the water targeting fish that'll test your tackle and your skills. FINally Fishing Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish, and this trip showcases exactly why anglers keep coming back. The combination of reef fishing and deeper water tactics gives you the best shot at multiple species and different types of action throughout the day. With only 2 anglers per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds. The all-inclusive approach means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear and logistics. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list fish off your list or just want to experience what serious Gulf Coast fishing is all about, this charter delivers. Don't wait too long to book – the best weather windows and peak fishing times get snatched up quickly, especially during the prime fall and spring seasons when these fish are most active.