5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip In Bay St. Louis
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour advanced charter targeting redfish and sheepshead near reefsExperienced anglers fish productive waters around Bay St. LouisAll tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included with expert guidance
If you're tired of basic fishing trips and ready to test your skills on some of the Gulf Coast's most productive reef systems, this 4-hour advanced charter near Bay St. Louis is calling your name. Captain Jennings knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not interested in babysitting beginners – this trip is designed for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. You'll target heavyweight inshore species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder using techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the serious fishermen. On calm days, you might even venture out to the barrier islands where the fishing gets even better.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Captain Jennings runs a tight ship with a maximum of 2 guests, so you'll get personalized attention and won't be fighting crowds at the rail. The boat launches from Bay St. Louis, and you'll head straight for the reef structures where these fish like to hang out. The captain provides all your tackle, fresh bait, ice, and even cleans your catch at the end of the day – you just need to bring your A-game and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. Weather can change plans fast out here, so always confirm your dock time the night before. The deposit is non-refundable, but that's standard for top-rated charters that book up quickly. Kids 12 and under fish free, which is a nice touch if you want to bring along a young angler who's ready for the real deal.
The reef systems around Bay St. Louis hold fish year-round, but you need to know how to work them properly. Captain Jennings uses a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling him. You'll be working structure – think oyster reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs where these species ambush their prey. Sheepshead require finesse and patience around the pilings, while Redfish might have you sight-casting to tailing fish in shallow water. The Speckled Trout bite best when you're working soft plastics or live shrimp near the grass lines. This is technical fishing that rewards skill and experience over luck. When conditions allow, the trip extends to the barrier islands where you'll find less pressure and more opportunities to put fish in the cooler.
"I booked a last minute charter for myself and my 3 sons with FINally Fishing Charters and we had an awesome time!!! Captain Jennings is super easy to communicate with and flexible during the booking process and he's incredibly friendly and easy going. My youngest son is 9 and the least experienced of us all, but Captain Jennings worked with him the whole time, patiently showed him what to do, & helped him get some bragging rights by out fishing his older brothers! Captain Jennings was able to overcome some bad weather and rough waters to give us as much time fishing as possible. Despite the obstacles, we still caught and kept 13 trout…I also missed about that many and Captain Jennings made sure to give me a hard time about that! 😂 I would 100% recommend booking with FINally Fishing Charters. 1. Nice, clean boat. 2. Very easy to communicate with. 3. Extremely friendly and easy going. 4. FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. 5. Knowledgeable. 6. Goes the extra mile to create the most enjoyable and fun experience for his customers. My boys and I all had a great experience and I will definitely book another charter with FINally Fishing Charters in the future." - Jonah
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, and Bay St. Louis has some real monsters lurking around the deeper structure. These fish can push 30+ pounds and will test your drag system to the limit. They're most active during the cooler months when they school up for spawning runs. Black Drum feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, so you'll be dropping heavy baits right to the bottom near oyster reefs and bridge pilings. When you hook into a big one, expect a long, grinding fight that'll leave your arms sore the next day. They're not the prettiest fish, but the fight they put up makes them a customer favorite among serious anglers.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the Gulf Coast, famous for stealing bait faster than you can set the hook. These black-and-white striped fighters hang around any kind of structure they can find – docks, pilings, reefs, you name it. They have human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and small crabs, which makes them one of the best eating fish in these waters. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and lightning-fast reflexes. You'll feel a subtle tick or weight change, and you need to set that hook immediately or they'll rob you blind. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they move inshore to spawn.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. A good Speckled Trout runs 2-4 pounds, but the gator trout that push 6+ pounds will get your heart racing. They're active year-round but bite best during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. Trout are aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for testing different techniques. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table with their mild, flaky white meat.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and the marshes around Bay St. Louis produce some real bulls. These copper
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a solid 2014 Sea Hunt 24-footer that knows these Mississippi waters like the back of your hand. This center console bay boat packs a serious 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 35 knots when the fish are calling. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for those spooky redfish and sheepshead around the reefs near Bay St. Louis. GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder shows you exactly what's happening below. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you safe and fishing. Built for serious anglers who want to target the good stuff – specks, reds, sheepshead, and flounder using techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the real deal. On calm days, you might even hit the barrier islands for expanded opportunities.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise shallow muddy flats and oyster beds, using their crushing jaws to feast on crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to locate. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. What guests love most is the fight - these fish pull hard and don't give up easy. They're also surprisingly adaptable, turning up everywhere from creek mouths to 100-foot depths. My tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that steady weight and head shake, set the hook hard because their mouths are tough as leather.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, running anywhere from slot-size 16-27 inchers up to massive bull reds over 40 pounds. You'll spot them cruising 1-4 feet of water on grass flats, oyster bars, and around structure. That distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides. What guests love is the variety - they'll smash topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live bait with equal enthusiasm. The fight is legendary, with powerful runs and head-shaking that tests your drag. Smaller reds make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. The big bulls are catch-and-release only. My local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on shallow flats during incoming tides. Present your bait quietly and be ready for an explosive strike.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats and shallow bays, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall transitions. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work great. The meat is tender and mild, perfect for the dinner table if you don't overcook it. Guests appreciate how responsive they are to different techniques. In winter, they move to deeper holes, sometimes 20+ feet down. My go-to tip: work the edges of grass beds during moving water. When you find one trout, there's usually a school nearby, so work the area thoroughly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our reefs, sporting distinctive black bars across their gray bodies. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 20-pounders do show up around structure. These guys live tight to pilings, bridges, and reef systems where they pick barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Spring months from February through April are best when they're spawning. Guests love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves and require perfect timing to hook. They make outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. The key is getting your bait right against the structure and being ready for their subtle nibbles. Here's my local trick: once you feel them picking at your bait, don't wait - set the hook immediately and aggressively. Their bony mouths need a solid hookset to stick.
5.0 out of 5.0I booked a last minute charter for myself and my 3 sons with FINally Fishing Charters and we had an awesome time!!! Captain Jennin...
Bay St. Louis