Nearshore Fishing Trips in the Gulf of Mexico
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing targeting Redfish, Black Drum, and Trout speciesProfessional Captain Matt guides guests to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
When you step aboard with "Go Topless" Fishing Charters, you're signing up for some of the best nearshore fishing the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. Captain Matt has been working these waters for years, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when others are coming back empty-handed. This isn't your typical party boat experience – with just four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Matt at the marina before sunrise. The Gulf's nearshore waters are prime fishing territory, and you'll be targeting structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where the big fish hang out. This is hands-on fishing – no sitting around waiting for something to happen. You'll be casting to visible fish, working live bait around structure, and learning to read the water like a pro. Captain Matt knows exactly where the redfish are schooling up and where those big black drum like to feed. The boat stays within a few miles of shore, so you're not dealing with rough offshore swells, but you're still in serious fish habitat. Pack your own snacks and drinks because you'll be out there putting in work, and staying hydrated and fueled up keeps you sharp when that trophy fish hits your line.
Captain Matt provides all the tackle you need, from medium-heavy spinning rods perfect for these inshore species to a full selection of lures and live bait. You'll learn multiple techniques depending on what's biting – sight casting to tailing redfish in shallow water, bottom fishing with live shrimp for black drum, and working soft plastics around grass beds for trout. The captain stocks quality circle hooks, which are easier on the fish and increase your hookup ratio. You'll use everything from popping corks with live bait underneath to diving plugs that mimic injured baitfish. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing – Captain Matt will show you how to work each lure and explain why certain techniques work better in different conditions. The boat is equipped with a trolling motor for quiet approaches and a fish finder to locate structure and bait schools.
Redfish are the stars of the show out here, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and put up a serious scrap on medium tackle. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, and they love to cruise the grass flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes redfish so exciting is that you can often see them before you cast – watching their backs and tails break the surface as they feed in shallow water. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but the Gulf's warm waters keep them biting year-round.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with adults commonly reaching 30-50 pounds. These bottom-dwellers are incredibly strong and will test your drag system to its limits. They're most active during cooler months, from November through March, when they school up in deeper nearshore waters. Black drum have crushers for teeth, designed to crack open oysters and crabs, so they hit hard and don't let go easy. The fight is all about endurance – they don't jump like redfish, but they'll pull straight down and make long, powerful runs that'll leave your arms burning.
Red snapper round out the target species, though they're heavily regulated with specific seasons and size limits. When they're open, these beautiful pink and red fish are absolute table fare champions. They typically hold around structure in 60-100 feet of water, so you'll be dropping live bait or heavy jigs straight down to the bottom. Red snapper are aggressive feeders but smart fish – they'll test your drag and try to cut your line on the structure where they live. The key is keeping steady pressure and getting them up quickly before they can dive back into their cover.
Captain Matt's nearshore trips book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. With only four spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. This is world-class Gulf fishing without the crowds or the long run to deep water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore techniques or a newcomer wanting to learn from a top-rated local guide, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Matt's expertise, prime fishing locations, and the Gulf's renowned fish populations makes this a customer favorite year after year. Don't miss your chance to get in on some of the best nearshore action the Gulf Coast has to offer – book your spot today and get ready to bend some rods.
Jump aboard our reliable 1996 25ft Pro-Line open fisherman for some serious Gulf action! This proven fishing machine comes equipped with GPS navigation and a fish finder to help Capt. Matt put you on the hottest fishing spots along the nearshore waters. The open layout gives you plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling redfish and black drum that call these Gulf waters home. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have enough elbow room to work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. The boat's shallow draft lets us slip into those productive back bays and flats where the trout stack up, while still being tough enough to handle the chop when we venture out to deeper structure. Capt. Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you hooked up with redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and whatever else is biting. Pack your favorite snacks and cold drinks – we'll provide the local knowledge and fish-finding expertise to make your Gulf Coast fishing trip one for the books!
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the nearshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. You'll recognize them by their dark coloring and the drumming sounds they make - that's how they got their name. We find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What makes them fun is their stubborn fight - they'll dig deep and test your drag. For eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds as the big boys get tough and stringy. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on the bottom. They're not speed demons, so patience pays off when that rod finally bends over.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish and some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so thin their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are outstanding when they school up. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and strong runs through the shallows. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. These fish aren't picky eaters - live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs all work great. Pro tip: look for nervous water and tailing fish on calm mornings. When you spot one, cast past it and work your bait back slowly.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf, and for good reason. These deep-water beauties average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-100+ feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're available year-round, but summer months are peak season. What guests love most is the fight they put up - they'll make hard runs for cover and test your skills. Plus, they're arguably the best eating fish we catch out here with that sweet, mild flavor that makes them restaurant favorites. The key to landing them is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before bait stealers get it. I always tell folks to use a heavy sinker and fresh cigar minnows or squid, and be ready for that initial run.
Biloxi, MS