Extended Half Day Beginner Fishing in Biloxi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing adventure near Deer IslandAll equipment, tackle, and fishing licenses included with charterTarget redfish, speckled trout, and flounder with expert guidance
Looking for a perfect introduction to Gulf Coast fishing? Captain Joey Cates runs this top-rated 6-hour beginner trip that's become a customer favorite for good reason. You'll fish the protected inshore waters around Biloxi and cruise past scenic Deer Island while learning everything you need to know about catching fish. This isn't some rushed trip where you're thrown to the wolves – Joey takes his time showing you the ropes, from baiting hooks to fighting fish. Perfect for families with kids, first-timers, or anyone who wants a relaxed day on the water without the pressure. All your gear, tackle, and fishing licenses are included, so just bring yourself and get ready to have some fun.
This extended half-day trip gives you plenty of time to really get the hang of fishing without feeling rushed. Captain Joey keeps things simple and stress-free, starting with the basics like casting technique and reading your rod tip for bites. You'll fish the calm inshore waters around Biloxi Bay and the protected areas near Deer Island – perfect spots for beginners since the water stays relatively calm and the fish are cooperative. The boat holds up to 3 anglers, so you get personal attention and won't feel crowded. Joey's been guiding these waters for years and knows exactly where to find fish that'll give beginners a good fight without being overwhelming. The scenery around Deer Island is beautiful too, so even when the fish aren't biting, you're enjoying the Gulf Coast at its finest.
Captain Joey provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need – everything's sized right for the fish you're targeting and easy enough for beginners to handle. You'll mainly be using medium-action spinning rods with live and cut bait, which is the most effective way to catch these inshore species. Joey teaches you how to feel for different types of bites – the steady pull of a redfish versus the quick taps of a sheepshead. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps things simple while you learn, and he'll show you how to set the hook properly so you don't lose fish. The boat is equipped with a fish finder, so you can see what's down there and learn to read the bottom structure. This hands-on approach means you'll actually understand what you're doing instead of just following orders.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Biloxi inshore fishing, and they're perfect for beginners. These copper-colored fighters typically run 16-24 inches in these waters and put up a steady, strong fight that's exciting without being too technical. They hang around oyster bars and grass flats year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds so great for new anglers is they're not picky eaters – live shrimp, cut crab, or even artificial lures will get their attention. When you hook one, you'll feel that classic headshake and bulldogging run that makes them a Gulf Coast favorite.
Speckled Trout are another staple that beginners love catching around Biloxi. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and have a more subtle bite than redfish, teaching you to pay attention to your rod tip. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into the shallows to feed, and they're often found around the same grass beds as redfish. Trout have softer mouths, so Joey teaches you the gentle hookset that keeps them pinned. They're excellent eating too, making them a rewarding catch for the dinner table.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're fantastic fish for beginners to cut their teeth on. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum around 12 inches to hefty 20-pounders that'll test your skills. They feed heavily around oyster beds and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it – they make long, powerful runs that teach you how to use your drag properly. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they're most active in the shallows.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting once you get the basics down. These black-and-white striped bait stealers are notorious for their light bites and ability to clean your hook without getting caught. They love structure – docks, pilings, and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and small crabs. Catching sheepshead teaches you patience and hook-setting timing, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn.
Summer Flounder add variety to your cooler and are always a pleasant surprise when they hit your bait. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. They typically run 14-18 inches in Biloxi waters and have a unique fighting style – more of a steady pull than dramatic runs. Flounder fishing teaches you to fish different bottom types and work your bait slowly. They're most active during warmer months and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat.
This extended half-day trip with Heavy Metal Charters offers world-class instruction in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore waters. Captain Joey's patient teaching style and the 6-hour format give you time to actually learn fishing skills instead of just hoping to get lucky. Whether you're planning a family outing, want to try fishing for the first time, or need a relaxed day on the water, this beginner-friendly trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. The small boat capacity means personalized attention, and having all gear included removes any guesswork about what to bring. Book your spot now and discover why Biloxi's in
Captain Joey's 22-foot Blazer Bay center console is built for comfort and easy handling in Biloxi's inshore waters. This well-equipped boat accommodates up to 3 anglers and comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and tackle for targeting redfish, speckled trout, and other local favorites. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on fish around Deer Island's shallow flats, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're teaching kids to fish or trying it yourself for the first time, this boat makes it easy to focus on having fun and learning the ropes in Biloxi's calm, protected waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the powerhouses of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and anywhere there's structure they can crush shellfish with those massive jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we really dial them in. These fish are famous for their drumming sounds and incredible pulling power that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom near oyster bars, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard - they've got tough mouths.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from slot-size 20-inchers to bull reds over 40 pounds. Look for that copper-bronze back and distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are peak times when they school up heavy. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. Smaller slot fish are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. Pro tip: throw topwater plugs or gold spoons in knee-deep water over grass beds early morning - when you see that wake coming at your lure, hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread and butter fish, typically 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in the water. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially at night when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall give you the most consistent action, though they bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. These fish are perfect for beginners - they fight hard, hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, and make excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat. The meat is on the softer side, so don't overcook it. Best advice: work topwater plugs or soft plastics over the grass beds early morning or late evening, and keep your retrieve steady - they'll often follow before committing to the bite.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, usually running 1-8 pounds around any structure you can find. Bridge pilings, docks, and oyster-covered areas are their hangouts where they pick barnacles and crabs with those human-like teeth. Early spring during spawning season is your best bet when they gather in big numbers. Guests love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that'll steal your shrimp without you knowing it. The payoff is sweet, mild white meat that rivals any fish we catch. My go-to trick: use small pieces of fresh shrimp on a #2 hook, get right up against the structure, and when you feel them nibbling, set that hook aggressively - those bony mouths need a solid hookset.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, typically running 15-20 inches but capable of hitting 26 pounds. These flatfish live right on the seafloor where they ambush prey using perfect camouflage. Fall months from September through November give you the best shots when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is watching that distinctive sideways bite and the challenge of getting them to commit to your bait. They're also outstanding eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Here's the key: use a circle hook with live minnows or sea worms, and when you feel that subtle pickup, don't jerk - just start reeling steady pressure.
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