Island Trips in the Gulf of Mexico
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing trips in Gulf of Mexico watersAll fishing gear provided by Island Time ChartersSmall group experience with 4-person capacity maximum
The Gulf Coast waters off our shores hold some of the most productive inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. Island Time Charters has been putting anglers on fish in these rich waters for years, and we know exactly where to find the action. Our island trips target the structure-rich areas around barrier islands, grass flats, and drop-offs where trophy fish hunt and feed. With a maximum of four anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. We supply all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait – just show up with your cooler full of snacks and drinks, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready to bend some rods.
These Gulf waters fish different depending on the season, tide, and what's moving through the area. We'll start the day checking water temperature and clarity, then head to spots that are holding fish based on current conditions. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring in a hard-fighting cobia while the next could hook into a sleek king mackerel that'll test your drag system. The islands create natural ambush points where predator fish wait for baitfish to sweep by with the current. We'll work everything from shallow grass beds where trout hide to deeper channels where flounder lay in wait. The boat stays comfortable even in choppy conditions, and with only four anglers aboard, everyone gets prime fishing real estate along the gunwales.
We fish these waters with medium to heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from 15-inch trout to 40-pound cobia. Live bait is king out here – we'll have fresh shrimp, pinfish, and croakers depending on what's working best. For the bigger predators like kings and cobia, we'll bump up to circle hooks and wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. The technique varies by target species and structure. Around grass flats, we'll work popping corks with live shrimp underneath, letting them drift naturally with the current. Over deeper structure, we'll free-line live bait or work jigs along the bottom where flounder and larger trout hang out. When we mark schools of bait on the fish finder, that's when things get exciting – we'll position the boat to intercept whatever's feeding on them. The Gulf's warm waters mean fish stay active year-round, though peak action shifts with the seasons.
King mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, hitting trolled baits and live offerings with bone-jarring strikes. These fish average 15 to 30 pounds but can push much bigger, and they'll take you well into your backing if you don't tighten that drag. Spring through fall offers the best king fishing when they move inshore following bait schools. Sea trout are our most consistent producers, holding in grass beds and around structure year-round. A good trout runs 2 to 5 pounds, but the big gator trout that lurk in deeper water can hit 8 pounds or better. They're excellent table fare and fight with surprising strength for their size.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf – brown sharks with attitude that can exceed 40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving us sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart racing. Summer months bring the best cobia action when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and small fish. Tripletail are the oddball species that everyone falls in love with once they hook one. These pancake-shaped fish hover around floating debris and structure, and they're phenomenal on the dinner table. They fight with a side-to-side motion that feels completely different from other species.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying perfectly still on sandy bottoms until prey swims within striking distance. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes in Gulf waters, with doormat flounder weighing 5 pounds or more providing arm-burning fights. Fall months offer peak flounder action as they move toward deeper water, making them more concentrated and easier to target. They're prized for their sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilled whole.
The Gulf of Mexico delivers world-class inshore fishing with the kind of variety that keeps every trip interesting. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or a family wanting to create lasting memories on the water, these island trips offer something special. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and small group sizes creates the perfect recipe for a top-rated fishing experience. Our local knowledge of seasonal patterns, productive structures, and current hotspots puts you on fish when other boats are still searching. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the action heats up.
Jump aboard the "Island Time," a well-equipped 23-foot Wellcraft center console that's perfect for Gulf Coast fishing adventures. This sturdy boat runs on a reliable 250hp Suzuki four-stroke engine, giving you the power to reach those productive fishing spots along the coastline. The center console design keeps you close to the action while providing plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work the waters comfortably. The boat comes loaded with a quality fish finder to help locate schools of redfish, speckled trout, and other Gulf species hiding in the shallows and grass flats. There's even an onboard toilet for those longer fishing days when nature calls. All your tackle and gear is provided, so just pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, don't forget the sunscreen, and get ready to wet some lines in the productive inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fighters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60-plus. They're loners, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months offer the best action when they move into our area. What sets cobia apart is their curious nature and excellent eating - firm, white meat that rivals grouper. They're also surprisingly acrobatic for their size. Best approach is sight fishing with bucktail jigs when you spot them near the surface. Here's what works: cast past the fish and work your lure back toward them. Cobia are curious and will often follow before committing to bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and put up a serious fight when hooked. These sleek predators typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen monsters over 50. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure like reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively on baitfish. What guests love most is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's excellent too, with firm white fillets perfect for grilling. Here's a tip: when trolling for kings, use a wire leader and dual-hook rig. They love to hit bait from behind, so that trailing hook often makes the difference between a hookup and a story about the one that got away.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of the Gulf's most reliable catches, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These spotted beauties love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Fall and winter fishing can be outstanding when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Pro tip: fish the grass edges at night with a popping cork and live shrimp. Keep your retrieve slow and steady - trout often follow before they strike, so don't pull the bait away too quickly.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure where they can hide and hunt. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before moving offshore for winter. What makes them popular is their excellent table fare - sweet, mild fillets that are perfect fried or grilled. They're also fun to catch because the bite often feels like you're snagged on bottom until they start moving. Best technique is slow drifting with live shrimp or bull minnows on light tackle. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the Gulf's most interesting fish - they float on their sides near debris, mimicking dead leaves or trash. These chunky fighters average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15-20. You'll find them year-round in surface waters around weed lines, floating structure, and channel markers. Summer months are peak season when they're most active. What guests enjoy is the sight-fishing challenge and their surprising fight for such an odd-looking fish. Plus, the meat tastes like a cross between snapper and grouper. They spook easily, so stealth is key. My tip: when you spot one, cast well past it and slowly work your bait or lure toward the fish. Let them ambush it rather than dropping it right on their head.
Biloxi, MS