Half Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing Trip In Mississippi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday private charter targeting redfish, sea trout, and tripletailBeginnerfocused guidance with all fishing equipment and bait providedSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Looking to get started with inshore fishing or want to brush up on your skills? Captain Hal Lusk and the crew at Jus 1 More Charters have put together the perfect 5-hour fishing adventure right here in Mississippi's productive Gulf Coast waters. This isn't some rushed cattle-boat operation – you're getting a private charter for up to 4 anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. We're talking prime spots for redfish, speckled trout, and tripletail, with all the gear and guidance you need to make it a successful day on the water.
Captain Hal knows these Mississippi inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's built this trip specifically for folks who are either new to saltwater fishing or want to step up their game. You'll launch from a convenient local marina and head straight to the productive flats, grass beds, and structure where these Gulf Coast species love to hang out. The boat is set up with quality rods and reels – no need to worry about bringing your own tackle or figuring out what bait to use. The captain and crew handle all that prep work so you can focus on learning proper casting techniques, reading the water, and actually catching fish. With just 4 anglers max, everyone gets hands-on coaching and plenty of opportunities to work different spots throughout the day.
This is all about light tackle inshore fishing – the kind that's perfect for beginners but still gives experienced anglers a great fight. You'll be using spinning gear loaded with live bait like shrimp and small baitfish, plus some proven artificial lures that work well in these waters. Captain Hal will show you how to work soft plastics around grass beds for speckled trout, how to sight-cast to tailing redfish in shallow water, and the specific techniques that work for tripletail around floating debris and structure. The beauty of this style of fishing is that it's not overly complicated – you're learning fundamental skills that'll serve you well whether you fish these waters again or try inshore fishing anywhere else along the Gulf Coast. Everything from proper hook-setting to fighting fish in shallow water gets covered during the trip.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Mississippi inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Most of the specks you'll encounter run 14 to 20 inches, with some bigger fish mixed in during cooler months. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially early morning and late afternoon when the bite really turns on. What makes them perfect for beginners is their willingness to bite and their predictable behavior around structure – once you find one, there's usually more in the area.
Redfish are the real prize for many anglers, and Mississippi's marshes and shallow flats hold some beautiful bronze-backed bulls. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 20 to 30 inches in our waters, with some oversized drum pushing 40 inches or more. Reds are sight-fishing opportunities waiting to happen – watching one cruise the shallows with its back out of the water, then making the perfect cast and watching it eat your bait is pure fishing magic. They fight harder than their size suggests, making long runs and using their broad shoulders to test your drag system.
Tripletail are the wild card species that keeps things interesting on every trip. These oddball fish look like floating leaves when they're suspended near debris, pilings, or channel markers. They're not the most common catch, but when you do connect with one, you'll understand why veteran anglers get excited about them. Tripletail have excellent table fare – some say they're the best eating fish in the Gulf – and they fight with an unpredictable style that keeps you guessing. Finding them takes a trained eye, which is where Captain Hal's experience really pays off for his guests.
This top-rated beginner-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating. You're getting 5 solid hours on the water with an experienced captain who genuinely wants to see you succeed, all the tackle and bait you need, and access to some of Mississippi's most productive inshore fishing spots. Whether you're planning a family outing, a trip with friends, or just want to try something new, this is the kind of hands-on fishing experience that creates lasting memories and maybe even a new hobby. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. Ready to get out there and see what Mississippi's inshore waters have to offer? Captain Hal and Jus 1 More Charters are standing by to make it happen.
Captain Hal's 22-foot Triton Seaflight center console is built for serious inshore fishing along Mississippi's productive waters. This nimble boat cuts through the Gulf Coast shallows at up to 34 knots, getting you to the best redfish and speckled trout spots quickly. The Yamaha 250HP outboard provides reliable power, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over structure where tripletail hang. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate schools and navigate safely in changing conditions. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, plus storage for tackle and your catch. The open layout makes it easy for beginners to move around and learn proper techniques from Captain Hal. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats or working deeper channels, this well-equipped boat handles Mississippi's inshore fishing grounds with ease.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Mississippi's most recognizable catch with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. These bruisers average 20-30 inches but can grow much larger, and they're built for power. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy areas with 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most active. What guests love about reds is their bulldogging fight and how they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish are sight-fishing dreams since they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. Local tip: look for nervous water or muddy spots where they're rooting around for food, then make a quiet approach and cast ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Mississippi inshore fishing. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see some bigger ones. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good structure like oyster bars. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during cooler morning and evening hours. What makes specks so popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive feeders. In winter, they school up in deeper channels, making them easier to locate. Here's a local trick: when fishing grass flats at first light, work your lures slowly near the edges where the grass meets sand - that's where they ambush baitfish.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of Mississippi's most unique catches - they get their name from having three rounded fins at the back that all look similar. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach 40 pounds, with olive-colored bodies covered in dark blotches. They're masters of disguise, often floating on their sides near weed lines and debris to mimic floating vegetation. You'll find them in shallow to mid-depth waters year-round, but summer months are prime time. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight despite their chunky build, plus they taste fantastic - similar to snapper. The meat is firm and flaky, making them a prized table fish. Pro tip: when you spot one floating near structure, cast well past it and slowly work your bait back - they spook easily if you cast too close, but they'll ambush prey that drifts by naturally.
Mississippi