Mississippi Inshore Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing trip for beginnersTarget redfish, trout, and drum with expert guidanceAll fishing gear and instruction included for newcomers
Looking to get your feet wet in the world of inshore fishing? This 4-hour private charter with Richard Schmidt Fly Fishing is designed specifically for newcomers who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. Departing at 8:00 a.m., you'll take advantage of Mississippi's calm morning waters when the fish are most active and the conditions are perfect for building confidence. With a maximum of two guests, you'll get personalized attention from an experienced captain who knows these coastal waters like the back of his hand.
This isn't your typical "figure it out as you go" fishing trip. Captain Schmidt focuses on teaching fundamentals while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll start in protected inshore waters where the waves stay manageable and the fish cooperate better with beginners. The morning departure time isn't just about convenience – it's strategic. Fish feed more aggressively in cooler morning temperatures, and you'll avoid the afternoon boat traffic that can spook fish in shallow water. Whether you're curious about fly fishing or prefer the reliability of spin tackle, your captain will match the gear to your comfort level and the day's conditions. Light tackle keeps things exciting without being too challenging for first-timers, while fly gear offers a chance to try one of fishing's most rewarding techniques.
Mississippi's inshore waters offer the perfect classroom for learning multiple fishing approaches. You'll work shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds where different species hang out. Sight fishing becomes a real possibility in these clear shallows – there's nothing quite like watching a redfish cruise up to your bait. Your captain will teach you to read the water, identifying productive structure like drop-offs near marsh edges where speckled trout ambush baitfish. The beauty of inshore fishing lies in its variety – one cast might target a cruising red drum in two feet of water, while the next explores a deeper channel where black drum patrol the bottom. All fishing gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus entirely on learning without worrying about having the right equipment.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Mississippi inshore fishing and a perfect species for beginners. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 27 inches in these waters and are known for their aggressive strikes and strong runs. They feed year-round but are most active during spring and fall when they move into shallow water to hunt crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special for new anglers is their willingness to eat – they're not overly picky about bait presentation, making them forgiving targets while you're learning proper technique.
Black drum provide a different kind of excitement with their incredible pulling power. These bottom-dwellers can surprise you with their size, often running 20 to 40 pounds in Mississippi waters. They're most active during cooler months and feed heavily around oyster reefs and structure. For beginners, black drum offer a lesson in patience – they require a more subtle approach than redfish, but when you connect, you'll understand why experienced anglers target them specifically.
Speckled trout and sea trout bring finesse fishing into the mix. These silvery gamefish prefer grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush small baitfish. They're most cooperative during spring and fall, with early morning being prime time. Specks teach new anglers about subtle strikes and proper hooksets – they're notorious for light bites that require attention and quick reflexes.
Sheepshead round out the target list as the "convict fish" with their distinctive black stripes. These bait stealers are famous for testing an angler's patience and skill around structure like pilings and oyster bars. They're most active during warmer months and provide excellent practice for detecting light bites. Many guides consider sheepshead the best teachers for developing sensitivity and hookset timing.
This top-rated beginner charter offers everything you need to start your inshore fishing journey on the right foot. With personalized instruction, calm morning conditions, and productive Mississippi waters, you'll gain confidence while targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. The 4-hour format provides enough time to learn multiple techniques without becoming overwhelming. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and pick your date carefully. Whether you're looking to discover a new hobby or finally try something you've always wanted to do, this customer favorite delivers the perfect introduction to Mississippi's world-class inshore fishing opportunities.
The 18' Hell's Bay Marquesa is built for Mississippi's diverse inshore waters, handling everything from deeper channels to skinny redfish flats with ease. This shallow-draft skiff lets your captain pole silently into those honey holes where redfish tail and speckled trout lurk. When you need to cover water fast, the reliable outboard gets you there quickly and efficiently. Onboard tech keeps you dialed in – GPS navigation guides you to productive spots, while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. The VHF radio ensures safe communication with other boats and marinas. With room for two anglers plus your captain, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, whether you're working topwater plugs or drifting live bait. The boat's stable platform makes it perfect for beginners learning to handle different tackle setups, from ultralight spinning gear to fly rods. She's designed to get you on fish in Mississippi's prime inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with giants pushing 90+ pounds possible. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to find. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though stick to fish under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough. My tip: use fresh crab on the bottom and be patient - they're notorious for testing your bait before committing. When you feel that tap-tap, wait a beat then set the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we see plenty of 30+ inch bulls too. These shallow water specialists cruise 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is absolutely prime time, but they bite year-round in Mississippi. Guests love their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. The meat is mild and sweet, making them perfect table fare. Pro tip: look for "nervous water" or tail fins sticking up in skinny water - that's redfish feeding. Cast a gold spoon or topwater plug just past them and work it back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are beautiful silver fish with distinct black spots covering their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most range 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. These grass flat specialists love shallow waters around 1-4 feet, especially at dawn and dusk. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. Guests love their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their delicate, sweet-tasting meat that's perfect for beginners to clean. They're sight feeders, so clear water helps. My go-to trick: work a soft plastic shrimp slowly over grass beds in 2-3 feet of water. When you see them "popping" shrimp on top, cast just ahead of the disturbance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Mississippi waters with their distinctive black and white stripes and eerily human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders do swim around. These structure-lovers hang tight to docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings where they pick off crabs and shellfish. Early spring brings the best action when they school up. Guests get hooked on their tricky nature - they're master bait thieves who'll nibble your hook clean if you're not paying attention. The white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating. Here's the key: get your bait right against the structure, keep it pinned on tight, and when you feel that telltale nibbling, set the hook aggressively. They've got concrete mouths.
undefined, undefined