Morning Nearshore Fishing in Gulfport, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain's most productive nearshore fishing experience in Gulfport watersTarget Grouper, Cobia, and King Mackerel based on seasonal patternsFlexible small group charter accommodating two guests maximum
Captain Scotty J knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his morning nearshore trips are hands down the most productive way to start your day on the Gulf. With just 2 spots available, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without the crowds. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter - every trip adapts to what's biting and what you're hoping to land. Whether you're chasing hard-fighting cobia or looking to box some keeper grouper, these morning hours deliver consistent action when the fish are most active.
You'll launch from Gulfport and head to the captain's proven spots along the nearshore reefs and structure. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - Captain Scotty reads the conditions, checks what's been producing, and puts you on the fish. Early morning is prime time because the water's calm, the baitfish are active, and the predators are feeding aggressively before the day heats up. The 2-person limit means you're not fighting for rod space or the captain's attention. You'll fish productive ledges, artificial reefs, and natural bottom structure where grouper hole up and pelagics cruise through. The captain provides all tackle and knows exactly which baits and presentations work best for each target species.
This is bottom fishing and trolling at its finest. You'll be dropping heavy tackle to the grouper holes with circle hooks and fresh bait - typically pinfish, sardines, or cut bait depending on what's working. For the pelagics like kings and cobia, expect to troll with live bait or pull artificials along the structure. The captain runs quality gear that can handle these hard-fighting fish, from heavy spinning setups for the grouper to medium-heavy tackle for the mackerel runs. You'll learn to read the bottom machine, watch for bait schools, and recognize the subtle bites that mean a keeper grouper is testing your offering. The nearshore reefs in 40-80 feet of water hold incredible diversity, and switching between techniques keeps the action hot all morning.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of these reefs, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds, and they'll try to bury you in the rocks the second they feel steel. Gags are most active during cooler months from October through March, and they love live pinfish dropped right to the bottom. What makes them special is their intelligence - they're spooky and require finesse, making each hookup feel earned.
King Mackerel show up when the water temperature hits that sweet spot, typically spring through fall. These speed demons can stretch 20-40 inches and provide some of the most blistering runs you'll experience. Kings are drawn to the bait schools that stack up around the reefs, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel their drag scream and see some serious aerial displays.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of the deeper structure, often caught alongside their gag cousins but favoring slightly different habitat. They're typically more aggressive feeders and less structure-oriented than gags, making them great confidence builders. Reds can push impressive size and are excellent table fare, with that classic grouper fight that tests your tackle and technique.
Sheepshead might surprise you with their scrappy nature and tricky bite detection. These convict-striped fighters love structure and have human-like teeth for crushing shellfish. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring sharp reflexes and sensitive tackle. Landing a big sheepshead takes skill, and they're prized for their sweet, flaky meat.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every cast exciting. These brown sharks (as they're often mistaken for) can appear anywhere from 20-50 pounds and provide fights that'll leave you breathless. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, creating sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia season typically runs spring through early fall, and they're known for long, powerful runs and surprising endurance.
Captain Scotty J's morning nearshore trip gives you the best shot at productive fishing with personalized attention you won't find on larger boats. With only 2 spots available, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and direct access to one of Gulfport's top-rated captains. The flexible approach means you're always fishing the hottest bite, whether that's grouper on the rocks or kings running the reefs. Book now to secure your spot on this customer favorite trip that consistently delivers both action and table fare.
Step aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly rigged for chasing Grouper, Cobia, and King Mackerel in the productive waters off Gulfport. This vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful morning on the reef - a reliable fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets tricky. The wireless trolling motor lets us drift quietly over structure without spooking the fish, while the onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods and fight those reef species that call these Gulf waters home. The boat features a toilet for convenience during longer runs, so you can focus on what matters most - getting your lines in the water and bringing home dinner.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThe "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect eating size. You'll find them glued to any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, pilings - usually in 10-30 feet. Winter and early spring are prime time, especially around the spawn in February-April. What makes them fun is they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, but they're notorious bait thieves. The challenge is detecting their light bite and setting the hook before they steal your bait. My secret: use the smallest hook possible with fresh shrimp, keep your bait tight to the structure, and set the hook hard at the first tap.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese guys are the workhorses of our nearshore reefs. Most run 20 inches and a few pounds, but the big ones can push 50+ pounds and really test your gear. You'll find them around any structure - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-80 feet. They're ambush feeders that love to hide and dart out for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active. Guests love the hard fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole. The meat is excellent eating, firm and sweet. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't let them run after the hookup, or they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
Epinephelus MorioThe classic Gulf grouper with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots. Most average 5-15 pounds, though the big ones can reach 30+. They love muddy and rocky bottom in 20-100 feet, especially around ledges and structure. Unlike other groupers, they're not as structure-dependent and will roam more open bottom. Best fishing is during the warmer months when they're more aggressive. People love them for the solid fight and outstanding table fare - some say it's the best-tasting grouper because of their shellfish diet. Here's the thing with reds: use fresh shrimp or crab, get your bait right on the bottom, and be ready to muscle them up quickly once hooked.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown bulldogs are sight-fishing favorites, often mistaken for sharks cruising near the surface. They average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+. We spot them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-80 feet, especially during their spring migration from March through May. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat. What guests love is the visual aspect - seeing them cruise the surface, then watching them attack your bait. They fight hard and steady, plus the meat is top-shelf eating. Best technique is live bait or bucktail jigs, and here's the key: don't get too excited when you see one - make your cast ahead of where they're going, not where they are.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese are the speed demons of our waters - absolute rockets that can hit 40+ mph. Most kings run 15-30 pounds, but the big females can top 50. We find them in 40-100 feet around structure and temperature breaks, especially during the cooler months from October through March. They're migratory, so timing matters. What makes them special is that lightning-fast run when they hit - nothing quite like it. The fight is all about speed and endurance. They're also great on the table with firm, flaky meat. My go-to trick is running a stinger hook rig with live bait since they often hit the tail end first. Wire leader is a must - those teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Gulfport, FL