Full Day Fishing Trip in Barrier Islands
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and troutPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests with equipment includedEighthour trips departing from Pass Christian Harbor daily
Captain Elijah Troutman knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why the Mississippi Barrier Islands are one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept fishing secrets. This 8-hour adventure departing from Pass Christian Harbor gives you and up to three buddies the full inshore experience aboard his 23-foot Lightning Marine. We're talking serious fishing time here – enough to work multiple spots, adjust tactics, and really dial in on what the fish are doing. Your license, tackle, and live bait are all covered, so just bring your cooler, snacks, and that fishing spirit.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Eight hours means Captain Troutman can take you to his prime spots around the barrier islands without watching the clock. You'll start early, hitting the flats and grass beds when the water's calm and the fish are actively feeding. The 23-foot Lightning Marine handles these shallow waters perfectly – she's built for getting into those back bays and marsh edges where the big reds like to cruise. Expect to move around based on tides, wind, and what's biting. Some days you'll spend more time sight-casting to tailing redfish, other days you'll be working deeper pockets for trout and black drum. That's the beauty of having a full day – you can adapt and fish the conditions as they change.
Captain Troutman runs a complete tackle setup with spinning gear perfectly matched for Gulf Coast inshore fishing. You'll be using medium-action rods with reels spooled with braided line – the perfect combo for feeling those subtle trout bites and having the backbone to turn big reds away from structure. Live bait is the name of the game here, and Elijah keeps a good supply of shrimp, croaker, and sometimes pogies depending on what's available. You'll learn proper drift techniques over grass beds, how to work live bait around oyster bars, and the art of sight-fishing when conditions allow. For the structure fishing, expect to use heavier jig heads to get down to where the black drum and bigger trout hang out. The captain's boat is rigged with a good fish finder, so you'll see exactly what's below when working those deeper spots.
Redfish are the absolute stars of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats around the barrier islands, especially when the tide's moving. You'll find them ranging from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches all the way up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. Peak times are typically spring through fall, with summer offering some amazing sight-fishing opportunities when you can actually see them cruising the shallows. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against the current.
Sea Trout are your bread-and-butter fish out here, and the Mississippi coast consistently produces some quality specks. These guys love the grass beds and drop-offs around the islands, particularly during moving tides. You'll target fish in the 14-20 inch range, with the occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches. Spring and fall are prime times when they school up in good numbers. Trout have this distinctive strike – sometimes subtle, sometimes aggressive – and they're famous for those head-shaking jumps when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite.
Black Drum don't get the glamour of reds or trout, but they're absolute tackle-busters when you hook into a good one. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and deeper holes around the islands, and they can range from smaller "puppy drum" up to monsters pushing 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents, but fishing picks up in cooler months when they move into shallower waters. What's exciting about black drum is you never know what size you're dealing with until it's boat-side – that 20-pound fish can easily turn into a 40-pounder.
Great Pompano are the speed demons of the bunch – beautiful, silvery fish that make blistering runs when hooked. They prefer sandy bottoms and are often found around structure changes near the islands. Peak season runs spring through summer, and they're relatively rare catches, making them extra special when you connect. Pompano are prized for their incredible table quality and that unforgettable initial run when first hooked.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll absolutely wreck your arms in the best way possible. These yellow-tinged fighters are pure muscle and attitude. They travel in schools around the islands, especially during warmer months, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Jacks are famous for their brutal, sustained fights and their ability to sound deep when hooked. They're catch-and-release fish for most anglers, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Captain Elijah Troutman's full-day barrier island trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. This is top-rated inshore fishing with a captain who knows exactly where to put you on fish. Eight hours gives you the best shot at multiple species, learning new techniques, and experiencing what makes Mississippi's barrier islands such a renowned fishing destination. With everything provided except your snacks and drinks, it's the perfect setup for families, groups of friends, or serious anglers wanting to fish these productive waters properly. Don't wait – these full-day spots book weeks in advance during the best fishing months.
The Lightning is your ticket to prime fishing grounds in the Mississippi Barrier Islands. This 23-footer cuts through Gulf waters with authority thanks to its 250 HP Yamaha engine, getting you to the honey holes fast and keeping you comfortable all day long. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark your spots, fish finder to locate the schools, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky redfish in skinny water. The livewell keeps your catch fresh while the icebox handles your drinks and lunch. When weather rolls in, the radar keeps you safe, and the VHF radio connects you to other boats and marina. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work without tangling lines. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the ride out to the barrier islands where the trout and drum are waiting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruiser specimens hitting 90 pounds. These dark-colored fighters love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around the barrier islands, where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They put up a solid fight and smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm white meat. The key is using fresh crab on the bottom since they're not picky about taking cut bait meant for catfish. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient - when a big drum picks it up, you'll know it.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of the Gulf, averaging 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but capable of reaching 60 pounds. These brassy-green fighters roam both shallow flats and deeper water, often following schools of baitfish. Look for diving birds - that's your sign they're pushing bait to the surface. They're year-round residents but really fire up during warmer months when baitfish are thick. Guests love the raw power and bulldogging fight these fish deliver. They're not great eating, but the action is addictive. Silver spoons, swimbaits, and topwater plugs work best. Here's the trick: cast past the school and retrieve fast - they love the chase. You'll sometimes smell watermelon when you get close to feeding schools. Keep your drag tight and hold on!
Trachinotus GoodeiGreat Pompano are sleek silver torpedoes that pack a serious punch for their size, typically running 1-2 pounds and up to 20 inches. Also called Palometa, these members of the jack family prefer warm sandy areas and surf zones around the barrier islands. Winter months bring the best action when they school up near structure like oil rigs and deeper reefs. What guests love is their incredible speed and fight - they're lightning fast and will test your drag. The meat is excellent, though smaller fish taste better. They're picky eaters, so downsize your bait to fingernail-sized pieces. Sand fleas are absolute gold, but small shrimp work too. Fish clean water with browns and whites; dirty water calls for bright oranges and pinks. Patience pays off with these smart fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, with their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches, but we see plenty of slot-sized fish perfect for dinner. They love super shallow water - sometimes just 1-4 feet - around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy flats. You'll often spot them with their backs out of water while they're feeding. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is their powerful fight and that mild, flaky meat that's restaurant-quality. They'll eat almost anything, but live shrimp and gold spoons are money makers. Watch for tailing fish in shallow water - approach quietly and drop your bait right in their path. They spook easy in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, running 14-24 inches and weighing 1-5 pounds on average. These silver beauties with their distinctive spots love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure during low light conditions. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are right, and night fishing can be phenomenal. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating - tender white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: during winter months, look for them schooled up in deeper channels around 15-20 feet where the water stays warmer. Work your bait slow and steady near the bottom.
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