Full Day Fishing Trip - Cobia, Mackerel & More
When you're ready to get serious about Gulf fishing, this full day charter with Shearwater Charters puts you right where the action is. We're talking about a top-rated private trip for up to six anglers, heading out from Biloxi into the productive waters of the Mississippi Sound and beyond. You'll have the flexibility to choose between 8, 10, or 12 hours on the water – and trust me, those extra hours make all the difference when you're chasing cobia runs or trying to boat that king mackerel that's been teasing your spread all morning. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With a full day charter, you get the real Gulf experience – starting early when the water's calm and the fish are active, then adapting as conditions change throughout the day. The boat heads out into the deeper waters off Biloxi where structure, current breaks, and bait concentrations create perfect ambush points for predatory species. Your captain will read the conditions, watch for bird activity, and use electronics to locate schools of baitfish that attract the bigger game fish. The private charter setup means no fighting for rod space or dealing with other people's fishing styles – it's just your group and a captain focused on putting you on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, the crew will match the pace and techniques to what your group wants to experience.
Trolling and Bottom Tactics
The beauty of a full day trip is having time to work different techniques and adjust based on what's producing. The morning often starts with trolling spreads – pulling a combination of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits at various depths to cover water and locate active fish. King mackerel love a well-presented cigar minnow or Spanish sardine pulled behind a planer board, while cobia will often crush a bucktail jig or live bait slow-trolled near structure. When the trolling bite slows down, the captain will switch gears to bottom fishing over reefs, wrecks, and natural structure where different species hold. Circle hooks rigged with cut bait or live offerings work the bottom while you're watching for that telltale thump of a big fish picking up your offering. The extended time on the water means you can hit multiple spots – maybe start trolling the edges in the morning, work some structure during midday, then finish strong at a productive reef or artificial habitat.
Target Species
Tarpon are the silver kings of the Gulf, and when you hook into one of these acrobatic giants, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to experience it. These fish average 80 to 150 pounds in the Biloxi area and are known for their spectacular jumping ability once hooked. Late spring through early fall offers the best tarpon action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on schools of mullet, menhaden, and crabs. The fight can last 30 minutes or more with a big fish, and watching a 100-pound tarpon clear the water six feet in the air is something that never gets old. They're catch-and-release fish, making for great photos and even better stories.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing, providing consistent action and excellent table fare. These torpedo-shaped predators range from schoolie kings around 10 pounds up to monster smokers pushing 40 pounds or better. They hit trolled baits with authority, often producing that classic screaming drag run that gets everyone's attention. Kings are present year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations when large schools move through the area. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live pogies to trolled spoons, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders and quality tackle to boat them consistently.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle and your stamina like few other species. These bulldogs of the Gulf are pure muscle, often traveling in schools and feeding aggressively on baitfish. A 15-pound jack will fight like a fish twice its size, using its broad body and powerful tail to make blistering runs toward structure. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit live bait, jigs, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Spring through fall offers the best jack action, and when you locate a school, fast action is almost guaranteed.
Cobia are one of the most sought-after species in the Gulf, combining great eating with an exciting fight. These brown sharks, as they're sometimes called, are curious fish that often approach the boat and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They average 20 to 40 pounds but can exceed 50, and they're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights near the boat. Cobia are structure-oriented fish, often found around buoys, platforms, and floating debris. Spring is prime time for cobia fishing when they move into shallower waters for spawning, but they can be caught throughout the warmer months when you know where to look.
Time to Book Your Spot
A full day charter with Shearwater Charters gives you the best shot at experiencing what Gulf fishing is really about. The extended time on the water, flexible approach, and private boat setup create conditions for memorable fishing that you just can't get on shorter trips. Your captain will work hard to put you on fish, adjust tactics as needed, and make sure your group gets the most out of every hour on the water. With species like tarpon, kings, jacks, and cobia all in the mix, plus the chance to explore different areas and techniques, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book your date