Half Day Offshore Fishing Adventures in Biloxi Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half day offshore fishing targeting cobia and mackerel from BiloxiPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with flexible timingCombines trolling and bottom fishing techniques for varied catches
Looking for a solid fishing trip without burning your entire day? This half-day charter out of Biloxi hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality action on the water without the commitment of a full offshore run. Whether you're bringing the family, breaking in some beginners, or just want to wet a line after work, this trip delivers. You'll have your choice of 4 or 6-hour options with flexible morning and afternoon departures, so you can work it around your schedule. The boat takes up to six guests, making it perfect for your crew to have the deck to yourselves while targeting some of the Gulf's best fighting fish.
Captain and crew know these Biloxi waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you're not locked into one style of fishing. When the conditions are right for trolling, you'll pull lures through productive waters where kings and cobia patrol. When it's time to drop down and work structure, you'll be fishing reefs and wrecks where the bottom dwellers hang out. The boat is set up to handle both approaches seamlessly, with quality tackle and all the gear you need included. Morning trips often start around sunrise when the bite is hot, while afternoon departures let you sleep in and still get on some great action. The pace is relaxed but productive – perfect for mixing serious fishing with good times on the water.
The crew switches between two proven methods depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling involves pulling a spread of lures behind the boat at various speeds and depths, covering water efficiently to locate active schools of pelagic species. You'll typically run ballyhoo, spoons, or diving plugs on different lines set at staggered distances. This technique shines for intercepting fast-moving predators like king mackerel and cobia that cruise the open water. When it's time to work the bottom, the boat positions over structure – artificial reefs, natural hard bottom, or wrecks – where you'll drop baited rigs down to entice fish holding tight to cover. Bottom fishing means using circle hooks with cut bait, live bait, or jigs, letting the current and your presentation do the talking. The crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging, baiting, and reading the electronics, so you can focus on fighting fish when they bite.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the Gulf, and when you hook one, you'll know why they're legendary. These acrobatic giants can reach 100+ pounds and explode out of the water in spectacular jumps when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest concentrations showing up during their annual migrations. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their fight. They'll tail-walk, roll, and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, making the experience about the fight rather than the fillet.
King mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, hitting trolled baits with vicious strikes that'll wake up anyone not paying attention. These toothy predators average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ pounds for the big boys. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, though you can find them year-round in deeper water. Kings fight hard with long, fast runs that test your drag system and endurance. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their aggressive nature makes them a favorite target for both beginners and seasoned anglers looking for consistent action.
Crevalle jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for looks with pure fighting power. These bulldogs of the Gulf are built like tanks and fight twice as hard as their 10-20 pound average weight suggests. They show up in schools around structure and baitfish concentrations, often year-round in these waters. What jacks lack in table fare they more than make up for in sport – they'll drag line off your reel and test your arms with their bulldogging runs. Many anglers specifically target jacks for the workout they provide.
Cobia are the chameleons of the offshore world, changing colors and cruising both open water and structure with equal comfort. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) can reach impressive sizes of 30-50+ pounds and are prized for both their fighting ability and excellent eating quality. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, though resident fish are around most of the year. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving anglers shots at sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia have a unique fighting style – long, powerful runs combined with stubborn head-shaking that makes landing them a real accomplishment.
This half-day trip offers the perfect balance of fishing action and schedule flexibility that keeps customers coming back season after season. With experienced crew, quality gear, and productive local waters, you're set up for success whether you're a first-timer or seasoned angler. The private charter format means your group gets personal attention and can fish at your own pace. Morning or afternoon, 4 hours or 6 – the choice is yours. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest. Book your spot with Shearwater Charters and get ready to experience why Biloxi's offshore fishing keeps anglers hooked.
Get ready to fish the Gulf waters aboard this custom 37-foot Buskens, built right in Orange Beach and powered by a solid 320HP Caterpillar engine. This boat handles the offshore chop like a champ and gives your group of up to six plenty of room to work the lines whether you're trolling for cobia or dropping bottom rigs for snapper. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting bait schools, while the fish finder helps locate those productive ledges and structures. Between fishing spots, cool off with the A/C, grab a cold drink from the icebox, or stretch out on the bed. The full galley lets you prep bait or snacks, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. With GPS, radar, and VHF radio keeping you connected and safe, plus that multimedia system for downtime, this Biloxi-based fishing machine has everything you need for a productive half-day on the water targeting mackerel, cobia, and whatever else is biting in the Gulf.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our favorite targets - brown, shark-looking fish that average 20-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. We spot them cruising shallow waters around buoys, markers, and structure during spring and summer months. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. What makes them special is they're loners, not schooling fish, so each one's a trophy. Plus they're absolutely delicious - firm white meat that rivals any fish on the table. They love crabs, eels, and live bait fished near bottom structure. Spring migration brings the bigger fish through our waters. Here's a guide secret: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of a cruising cobia and let your bait sink naturally - they spook easily if you drop it right on their head.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our local waters - all muscle and attitude packed into 3-15 pound packages. These brassy-colored fighters love shallow flats, around structures, and anywhere baitfish gather. You'll often spot them by watching for bird activity since they push bait to the surface. Spring through fall they're most active, especially on warmer days. What guests love is their pure aggression - they'll attack almost anything that moves and fight way above their weight class. They're not great table fare, but the action more than makes up for it. Look for that distinctive golden color and blunt head. Best tip I can give: when you see them schooling, cast past the school and retrieve fast through it. They can't resist chasing down a fleeing bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they hit. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-40 pounds around here, with bigger fish possible. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and current breaks. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. Kings are aggressive predators that love chasing fast-moving baits - they'll absolutely smoke a trolled spoon or live bait. The fight is all about that initial run and their sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. They make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Local trick: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Kings often hit right when you change pace, so don't be afraid to gun it or slow down suddenly.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of the Gulf - massive fish that can reach 6+ feet and jump clean out of the water when hooked. Around Biloxi, we find them in shallow coastal waters and around structures during warmer months, typically May through September. Most fish we see run 80-150 pounds, though giants over 200 exist. They're pure catch-and-release since the meat's full of bones and high in mercury. What makes them special is that aerial show - they'll jump multiple times trying to throw the hook. We usually fish them with live bait on medium-heavy tackle, letting the bait drift naturally. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - keeps tension off the line so they can't shake free as easily.
Biloxi, MS