Half Day Fishing Trip in Biloxi, MS
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half-day offshore fishing targeting cobia and mackerel near BiloxiPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with flexible timingCombines trolling and bottom fishing techniques for varied species
Looking for a solid fishing trip without burning up your whole day? This half-day charter out of Biloxi gives you everything you need for a productive day on the water. Whether you've got four or six hours to spare, we'll put you on fish using proven techniques that work in these Mississippi Gulf waters. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to offshore fishing, beginners who want to learn the ropes, or seasoned anglers looking for a quick fishing fix. With morning and afternoon departure times available, you can work this trip around your schedule and still have time for other plans.
This private charter accommodates up to six anglers, so you're not sharing the boat with strangers or fighting for rod time. We'll head out from Biloxi's marina and make our way to productive waters where we can put multiple techniques to work. The beauty of these half-day trips is the flexibility – we can adjust our approach based on what's biting and what your group wants to target. Some days we'll spend more time trolling for pelagics, other days we'll anchor up and work the bottom structure. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, plus I'll be right there to help with everything from rigging baits to landing fish. Don't worry about bringing lunch – we keep these trips focused on fishing time, and you'll be back at the dock with plenty of time to grab a bite afterward.
We run a combination approach that covers all the bases in these Gulf waters. Trolling lets us cover ground and target the fast-moving species like king mackerel and cobia that cruise the open water. We'll pull a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths, watching the fish finder and looking for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish. When we mark good bottom structure or find a productive spot, we'll switch to bottom fishing techniques. This means dropping live or cut bait down to where snappers, grouper, and other reef fish hang out. I keep the tackle simple but effective – circle hooks for the bottom rigs, wire leaders for the kings, and everything sized right for the species we're after. The boat's got a good fish box and plenty of ice, so your catch stays fresh from hook to dock.
Tarpon are the bruisers that really get anglers fired up around Biloxi. These silver kings can push 100+ pounds and will test your tackle and your stamina. They're most active during the warmer months from May through September, often rolling on the surface in the early morning or late afternoon. What makes tarpon so special is their aerial show – once hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and throwing spray everywhere. Fair warning: tarpon fishing requires patience and strong arms, but landing one of these giants is something you'll talk about for years.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing, and Biloxi's waters hold some quality fish. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see kings pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. They're most reliable from April through October, with summer being prime time. Kings hit fast and hard, making screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, so you'll go home with some of the best fish tacos you've ever had.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs on the end of a line. These fish average 10-20 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're year-round residents in our waters, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. Jacks travel in schools and compete aggressively for food, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants to feel their rod doubled over.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks (that's what some folks call them) can reach 40-50 pounds and have a habit of showing up when you least expect it. Spring and fall are prime cobia seasons, especially around structure or floating debris. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot with sight fishing techniques. Cobia are also fantastic table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season and on weekends. This charter gives you maximum fishing time without the full-day commitment, making it perfect for visitors with limited time or locals wanting to squeeze in some fishing around other plans. The six-person capacity means you can bring the whole family or split the cost among friends. With both trolling and bottom fishing techniques in play, you'll experience different styles of Gulf Coast fishing in one trip. Ready to get your lines wet? These Biloxi waters are waiting, and the fish are always biting somewhere out there.
Step aboard this custom-built 37-foot Buskens fishing machine, crafted right in Orange Beach and perfectly suited for working the Gulf waters off Biloxi. With a reliable 320HP Caterpillar engine pushing you to the fishing grounds, you'll have a smooth ride and plenty of room for your crew of six to spread out and work the lines. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and bait, while the fish finder helps locate those schools of cobia and mackerel you're after. Between fishing action, cool off with the air conditioning or grab a cold drink from the icebox. The boat's equipped with GPS, radar, and VHF radio for safe navigation, plus amenities like a bed, toilet, and galley to keep everyone comfortable during your half-day adventure on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that tastes fantastic. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that cruise around structure like buoys, reefs, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time during their spawning migration when they're easiest to spot near the surface. Most run 20-40 pounds but can hit 60-plus. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing aspect - you actually see them swimming before you cast. They're curious and will often follow your bait, giving you multiple chances. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but determined. My go-to technique: bucktail jigs in any color work great, but don't be afraid to downsize your jig if they're being picky.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - pure muscle and attitude packed into a 3-15 pound package. These brassy-colored fighters travel in schools and hunt aggressively in shallow water around structure, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish gather. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds - jacks push bait to the surface and create feeding frenzies. Spring through fall they're active, especially on warm afternoons. Guests love their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they pull way harder than their size suggests. They're curious fish too, often following the boat. While not the best eating, they're perfect for practicing your technique. Here's my trick: when you see birds working, cast past the school and retrieve fast with silver spoons or topwater plugs.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel in a heartbeat. These olive-backed missiles typically run 15-30 pounds around here, though we hook into 40-50 pounders regularly. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What guests love about kings is that blazing initial run - they're fast as wahoo and fight hard the whole way to the boat. Plus they make great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - kings love to hit the tail end of a baitfish, so that trailing hook saves the day.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are bucket-list fish that'll give you a fight you won't forget. Around Biloxi, we see tarpon mostly in summer months when they migrate through our warm Gulf waters. They're massive - typically 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds - with that distinctive upward-pointing jaw. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structures, and near passes where they hunt baitfish. What makes tarpon special is their acrobatics - they can launch 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating anyway. My tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water to keep tension without breaking your line during those wild aerial shows.
Biloxi, MS