Half Day Kid-Friendly Fishing in Biloxi Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip for up to four guestsTarget Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead near barrier islandsAll equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services included
Getting kids hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and Three Jays Charters has nailed it with this 4-hour family adventure in Biloxi's productive inshore waters. Captain and crew know exactly how to keep young anglers engaged while parents relax and enjoy some quality time on the water. You'll fish the flats and structure north of the barrier islands, where the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species hang out in fishable numbers. At $475 for up to four people, this private charter includes everything you need – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. Just pack some snacks, drinks, and a small cooler, then let the crew handle the rest.
This trip is all about making fishing accessible and fun for kids without dumbing it down. The captain will start by showing young anglers how to hold a rod properly and explaining the basics of setting the hook. You'll fish the protected waters north of the barrier islands, where calmer conditions make it easier for kids to focus on their technique. The crew keeps multiple rods rigged with different baits to maximize action – when one kid is fighting a fish, others can keep their lines wet. Flexible start times mean you can work around nap schedules or pick the part of the day when your crew is most alert. The boat stays close enough to shore that nervous parents feel comfortable, but far enough out to hit productive fishing spots that hold good numbers of fish.
The crew runs lighter tackle that's easier for small hands to manage, but still heavy enough to handle the bigger redfish and black drum that patrol these waters. You'll fish with live and cut bait on circle hooks, which are much safer for kids since they're designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth rather than getting swallowed deep. The captain will set up a variety of rigs – some bottom fishing for sheepshead around structure, others suspended in the water column for speckled trout. Popping corks are a favorite with young anglers because they can see and hear when a fish hits. The boat carries a good fish box with ice, so your catch stays fresh from hook to cleaning table. At the end of the trip, the crew handles all the cleaning, filleting, and packaging so you leave with ready-to-cook fish.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Biloxi's inshore scene, and they're perfect for getting kids excited about fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14 to 18 inches in these waters, with occasional bigger fish pushing 20 inches or more. They hit live shrimp and soft plastics with aggressive strikes that get young anglers pumping with adrenaline. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish holding around grass beds and shell bars where the current brings food. What makes specks great for kids is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, multiple hookups are common.
Redfish bring the muscle to this fishery, and watching a kid battle their first bull red is something parents remember forever. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 30 inches in the inshore waters, with the occasional oversized fish that'll test your drag system. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and grass lines where they ambush crabs and baitfish. Reds have a habit of making long, steady runs that teach young anglers the importance of letting the fish tire itself out. Fall months see the biggest concentrations as fish stage for their offshore spawning runs.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish on this list, but they're also some of the best eating. These black and white striped convict fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They require a delicate touch – you need to feel the subtle tap-tap of their bite and set the hook quickly before they steal your bait. Kids love the challenge once they get the hang of it, and a cooler full of sheepshead means some serious fish fry potential. Look for the biggest concentrations around bridge pilings and rock piles from late fall through early spring when they move inshore to spawn.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the inshore waters, with fish ranging from puppy drum around 16 inches to monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders that cruise oyster reefs and mud flats looking for crabs, worms, and mollusks. What makes them perfect for kids is their steady, predictable fight – no crazy jumps or wild runs, just solid pressure that teaches proper rod handling. The bigger fish make a distinctive drumming sound with their swim bladders that you can actually feel through the rod. Spring brings the best numbers as fish move shallow to spawn in the estuaries.
Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish can be tricky to hook since they often grab bait and swim off before committing to eating it. The key is patience – let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. Most flounder in these waters run 14 to 18 inches, with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches considered trophy catches. They're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for kids who are picky about seafood. Fall migration offers the hottest action as fish move toward deeper water.
Tripletail are the bonus fish that can turn a good day into a great one. These oddball fish float on their sides near the surface, often around floating debris, buoys, or crab trap markers. They look like floating leaves until you get close enough to see their distinctive three-lobed tail. What makes them special is their incredible table fare – many anglers consider tripletail the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're ambush predators that will hit
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a fully restored 22' Triton bay boat that's built for serious angling in Biloxi's productive inshore waters. This sweet ride comes powered by a reliable 200HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the fish quickly and safely. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate the best fishing spots, a quality fishfinder to locate schools of redfish and speckled trout, plus a live bait well to keep your bait lively and irresistible to hungry fish. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through shallow waters without spooking the fish, perfect for sneaking up on those trophy redfish hiding in the grass flats. There's plenty of room for up to four anglers to fish comfortably, and the onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh until you head back to the dock. Whether you're targeting sheepshead around the pilings or casting for flounder in the backwaters, this well-equipped bay boat handles Biloxi's inshore fishing grounds like a champ.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. These fish put up a solid fight and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. The key to landing them is getting your bait right on the bottom - they're serious bottom feeders. Fresh crab works best since it won't get stolen by catfish like other baits will.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the classic inshore slam fish, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 18-28 inches, though big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your tackle. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are peak times. Kids love the visual excitement of sight-casting to tailing fish, plus they fight hard and taste great. The secret is staying quiet and casting ahead of cruising fish - spook them and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, usually running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they feed actively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though they bite year-round in our Gulf waters. Families enjoy them because they're willing biters and make fantastic table fare with tender, flaky white meat. The trick is working the grass beds quietly - these fish spook easily. Slow-moving jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork work best, and remember not to overcook them since the meat is delicate.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, running 1-8 pounds on average with the occasional 20-pounder. They hang tight to any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, anywhere barnacles grow thick. Early spring brings the best action when they move to spawn around February through April. Kids love them because they're steady biters and excellent eating with sweet white meat. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing habit - they'll nibble and pick at your hook. My trick is to get as close to the structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel them messing with your bait.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches, looking like a floating leaf with their mottled brown coloration and three-finned appearance. They average 2-13 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds, and they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish. You'll spot them near the surface around weed lines, debris, or just free-floating in open water during summer months. What makes them special is the sight-fishing aspect and their excellent table fare - many say they taste like snapper or grouper. The key is stealth when you spot one. Cast well past the fish and work your bait back toward them slowly - they spook easily but will ambush prey that drifts close enough.
Biloxi, MS