Founded in 1699, Biloxi, MS, is one of the USA’s oldest settlements. A strong community spirit quickly developed here, and still exists to this day. A visit to “the Playground of the South” will have you experiencing plenty of old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Even better, the underwater community is thriving, too! With inshore, nearshore, and offshore fisheries to explore, how better to cast your line than on a Biloxi fishing adventure?
Located on the shorelines of the Mississippi Sound, Biloxi provides direct access to its fish-filled waters. The mighty Gulf of Mexico lies just beyond. That’s not all that’s in store for enthusiastic anglers, though. Biloxi is at the heart of the “Fertile Fisheries Crescent,” meaning that the area is packed with a diversity of marshes, reefs, piers, and lakes. Playground of the South? When it comes to the underwater action on offer, we have to agree!
On land, there’s an exciting mix of landmarks, casinos, and bustling city life to explore. Before you grab your rods and reels and head off to discover what Biloxi has to offer, you probably want to know more about its incredible fishing scene. What can you catch? Where are the hottest spots to cast a line? Don’t worry – we’ll covered all of this, and more, below. Read on…
What can I catch in Biloxi?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as where you want to go, and how far. Ultimately, there’s plenty of underwater creatures you could find on the end of your line when fishing in Biloxi! Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
Redfish
Biloxi Marsh lies just south of the city proper. Its waters are the perfect playground for one species in particular – Redfish. This species is beloved all along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Biloxi’s proximity to these marshlands and the “Fertile Fisheries Crescent” means that anglers here commonly hook into varieties weighing 30 pounds year-round. And if you’re casting your line during November or December, a 50 lb Red may well be biting!
The marshlands aren’t the only place to encounter Redfish, either. Head to Biloxi Bay or the shallow waters of the Mississippi Gulf, and you can expect to see the telltale golden-red scales of this fish flashing underwater. Local anglers like to test their skills against these hard-fighters by using light tackle aided with light sliding sinkers. Redfish will chow down on a variety of live bait, including shrimp, crab, and pinfish, as well as artificial lures.
Speckled Trout
From one shallow-water favorite to another! While the size of Biloxi’s Redfish means that having some prior angling experience comes in handy, Specks are the perfect target for families and new anglers. There’s a reason why they’re thought of as the USA’s favorite light tackle game fish, after all. It probably has something to do with their abundance and great taste. A Biloxi Speck fishing adventure is the perfect way to fill your cooler.
Specks can be hooked in Biloxi’s marshes, bays, and shallow waters all through the year. If you’re looking for a real fishing bonanza, late fall and early winter are the times to visit. Although they’re not as strong as Redfish pound-for-pound, Specks will eagerly hit a variety of bait, including shrimp, croakers, mullet, and soft lures. And when they hit your bait? You’ll feel it, especially if you follow the locals and use light tackle to reel ’em in!
Cobia
Known locally as “Lemonfish,” there’s a reason why Cobia are a firm favorite in this part of Mississippi. Not only do they make for hard-fighting action, as well as seriously juicy table fare, but they also flock around Biloxi’s many anchored vessels and buoys. Biloxi lies along a stretch of the Gulf of Mexico that’s just bustling with a whole host of underwater structure. This means there’s plenty of Lemonfish around!
Even better? These feisty fish can be found in the Gulf of Mexico all year round, so you’ll be able to target them whenever you visit. Although they might at first seem like intimidating opponents, thanks to their fondness for long and powerful runs, tempt ’em with the right bait and you’re well on your way to a fight you won’t forget. Eel, squid, and croaker are popular choices, and jigs are often used to make Cobia mad enough to bite!
Red Snapper
Fishing for Red Snapper in Biloxi is a beloved local tradition. Strict open and closed seasons set to protect these fish do nothing to hamper the excitement of Mississippi anglers looking to hook the Red Snapper of a lifetime! When the federal season opens, in particular, you can expect a serious rush. This means that planning your Snapper trip well in advance, especially if it involves booking a local charter, is of utmost importance.
So why do Biloxi natives go berserk for these fish? Well, the Reds that lurk in the Gulf’s federal waters grow to spectacular sizes, and they taste pretty delicious, too. Oh, and add to that the fact that they’re plenty of fun to catch, and you have a real winner on your hands. It’s easy to see why they’re so in demand! Luckily, even if you miss the open season for Reds, Biloxi is home to a whole host of other Snapper – Vermilion, Mangrove, Lane, and more.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Biloxi is all about perseverance. You’ll have to spend at least a full day (or night) out on these waters in order to reach the playgrounds of these big beasts, but you’ll be rewarded in kind. There’s nothing quite like spotting shimmering scales underwater as a school of gigantic Tuna chases your bait – except for the resulting battle! These fish are aggressive, speedy, and put up a real fight at the end of your line.
So why Biloxi? Well, the Mississippi Coast is one of the best places to hook into these fish, thanks to its year-round Yellowfin population. In the summer, you’ll have to follow ’em into deeper waters, whereas winter sees them moving into slightly shallower fisheries. The average size of Tuna here tends to be around the 50-pound mark. Local anglers report hooking into 150+ lb beasts, though, so make sure you bring your fighting spirit!
…And the Rest!
These are our pick of the bunch when it comes to casting a line in Biloxi, but they’re by no means the only fish you can hook here. Inshore, you’ll find Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, and toothy Shark species. Nearshore, there’s Amberjack, Grouper varieties, and Kingfish lurking around underwater structure. And if you’re going after Yellowfin Tuna offshore, chances are you’ll also come across Mahi Mahi, Marlin, and other Billfish.
How can I fish in Biloxi?
From a Boat
Cruising Biloxi Bay? Exploring the shorelines of the Mississippi Gulf? Heading far offshore on a big game battle? No matter where you want to go, casting a line from a local charter vessel is the most popular (and productive!) way to get your fish on. You’ll find a whole host of local charter captains running trips all across the city. These vary from short shallow-water bay adventures to multi-day offshore excursions.
Private trips are the name of the game in Biloxi. Depending on where you want to fish, they can look pretty different. If you’re heading to Biloxi Marsh in search of Specks, you’ll likely board a flats boat or skiff, perfect for navigating these shallow waters. Heading to the wrecks, rigs, or other underwater structure further offshore? Sportfishing vessels are popular, and they’re usually decked out with all the latest fish-finding amenities!
From Shore
You don’t need to step aboard a boat in order to enjoy a day of fishing in Biloxi, though. If you’d prefer to just grab your rods and reels and explore its offerings on foot, there are plenty of options. You can cast a line from one of its many piers, explore its bridges, or simply fish along its shoreline. In fact, it’s fair to say that on-foot fishing is a bit of an obsession along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast!
Although you won’t be able to pull in a gigantic Tuna from land, there’s still a whole host of fish on offer, from Speckled Trout to tasty Flounder, to huge Redfish and Black Drum. Locals suggest fishing around any kind of structure, such as jetties, bridge pilings, and sandbars, for the best results. With little preparation required, anglers of all skill levels can enjoy this local way of fishing!
From a Kayak
With so many inshore fisheries to explore, it only makes sense that kayak fishing is earning a name for itself in Biloxi. What could be better than heading to the serene waters of Biloxi Marsh and paddling yourself along its fertile waters? You can spend a whole day here and not encounter another single angler. If fishing has always been about relaxation and escapism for you, kayak fishing in Biloxi is the key to wish fulfillment.
However, although it looks serene on the surface, kayak fishing can easily become anything but, especially if you’re inexperienced. Remember that you’ll have to paddle or peddle your own vessel, as well as wielding a fishing rod – all at the same time as looking out for your target catch. If you have the skills (and strength!) to manage this, though, then you’re in for a day of fishing that you won’t soon forget.
Where can I fish in Biloxi?
Thanks to the huge number of fisheries on offer, there are plenty of places in Biloxi to cast a line. We’ve outlined our favorite inshore, nearshore, and offshore hotspots below.
- Biloxi Lighthouse Pier: Biloxi’s lighthouse is iconic, so what could be better than casting a line with it in sight? Its pier is 750-feet long, and provides access to Deer Island Highway, which is rife with mullet – and the Redfish and Specks that like to feed on them.
- Biloxi Back Bay: We had to include the entire bay – it’s home to some of the area’s most beloved catches, after all. Here, you’ll find inshore favorites such as Redfish, Specks, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. It’s a popular spot for captains running inshore fishing trips, too.
- Biloxi Bay Bridge: There’s plenty of concrete structure dotted around this bridge, so you’ll find lots of fish – but it also ups the potential for line breakage! Bring heavy tackle to battle Sheepshead and Black Drum in winter, whereas spring sees Reds, Specks, and even Spanish Mackerel.
- Small Craft Harbor: Located in Old Town Biloxi, this picturesque marina is where you’ll find some of the area’s cream-of-the-crop fishing charters. It’s located right along the city’s shorelines, which means a straight run will take you directly out onto the Gulf.
- The Passes: Nine Mile Pass, Three Mile Pass, Elephant Pass, Creole Gap, Brown Pass…Biloxi Marsh is full of narrow stretches of water that are packed with a variety of inshore favorites, such as Redfish and Speckled Trout.
- Horn Island Bar: Calling all Cobia fanatics! During May, locally-loved Lemonfish surround Horn Island, drawn to its combination of bait fish, shallow waters, and deep waters. The bar, located on the south side of the island, is especially plentiful, and is a short boat journey from Biloxi.
Fishing Tournaments in Biloxi
Looking to ramp things up a notch and indulge in some tournament fishing in Biloxi? You’re in luck – the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic tournament takes place in this city. Known as the Gulf of Mexico’s premier Billfish tournament, you’ll be able to test your skills at hooking some record-breaking fish, and win some prizes, too!
Anything else I need to know?
Just the legalities of fishing here, of course. Any angler age between 16–65 needs to purchase a valid fishing license to cast a line here. Luckily, you can buy one online from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and it’s a very simple process.
If you’re fishing alongside a local charter captain, your license will be covered for you, so all you need to do is hop aboard. Looking to explore the area’s offerings on foot? Some piers require an entry fee that will cover your license for you, but this depends on each individual location, so make sure you check in advance.
Biloxi: the Playground of the South
It’s not just Biloxi’s on-land offerings that have earned it such a fun-loving nickname. We think that the underwater action this city has to offer is just as exciting! Where else can you explore marshes, bridges, sandbars, islands, and deep offshore waters? Even better, you’ll experience ’em with a heavy helping of Southern hospitality, too. Grab your rods and reels, and come discover the magic of a Biloxi fishing adventure for yourself!
Have you ever been fishing in Biloxi? Where did you go? What did you catch? Any tips or tricks to share with us? Comment below – we love hearing from you!
Katie is a Philosophy graduate from the UK, and now she spends her time asking (and answering!) the important questions, such as: What, exactly, are the best ways to bait a hook for Redfish? She first cast a line in Florida as a teenager, and it took her a while to circle back to angling as a hobby, but now she’s hooked. Her personal fishing highlight? Reeling in a rare Golden Trevally while cruising the deep waters off the United Arab Emirates!
