This “Friendly City” is packed full of good ol’ southern charm – and plenty of fish species, too! It might be smaller and less well-known than its California counterpart, but head to Mississippi’s Long Beach and you’ll find a whole host of angling opportunities on offer. It’s located right in the heart of the “Fertile Fisheries Crescent,” with the Gulf a stone’s throw away. So whether you’re thirsting for inshore, nearshore, or offshore action, you’ll find it here.

Long Beach provides access to shallows, harbors, jetties, flatbeds and marshes. Here you’ll find world-famous fish such as Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Jack Crevalle. There’s enough action to easily fill a full day trip, but if you’re newer to angling, a half day trip allows for the perfect introduction to Long Beach’s inshore fishing opportunities.

Want to come up against some tasty table fare? Head out onto the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a nearshore adventure. These waters are home to reefs and wrecks, which can be found less than a mile from shore. A half day trip allows plenty of time for reef hopping, where you’ll encounter Sheepshead, Black Drum, and even Grouper or Snapper species. Want to head out past the barrier islands? Opt for a full day trip, where you’ll get to fight Cobia.

Then there’s the offshore waters of the Gulf. You’ll want to make the most of a full day adventure, as you’ll usually be traveling up to 40 miles to reach the hotspots. Here, you can troll for Tuna species, Mahi Mahi, and a variety of Billfish.

Rules & Regulations

If you’re casting a line from a Long Beach fishing charter, you’ll be provided with a valid fishing license. Your captain will also be able to inform you of local rules and regulations regarding specific species.

Fishing in Long Beach

Rules & Regulations

Long Beach Fishing Seasons

January

Start the new year off in the right way, by hooking your fill of Redfish and Specks! The marshes around Cat Island are particularly productive at this time of the year.

February

It’s usually pretty cold and windy, but if you’re willing to risk the elements, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of Black Drum and Sheepshead around the reefs! Inshore fishing remains hot.

March

The unofficial “start” to Long Beach’s fishing season, this month sees an abundance of Redfish and Specks in the shallows! Reef fishing is productive, too.

April

Sheepshead move to reefs further offshore, where you can also plumb the depths for some huge Grouper. Long Beach’s anglers eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first Cobia!

May

May usually signals the open season for Amberjack and Red Snapper. Bull Reds and huge Specks inhabit inshore waters, and Cobia season is in full swing.

June

This month means one thing to most Mississippi anglers – Red Snapper! The open season changes annually, so make sure you check the dates and book your charter well in advance.

July

If you’re craving a bluewater adventure, this is the time to visit. Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and huge Tuna species all make an appearance offshore. On land, it’s time for the annual Speckled Trout Shootout tournament!

August

If you’re willing to brave the heat, Bull Redfish can be found in the marshes and flatbeds, or you can target Flounder here under the cover of darkness. Offshore fishing remains strong.

September

Grouper species and Amberjack can be found in abundance around the reefs, and Black Drum and Flounder can be found inshore. With some skill and precision, you can land Bull Reds, too.

October

The blistering summer heat starts to cool, making this the perfect month for a relaxing inshore fishing trip. Redfish are abundant once more, and are joined by Flounder and Jack Crevalle.

November

Cooler weather means less boats out on the water, so if you want to hit your limit of Bull Reds and Specks, this is the perfect time to visit! The marshes, flatbeds, and shallows are all plentiful.

December

Sheepshead and Black Drum start returning from the reefs to the shallows, and the mighty Blackfin Tuna can be found offshore. Give yourself the best Christmas gift around by hooking one of these fish!