The Gulf of Mexico is an angling mecca, with legendary waters that are home to plenty of world-famous nearshore, inshore, and offshore fish species. Even better? With Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida all providing access to its waters, there’s a whopping number of Gulf of Mexico fishing charters to choose from.
When it comes to inshore fishing, the Gulf’s coastal waters are legendary. They’re home to Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Tarpon, and many more, and you’ll be able to cast a line year-round. There’s plenty of action in the Gulf’s shallows, bays, and estuaries to fill up a full day trip, and a half day trip is the perfect introduction to angling for new anglers.
The Gulf is peppered with artificial reefs, some located just a mile from shore. You’ll be able to reef hop for Grouper and Snapper, Kingfish, Cobia, Amberjack, and Barracuda. Departing from an area located near the continental shelf, such as the Florida Panhandle? You can hit the reefs on a half day trip. A full day trip is necessary when fishing from locations that are further away.
Finally, there’s the Gulf’s deep sea fishing action. As well as the reefs that lie hundreds of miles from shore, these waters are also dotted with oil rigs and underwater canyons. And what lurks there? Feisty big game fish! Head out on a full day trip and you’ll encounter Mahi Mahi, Marlin varieties, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Tuna species.
You’ll find charters located all along the Gulf’s coastline, no matter which state you’re in. Some of the most popular locations include Destin, FL, Orange Beach, AL, Biloxi, MS, Venice, LA, and Galveston, TX.
Rules & Regulations
Casting a line from a Gulf of Mexico fishing charter means that your license will usually be covered for you, except in Texas, where you’ll need to purchase one yourself. Size and bag limits for specific species differ from state to state, and your captain can fill you in on this.