Ready for a serious day of offshore action? Captain David Burlison's full-day trip out of Ocean Springs, MS is your ticket to some of the Gulf's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to tangle with Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to step up your game, this trip delivers the goods.
We'll meet up bright and early at the Ocean Springs Harbor. Captain David's boat is rigged and ready for a full day of offshore fishing. Once we clear the harbor, it's a smooth ride out to the prime fishing grounds. With 8 hours to play with, we've got time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on the fish. You'll be using top-notch tackle, and the captain's got years of local knowledge to put you on the bite. Expect a mix of bottom fishing for snappers and jacks, as well as some trolling for pelagics like King Mackerel. The Gulf can dish out some weather, so come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket. Don't worry about food - there's no meals included, so pack a cooler with drinks and snacks to keep you fueled up all day.
This trip's all about variety. We'll likely start off bottom fishing, dropping baits down to structure where Red Snapper and Amberjack hang out. It's all about feeling that thump and setting the hook hard. As the day heats up, we might switch to trolling for Kings. That's when things can get really exciting - these fish hit hard and run fast. The captain's got a bunch of tricks up his sleeve, from live baiting to jigging, so you'll get to try different techniques throughout the day. And don't be surprised if we spot some Cobia cruising by - they're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight casting. The Gulf's always got surprises, so stay on your toes and be ready for anything.
Ocean Springs might not be as well-known as some Gulf ports, but that's part of its charm. You get all the great fishing without the crowds. Captain David's trips are a customer favorite because he puts in the work to find fish and keeps things fun all day long. Regulars love the variety - one minute you're muscling up a big Amberjack, the next you're finessing a Red Snapper off the bottom. And let's be honest, there's something special about being offshore all day. You really get to settle into the rhythm of the Gulf and soak in that salty air. It's the kind of trip where time flies by, and before you know it, you're heading back to the dock with a cooler full of fish and a head full of stories.
Red Snapper: These are the crown jewels of Gulf bottom fishing. Bright red and feisty, Red Snapper put up a great fight and make even better eating. They typically hang around reefs and wrecks, and when you find them, it can be non-stop action. The average size is 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a real bruiser in the 20-pound class. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, so when it's open, you want to get out there.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these speedsters are the sprinters of the Gulf. They can hit 60 mph when they're chasing bait, and when one slams your trolled bait, hold on tight! Kings average 10-20 pounds but can get much bigger. The fight is all about long, smoking runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're around most of the year but really show up in numbers during the warmer months.
Greater Amberjack: Pound for pound, these might be the toughest fish in the Gulf. Amberjack, or AJs as we call them, are like underwater freight trains. They live near deep structure and when you hook one, be ready for a battle. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't uncommon. The season's limited, but when it's on, it's some of the best pull-your-arms-off fishing you can find.
Cobia: These fish are a real treat when we find them. Cobia are curious by nature and often swim right up to the boat. They're powerful fighters with a lot of endurance, so landing a big one is a real accomplishment. The average size is 20-40 pounds, but 60+ pounders show up regularly. Cobia migrate through our area, with the best fishing usually in spring and fall. They're excellent eating too, so everyone gets excited when a Cobia shows up.
Look, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this full-day trip with Captain David is hard to beat. You're getting 8 solid hours on some of the Gulf's most productive waters, targeting a mix of hard-fighting, great-eating fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to make some lasting memories. The captain provides all the gear and know-how - you just need to bring your A-game and be ready for action. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Pier Pressure Charters a call and lock in your date. Trust me, after a day out here, you'll be hooked on Gulf fishing for life.
Cobia, or ling as we sometimes call them, are one of the coolest fish in the Gulf. They're odd-looking critters - long and sleek, often mistaken for sharks. Most run 20 to 50 pounds, but they can top 100. We find them near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and even big rays. Spring's the best time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are prized for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They're curious fish, so sight-casting to them is a blast. When you spot one, toss a bright jig or eel imitation their way. Here's a local trick: if a cobia follows your bait but won't bite, quickly jerk it away. That often triggers their predatory instinct and they'll pounce. Be ready though - once hooked, they'll test your arms and your gear.
Greater Amberjack are true bruisers of the Gulf. These powerful fish can hit 6 feet long and push 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around deep reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60 to 250 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime times as they gather to spawn. Anglers love AJs for their incredible strength - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting fish out there. They're good eating too, with firm white meat. To land one, drop a live bait or big jig right into the structure. When they hit, get ready for a serious battle. My local tip: use a short, stout rod and reel spooled with at least 60-pound braid. You'll need every bit of that stopping power when a big AJ decides to dive for cover.
King Mackerel are a blast to catch out here in the Gulf. These speedsters typically run 20-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds for the big ones. We find them in depths from 40 to 150 feet, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so prime time is spring and fall when water temps are in the 70s. Kings are popular for their screaming runs - when one hits, hold on tight! Their meat is good eating too, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. For the best shot at hooking up, I like to slow-troll live bait like blue runners or mullet. Use a stinger rig to deal with their slash-and-grab feeding style. Once you hook up, be ready for some serious action on light tackle.
Red Snapper are the stars of the Gulf - beautiful fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 5 to 15 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60 to 300 feet of water. They're open seasonally, usually in summer, so check regulations before we head out. Snappers are structure-oriented, so precise anchoring or drifting is key. They put up a good scrap, especially on light tackle, and their white, flaky meat is top-notch for the dinner table. To entice the bigger ones, try dropping down a live pinfish or squirrelfish. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast and steady. Hesitate, and that snapper will dive back into the wreck and break you off. It's all about that quick reaction to get them away from cover.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 47
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