Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious rod-bending action in Ocean Springs? Our 6-hour island trip is where it's at. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and bragging to your buddies back home. Whether you're chasing reds in the shallows or battling tripletail around structure, we've got the hotspots dialed in. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to show you why Ocean Springs is a fish-slinger's paradise.
Listen up, folks. This ain't your average boat ride. We're hitting the water for a solid 6 hours of non-stop fishing action. Our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you can bet your bottom dollar we're putting you on the fish. We're targeting a smorgasbord of species – redfish, tripletail, pompano, flounder, sheepshead, and speckled trout. It's like a who's who of inshore gamefish, and they're all on the menu. We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Just remember, we're not packing lunches, so grab some grub before you hop aboard. Trust me, you'll be too busy reeling 'em in to worry about food anyway!
Alright, let's talk shop. We're fishing inshore, which means we're working the sweet spots around islands, grass flats, and structure. Depending on what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, or dropping live bait around pilings for tripletail. Our go-to setups? Light tackle spinning gear that'll give you a real fight with these fish. We're talking 7-foot rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels, spooled with 10-15 pound braid. For you artificial fans, we'll be slinging soft plastics, topwater plugs, and maybe even fly gear if that's your jam. And for the bait crowd, we've got live shrimp and croakers that these fish just can't resist. The key here is versatility – we adapt our tactics to what the fish are telling us on any given day.
We don't have any customer reviews to share just yet, but let me tell you, the feedback we get is off the charts. Folks leave our charters with big smiles, bigger fish stories, and usually a cooler full of fresh fillets. Stay tuned for some real angler testimonials coming soon!
Let's break down the hit list, shall we? First up, we've got the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs. Reds in Ocean Springs can range from rat reds around 16 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch 'em year-round.
Next, we've got the tripletail. These oddball fish look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, but don't let their appearance fool you – they fight like demons and taste even better. We usually find them lounging near floating debris or buoys, and they're suckers for a well-placed live shrimp. They show up in force from May through October, with some real slabs pushing 20 pounds.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" as we call 'em, are the bane of many anglers but a favorite target for those in the know. These striped thieves are masters at stealing bait, but when you hook up, they pull like a freight train. They hang around structure year-round, but the big spawning run in late winter to early spring is when things get crazy. Bring your A-game, because these guys require pinpoint accuracy and a sixth sense to detect their subtle bites.
Speckled trout, or "specks" to the locals, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted speedsters are a blast on light tackle and make for some fine eating. We catch 'em year-round, but the big gator trout really show up in the cooler months. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars, and be ready for some topwater explosions at dawn and dusk.
Last but not least, we've got the summer flounder. These flatfish might not look like much, but they're ambush predators with a serious appetite. We catch 'em drifting sandy bottoms or working jigs along drop-offs. The bigger ones, which we call "doormats," can stretch over 20 inches and put up one heck of a fight. Plus, there's nothing quite like that first flounder flop in the boat – it gets everyone fired up!
Look, I could talk fish all day, but the real magic happens out on the water. Our 6-hour island trip is the perfect way to experience the best inshore fishing Ocean Springs has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local intel to put you on fish. All you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a lucky hat. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, once you fish Ocean Springs, you'll be hooked for life!
Sheepshead are an oddball fish that'll test your skills. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20 pounds. Look for them around structure like docks, pilings, and reefs. These convict-striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Winter and early spring are prime time as they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. They put up a strong fight for their size. The white, flaky meat is delicious but cleaning them can be tricky with their tough scales. Here's a local tip: Use a small, sharp hook and thread a fiddler crab on sideways. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch and great eating too. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy gator trout can top 10 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper holes, especially at dawn and dusk. They're ambush predators that love to hit topwater lures, jigs, and live bait. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the fish school up. Trout fishing is fast-paced and exciting - they hit hard and often jump when hooked. The meat is delicate and tasty, perfect for a fish fry. My go-to trick is to fish a popping cork with a shrimp imitation underneath. The sound draws trout in from a distance, leading to some awesome strikes.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These bronze bruisers usually run 28-33 inches but can top 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them tailing in shallow water 1-4 feet deep, especially around oyster beds and grass flats. They love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as big schools move into the shallows to feed. Redfish put up a strong, dogged fight and they're excellent eating too. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is incredibly exciting. My favorite way to catch them is with topwater lures at dawn - there's nothing like seeing a big red explode on a surface plug. Pro tip: On calm days, look for pushes of water or "nervous" baitfish to find feeding reds.
Tripletail are an odd-looking fish that'll give you a fun challenge. They usually run 2-13 pounds but can get up to 40. Look for them near the surface around floating debris or weed lines. These guys are master ambush predators - they'll lie on their side to mimic floating junk, then pounce on prey. We typically target them from April to October when the water's warm. Sight casting is the way to go, but you've gotta be stealthy. Cast past them and slowly work your bait back. They'll smash shrimp, crab, or small fish imitations. Tripletail put up an acrobatic fight and taste great too, similar to snapper. My top tip? Keep a keen eye out for dark shadows near buoys or other floating structure. A well-placed cast can bring explosive strikes from these unique fish.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators that'll keep you on your toes. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like wrecks or reefs. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water. Flounder fishing requires finesse - they often just pick up the bait and lie still. But when hooked, they put up a spirited fight. The white, flaky meat is top-notch table fare. My favorite trick is to use a bucktail jig tipped with a live minnow or strip of squid. Work it slowly along the bottom with short hops to trigger strikes from these crafty ambush hunters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 47
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300