Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Bay St. Louis

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Bay St. Louis
$500 - $600 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Ready for a relaxed day of fishing in Bay St. Louis? This 4-hour trip is ideal for newcomers and families wanting to try their hand at catching some local favorites. You'll be targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, and more around the nearby reefs. If the weather's good, you might even cruise out to the barrier islands for a change of scenery. Don't worry about gear - everything's provided, including bait and water. The captain will even clean and bag your catch. It's a great way to introduce kids to fishing too, since those 12 and under can join for free. Just keep in mind that start times might shift with the weather, so check in with the captain beforehand. A small deposit holds your spot, and then you're set for a fun few hours on the water. Whether you're looking to reel in dinner or just enjoy being out on the boat, this trip's got you covered.

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Bay St. Louis

Reeling Them In

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Inshore action in coastal Mississippi

Hooked up in Bay St. Louis waters

Fishing fun on the Mississippi Gulf

Bay St. Louis Inshore Fishing: Half-Day Adventure

Looking for a fun, laid-back fishing trip that's perfect for the whole family? Our 4-hour inshore adventure in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi is just the ticket. We'll get you on the water and catching fish in no time, even if you've never held a rod before. From reeling in hefty redfish to battling feisty speckled trout, this trip offers a taste of the Gulf Coast's legendary inshore action without the hardcore intensity of offshore fishing. Plus, with FINally Fishing Charters, you're in for some good ol' Southern hospitality and local know-how that'll make your day on the water one to remember.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we shove off from the dock, we'll cruise through the calm, protected waters near Bay St. Louis. This area is a fish magnet, with plenty of reefs, grass flats, and other structures that hold baitfish and the predators that chase 'em. Depending on the day's conditions, we might stick close to shore or venture out to the scenic barrier islands if the water's nice and flat. Either way, you're in for some quality fishing and beautiful coastal scenery. We provide all the gear, bait, and know-how – all you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a snack or two. And don't worry about cleaning your catch; we'll take care of that for you back at the dock.

Fishing 101: Techniques & Gear

This trip is all about light tackle inshore fishing, which means we'll be using relatively small rods and reels to target fish in shallow waters. We'll likely do a mix of bottom fishing with live bait for species like sheepshead and flounder, and casting artificial lures for more active fish like redfish and trout. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. We use top-notch gear that's easy to handle, even for kids and first-timers. Speaking of kids, those 12 and under fish for free on this trip, making it a great family outing. Just remember to pack some sunscreen and a hat – the Gulf sun can be pretty fierce, even on a short trip.

Top Catches This Season

Bay St. Louis and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of gamefish that'll put a bend in your rod and a smile on your face. Here's a rundown of what we're likely to hook into:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in Bay St. Louis. They love to hang around structures like oyster reefs and dock pilings, and they put up one heck of a fight when hooked. Redfish can range from just a few pounds up to 30 or more, with the bigger ones often called "bull reds." The best part? They're delicious on the grill or blackened in a skillet.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average freshwater trout. Specks, as we call 'em, are sleek, silver fish with spots all over their backs. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Spring and fall are prime time for big specks in the Bay.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the oddballs of the inshore world. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their bite, you're in for some great eating. We typically find them around hard structures like bridge pilings and reefs.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. While they might not put up the strongest fight, flounder are prized for their sweet, delicate meat. We usually target them in the cooler months when they're moving through the bays.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love our Bay St. Louis trips for a bunch of reasons. First off, it's just plain convenient. You don't need to spend all day on the water or battle big waves to get into some quality fishing. The short 4-hour trip is perfect for families with younger kids or anyone who wants to mix fishing with other vacation activities. Plus, the variety of fish we catch means there's always something biting, even if one species isn't cooperating. And let's not forget the scenery – between the coastal marshes, barrier islands, and abundant wildlife, there's plenty to see even when the fish aren't biting.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to wet a line in Bay St. Louis? Our half-day inshore trips are booking up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, we require a non-refundable deposit to lock in your date, so don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a quick fishing fix or a complete novice wanting to try your hand at Gulf Coast fishing, we've got you covered. Bring the whole family – remember, kids 12 and under fish for free – and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, some fish stories to take home. Give us a call or book online, and we'll see you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They love shallow water, often in just 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old piers. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 28 to 33 inches, but can grow much bigger. Fall's the best time to catch 'em as they school up. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook one, try topwater lures in the shallows for some explosive action. A local trick: when you spot their tails in skinny water, cast well ahead and wait for them to find your bait. Don't forget to look for that distinctive black spot near the tail – it's their trademark. These fish aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different lures and baits. Just be ready for a strong fight when you hook up – Redfish don't give up easily!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers go crazy for their acrobatic fights and tasty, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Live shrimp work great too. Here's a local secret: troll slowly along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. These fish school up in deeper waters during winter, so adjust your strategy with the seasons. Remember, they're softer than other inshore fish, so be careful not to overcook them if you're planning a fish fry. The mild, delicate flavor is worth the extra care.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinctive black and gray stripes. These tough fighters usually weigh 1-8 pounds but can hit 20 pounds if you're lucky. Look for them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs – anywhere with barnacles or oysters. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers, known for their human-like teeth and ability to crush shellfish. The fight is solid, and the meat is sweet and delicious. To land one, use light tackle and small, strong hooks. Fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp work great as bait. Here's a local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait, so timing is everything. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for catching these flatfish as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To land one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait or artificial lures. A local trick is to use a Carolina rig with a live mullet or shrimp – works like a charm. When you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. These ambush predators are known for their light bite, so patience is key. Remember, they're left-eyed flatfish, so keep that in mind when you're trying to spot them on the bottom.

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