Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Bay St. Louis

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Bay St. Louis
$500 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a relaxed half-day of fishing in the waters around Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This 4-hour trip is ideal if you're new to fishing or want a fun outing with the family. You'll be targeting a variety of fish like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder near reefs and coastal structures. If the weather's good, you might even cruise out to the nearby barrier islands. The captain provides all the gear you need, plus bait, water, and ice. They'll even clean and bag your catch at the end. It's a great introduction to Gulf Coast fishing without any fuss – just show up ready to cast a line. Kids 12 and under can join for free, making it a budget-friendly option for families. Remember to check in about the exact meeting time, as it can shift with the weather. A deposit holds your spot, so you're all set for a day on the water.

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Bay St. Louis

Rods, Reels, and Catches

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Inshore action in coastal Mississippi

Hooked up in Bay St. Louis waters

Fishing fun on the Mississippi Gulf

Reel in the Fun: Bay St. Louis Beginner's Fishing Trip

Looking to wet a line without getting in over your head? This laid-back 4-hour charter is perfect for newcomers and families wanting to test the waters around Bay St. Louis. We'll cruise the local hotspots, hunting for tasty inshore species like redfish and speckled trout. The calm waters and seasoned captain make it a breeze for first-timers to land their very own 'big one'. With all the gear provided and free rides for kids, it's an easy way to introduce the whole crew to the joys of Gulf Coast fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

Once you step aboard our comfy vessel, we'll motor out to some prime fishing grounds near Bay St. Louis. The captain knows all the sweet spots where fish like to hang out - from man-made reefs to natural structures. We'll set you up with rods, reels, and bait, then show you the ropes on how to cast and reel like a pro. Most days we stick to the protected inshore waters, but if the Gulf's playing nice, we might venture out to the scenic barrier islands for a change of scenery. Throughout the trip, your guide will be there to bait hooks, offer tips, and make sure everyone's having a blast. At the end of the day, we'll even clean and bag your catch so you can show off (or grill up) your prizes back home.

Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques

Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before - we've got you covered. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. You'll get hands-on experience with basic inshore techniques like bottom fishing and drift fishing. We might use live bait to entice the fish, or toss out some artificial lures if that's what's biting. The calm inshore waters make it easy to get the hang of things without worrying about seasickness. Your captain will teach you how to feel for bites, set the hook, and reel in your catch like a champ. By the end of the trip, you'll be amazed at how quickly you've picked up these fishing fundamentals.

Top Catches This Season

The waters around Bay St. Louis are teeming with a variety of inshore game fish. Here's a rundown of the main players you might hook into:

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a fan favorite for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted by their distinctive tail as they feed in shallow water. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round in Bay St. Louis.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these silvery fish with black spots are prized for their delicate flavor. They're most active in the cooler months and love to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch when setting the hook is key.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as fun to catch as they are to look at. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling for their subtle bite takes some practice. But once hooked, they put up a great fight for their size. Spring is the best time to target sheepshead around local structures.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. While they might not win any beauty contests, flounder are delicious and fun to catch. We often find them near drop-offs and creek mouths, especially in the fall when they start their offshore migration.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters of Bay St. Louis that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, or the pride of reeling in a fish you caught all by yourself. For families, it's a chance to bond and create lasting memories away from screens and daily distractions. The area's diverse ecosystem means there's always something biting, no matter the season. And let's not forget the breathtaking coastal scenery - from pelicans diving for their dinner to the possibility of spotting dolphins on calm days. Plus, with a local captain at the helm, you're not just fishing - you're getting an insider's tour of this beautiful slice of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to cast off on your Bay St. Louis fishing adventure? This beginner-friendly charter is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of inshore angling. With all gear provided, expert guidance, and the chance to catch some of the Gulf's tastiest fish, it's a no-brainer for families and first-timers. Remember, kids 12 and under fish for free, making it an affordable outing for the whole gang. The memories (and fish stories) you'll make will last long after you've polished off your fresh-caught dinner. Don't let this chance to discover your new favorite hobby slip away - hook your spot on a Bay St. Louis charter today and get ready to reel in the fun!

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of inshore fishing. They're easily recognized by their copper color and black spot near the tail. Most inshore reds range from 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters, often 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshes. Fall is prime time as they school up, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, but here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they feed in the shallows. Quietly approach and cast a gold spoon or soft plastic just ahead of them. The fight that follows is unforgettable, especially in skinny water.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Bay St. Louis anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots typically range from 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Sea Trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a blast to catch. They're also excellent eating fish with a mild, delicate flavor. To increase your chances, try this local tip: use a popping cork rig with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise attracts trout from a distance, and they can't resist a lively shrimp. Fish the edges of grass beds or around oyster reefs for best results.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddball of inshore fishing, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and grow 14-20 inches long. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – pilings, bridges, and reefs are hotspots. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their crafty nature and excellent table fare. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to be quick on the hookset. Here's a local trick: use a small, strong hook and thread a fiddler crab or piece of shrimp on it, leaving just the tip exposed. When you feel the slightest tap, set the hook hard. It's a challenge, but landing a big sheepshead is always rewarding.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, often hiding in sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators are a blast to catch year-round, but fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table. They can be tricky to hook, so here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then set it hard. Light tackle and live bait like bull minnows or mullet work great. Whether you're drift fishing or anchored near structure, patience is key with these flat fish.

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