Top-Rated Bay St. Louis Fishing Charters | 6-8 Hours

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing in the Louisiana marsh on this 6-hour trip out of Bay St. Louis. We'll be targeting some of the area's most popular inshore species - Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. The shallow, protected waters here offer steady action that's great for anglers of all skill levels. We'll use light tackle techniques like popping corks and bottom fishing to put you on the fish. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring yourself and be ready to reel 'em in. The departure time can change based on conditions, so be sure to touch base with the captain beforehand to confirm details. This trip books up fast, so a deposit is required to lock in your date. It's a perfect way to experience the rich fishing grounds of coastal Mississippi and Louisiana.

Top-Rated Bay St. Louis Fishing Charters | 6-8 Hours

Marsh Fishing Action

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Inshore action in coastal Mississippi

Hooked up in Bay St. Louis waters

Fishing fun on the Mississippi Gulf

Extended Half Day: Redfish Heaven in Bay St. Louis

Get ready to hit the Louisiana marsh for some of the best inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. This 6-hour trip out of Bay St. Louis, MS is perfect for anglers looking to tangle with hard-fighting redfish, speckled trout, and more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for a treat. We'll be using light tackle and time-tested techniques to put you on the fish. The shallow waters here are absolutely crawling with reds, specks, and other tasty targets – it's like fishing in an aquarium some days!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start bright and early, meeting up at the marina in Bay St. Louis. The exact departure time can vary based on tides and weather, so be sure to touch base with the captain beforehand. Once we're loaded up, we'll make a quick run out to the productive marsh areas. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you could be working a popping cork for specks. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a lunch). The shallow, protected waters make for a comfortable ride, even if you're prone to seasickness. Be ready for steady action – it's not uncommon to hit double-digit fish counts on these trips.

Tactics That Put Fish in the Boat

We'll be employing a mix of tried-and-true inshore techniques on this trip. Popping corks are money for speckled trout – that "pop" imitates a fleeing baitfish and drives the specks crazy. For redfish, we might switch to bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp. When conditions are right, sight-fishing for reds is an absolute blast. You'll see that copper-colored tail waving in the shallows, make a cast, and hold on tight! For sheepshead (aka "convict fish" for their black and white stripes), we'll target oyster beds and other structure. These toothy critters can be tricky to hook, but they're delicious eating. The key is a stealthy approach and a quick hookset. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – your guide will walk you through every step.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The star of the show in Louisiana marshes, redfish (also called red drum) are hard-fighting, copper-colored beauties. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a waving tail as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish in the 5-10 pound range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a real bruiser pushing 30+ pounds. The best part? They're excellent on the dinner table.

Speckled Trout: These spotted dynamos are a favorite among light-tackle anglers. They school up in the cooler months, making for fast and furious action when you find them. Specks have soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. While most run 1-3 pounds, gator trout pushing 5+ pounds are always a possibility. Their white, flaky meat is perfect for a fish fry.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you – sheepshead are clever fish and put up a great fight. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. The biggest challenge is often just getting them to bite, but once hooked, they pull like crazy for their size. Bonus: they're considered one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf.

Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty fillets. We usually catch them while targeting other species, often right along the bottom near drop-offs or cuts in the marsh. Flounder have a unique sideways strike, so it takes a bit of practice to get the hookset right. When you do connect, it's like reeling in a dinner plate!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Louisiana marsh. The scenery alone is worth the trip – miles of golden grass, winding bayous, and an incredible array of wildlife. But it's the fishing that really hooks people. The diversity of species, the year-round action, and the chance at trophy-sized fish keep anglers coming back season after season. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching your own dinner. Many guests tell us this trip opened their eyes to how exciting inshore fishing can be – it's not uncommon for folks to rebook before they even get back to the dock!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some hard-fighting inshore species, this Extended Half Day trip is calling your name. With experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and some of the most productive waters in the Gulf, you're in for a real treat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll have a blast and likely go home with a cooler full of fresh fillets. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A small, non-refundable deposit is all it takes to lock in your date. So why wait? Give FINally Fishing Charters a call and get ready for an inshore adventure you won't soon forget. The redfish are calling – will you answer?

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a prized catch in our waters. They typically run 28-33 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even muddy bottoms. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for redfishing. Anglers love 'em for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To spot one, keep an eye out for their distinctive tail - sometimes you'll see it breaking the surface as they feed in shallow water. Here's a local tip: when sight-fishing, use a weedless soft plastic lure and cast well ahead of the fish. Let it sink and slowly drag it into their path. The key is patience - wait for the red to commit before setting the hook.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among local anglers. They usually run 14-24 inches, but can get up to 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are mild. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat and the fun fight they put up on light tackle. To catch 'em, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. A local trick: on calm mornings, look for them feeding on the surface - you can often spot their fins breaking the water. When that happens, a well-placed topwater lure can lead to some explosive strikes.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. Look for them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. Spring's the best time to target them, as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these crafty fish, plus they make for some tasty table fare. Here's a tip: use a small, sharp hook with natural bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Get your bait right up against the structure, that's where they're feeding. And remember, when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard - these guys have tough mouths.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder are a unique flatfish species, typically 15-20 inches long. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the seafloor. You'll find them in coastal waters, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. These fish are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. They're most active in warmer months, making late summer and early fall prime fishing time. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge they present. To catch one, try slow-dragging a live bait or soft plastic along the bottom. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it, so patience can lead to a better hookset.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard for a relaxed 6-hour fishing trip in the Louisiana marsh, setting out from Bay St. Louis. We'll be targeting a variety of inshore species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. This trip is perfect for newcomers to fishing, as we'll be using light tackle methods in calm, shallow waters that tend to provide consistent action. You'll get to try techniques like popping corks and bottom fishing to entice the fish. Don't worry about bringing gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just remember to check in with the captain about the exact departure time, as it can shift based on the day's weather conditions. To lock in your spot, we do ask for a non-refundable deposit. Get ready for a laid-back day on the water with a good chance of reeling in some nice catches!

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