Ocean Springs Fishing Charters & Guides

Ocean Springs Fishing Charters

Ocean Springs is located in Jackson County, Mississippi, about two miles east of Biloxi. Revered as an arts community, the oak-lined downtown streets are home to numerous art shops and galleries. Foodies will also enjoy exploring the variety of local restaurants that call Ocean Springs home as well. As the town is located on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, seafood has played a big role in the region’s history, and is still celebrated to this day. Whether you are visiting Ocean Springs on vacation or live here year round, there are ample opportunities to get into some seriously great fishing.

Ocean Springs Inshore Fishing

The rich inshore waters and backwater lagoons are home to a number of species. Those highest on most anglers’ lists would be redfish, speckled seatrout, and flounder. Speckled seatrout are known for their aggressive tendencies and general abundance. Seatrout fishing is best in the cooler months, however lunker seatrout can be caught in the summer as well, typically before and after a full moon. Though these fish do not grow as large as some of their inshore counterparts, anglers love them for their willingness to hit both natural and artificial baits. Additionally, during the peak season, it is not uncommon for anglers to catch over a dozen trout in the same spot. Flounder are often targeted for their fantastic food quality. As a flatfish, flounder are more of an ambush style predator. They lie in wait, camouflaged near structure or ledges, waiting for a meal to drift by. Their mouths open sideways instead of up and down, meaning that anglers may want to use smaller hooks then usual to ensure that they do not miss a strike. A bait tipped jig head bounced along the bottom near the aforementioned structure will usually draw a hit. Similar to seatrout, the flounder’s accessibility also makes them a prime target for kayak and wade fishermen. The real inshore king of these waters is the redfish. Easily identified by a telltale spot near their tail, redfish are known for their powerful runs and unyielding stamina. A big red will make several line-stripping runs on lighter tackle, providing an adrenaline pumping experience unlike any other local inshore species. Anglers looking for a personal best redfish will want to plan their trip around May, though the redfish fishing is good year round in Ocean Springs. Redfish are most commonly caught on cut or live bait, as well as artificials such as spoons or topwater plugs. Get in touch with a local Ocean Springs fishing guide to know exactly when and where the big reds are biting. Keep in mind, it is near impossible to book a next day fishing charter during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead.

Ocean Springs Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing in the Gulf off the Ocean Springs coast can yield a very productive trip, providing anglers with an opportunity at grouper, snapper, amberjack, and cobia and more. Of the Gulf Grouper, black and gag are the most commonly targeted species. These are bottom feeders, often hiding in structure such as natural and artificial reefs. Grouper are not the scrappiest fighters, but are very strong. It is common for grouper to strike and immediately attempt to return to the hole they came from, meaning it is important to set the hook and start reeling right away to avoid losing the fish. Be sure to check the latest limits and regulations before harvesting any kind of grouper. There is a huge variety of snapper living in these waters, but the Red Snapper is the most commonly fished. They too live in deep water, but are a bit more agile than grouper, and they use this to their advantage when hooked. Red snapper is known for its incredible food quality, but the species is very heavily regulated. The season is very short, and limits can change year to year. Like the grouper, be certain to review the latest regulations on harvesting red snapper before deciding to take one for dinner. Cobia are not as prone to deep sea dwelling as grouper and snapper. The best time to target cobia out of Ocean Springs is from late spring through the summer into mid-fall, before the bite dies down heading into winter. Cobia can be found stalking wrecks and reefs, and can also be encountered near buoys or other markers. Common bait for cobia includes eels or mullet, along with artificials. Hardhead catfish are also known to be cobia candy. Typically regarded as a nuisance fish, hardhead catfish are very easy to catch inshore in preparation for a day of cobia fishing.

Book An Ocean Springs Fishing Charter

Whether you’re looking to chase tailing redfish inshore or tangle with a tackle-busting Cobia off the coast, Ocean Springs is the place to be. Book your next fishing trip in advance with a 10% deposit to reserve your date. Search the top Ocean Springs fishing charters, and book your next adventure today!