Mississippi · Gulf Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN BILOXI
Biloxi is an outstanding destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in March, April, September and good catches in January, February, May. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Biloxi
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Biloxi
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Biloxi, MS.
How to Catch Redfish in Biloxi
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Biloxi
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Back Bay of Biloxi
The Back Bay of Biloxi is a shallow tidal estuary stretching north behind the city, offering year-round inshore fishing for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder along its oyster-lined shorelines. The bay's grass beds and dock pilings concentrate baitfish on moving tides, creating prime ambush zones for predators. Fall and spring produce the most consistent action as fish push onto the flats to feed during mild water temperatures.
Deer Island Grass Flats
Deer Island sits just south of Biloxi's shoreline in Mississippi Sound, and its surrounding grass flats hold excellent populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. The island's protected lee side provides calm-water fishing even when winds build across the open sound. Sight-casting to tailing redfish on the shallow sand and grass bottom around Deer Island is one of the premier inshore experiences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Biloxi River Mouth
The Biloxi River empties into the Back Bay of Biloxi through a series of marshy bends and tidal creeks that hold redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead year-round. The freshwater outflow creates a nutrient-rich mixing zone that sustains large populations of shrimp and mullet. Anglers work the river mouth's deeper bends and oyster shell points during falling tides when gamefish ambush baitfish flushing out of the marsh.
Point Cadet Harbor
Point Cadet Harbor at the eastern tip of the Biloxi peninsula provides sheltered inshore fishing around the marina docks, rock jetties, and bridge pilings that hold sheepshead, flounder, redfish, and black drum. The harbor's proximity to Mississippi Sound means fresh tidal water flushes through on each cycle, keeping baitfish populations healthy. Winter sheepshead fishing around the barnacle-crusted pilings is a local favorite that produces reliable catches.
Other Species in Biloxi
More fish you can target while visiting Biloxi.
Redfish Fishing in Biloxi — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Biloxi are March, April, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Biloxi area.
Redfish fishing charters in Biloxi are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Biloxi, your captain provides all required Mississippi fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Mississippi include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Biloxi, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Red Snapper, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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