Mississippi · Gulf Coast
SHEEPSHEAD FISHING
IN BILOXI
Biloxi is an excellent destination for sheepshead fishing, with peak season in January, February, December and good catches in March, April, May. Book a charter and target sheepshead with local experts.
About Sheepshead Fishing in Biloxi
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" of saltwater — instantly recognizable by their bold black and white vertical bars across a deep, compressed body. They are structure-oriented fish found around bridges, piers, jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs, where they use their remarkable human-like teeth to crush barnacles, crabs, and shellfish. Both males and females display the same striking striped pattern, though spawning males develop a darker overall coloration.
Scientific name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Sheepshead Seasonal Calendar — Biloxi
Month-by-month availability for sheepshead in Biloxi, MS.
How to Catch Sheepshead in Biloxi
Techniques & Bait
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light rod (6'6"-7 ft), 2500 reel, 10 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader, small sharp hooks (1/0-2/0). Sensitivity is critical — you need to feel the subtle "thief" bites.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Biloxi
Top spots where local captains target sheepshead 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.
Sheepshead Fishing in Biloxi — FAQ
The peak months for Sheepshead fishing in Biloxi are January, February, December. During these months, Sheepshead are most active and abundant in the Biloxi area.
Sheepshead 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.
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
No — when you book a charter in Biloxi, your captain provides all required Mississippi fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Sheepshead 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 Sheepshead in Biloxi, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Red Snapper, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Sheepshead in Biloxi?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your sheepshead fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes