Mississippi · Gulf Coast
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN GULFPORT
Gulfport is a solid destination for flounder fishing, with peak season in October and good catches in March, April, May. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Gulfport
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — Gulfport
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Gulfport, MS.
How to Catch Flounder in Gulfport
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Gulfport
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
Gulfport Harbor Jetties
The rock jetties flanking the entrance to Gulfport Harbor provide excellent inshore structure fishing for sheepshead, redfish, flounder, and black drum year-round. The jetty rocks are encrusted with oysters and barnacles that attract sheepshead in large numbers, especially during winter months. Anglers cast live shrimp and fiddler crabs tight to the rocks on incoming tides for consistent catches just minutes from the harbor boat ramps.
Bernard Bayou
Bernard Bayou winds through the northern sections of Gulfport before emptying into the Back Bay of Biloxi system, creating a sheltered inshore fishery where speckled trout, redfish, and flounder hold along dock pilings and oyster shell banks. The bayou's narrow channel concentrates fish along predictable structure during falling tides when baitfish flush from the surrounding marsh. It is a favorite among local kayak anglers seeking quiet, productive inshore waters within the city limits.
Mississippi Sound Oyster Reefs
The extensive oyster reef system throughout Mississippi Sound north of the barrier islands provides prime inshore habitat for speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum. These reefs create hard-bottom structure in the otherwise soft-bottom sound, concentrating gamefish along their edges during tidal exchanges. Gulfport anglers drift the reef edges with live shrimp under popping corks, a technique that produces reliable catches of speckled trout throughout the cooler months.
Bayou Auguste
Bayou Auguste is a quiet tidal creek east of Gulfport that connects to the Mississippi Sound through a network of marsh grass and oyster beds holding redfish, flounder, and speckled trout. The bayou's limited boat traffic and unspoiled shoreline provide a secluded inshore fishing experience just a short ride from Gulfport's public boat launches. Low-tide sight-fishing for tailing redfish on the bayou's exposed mud and shell flats is a productive technique in the warmer months.
Other Species in Gulfport
More fish you can target while visiting Gulfport.
Flounder Fishing in Gulfport — FAQ
The peak months for Flounder fishing in Gulfport are October. During these months, Flounder are most active and abundant in the Gulfport area.
Flounder fishing charters in Gulfport are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in Gulfport, your captain provides all required Mississippi fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder 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 Flounder in Gulfport, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Red Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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