Mississippi · Gulf Coast
INSHORE FISHING
IN OCEAN SPRINGS
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Ocean Springs. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs, Mississippi offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Ocean Springs is a charming arts community on the shores of Biloxi Bay, offering outstanding inshore fishing for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder in the sheltered bay waters. The nearby barrier islands provide additional nearshore and offshore fishing opportunities. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Ocean Springs target an impressive roster of species including Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder and more. Peak season runs through October, March, April, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Ocean Springs. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Mississippi fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
What's Biting in Ocean Springs This September
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Ocean Springs
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Drum |
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
| Redfish |
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
| Sheepshead |
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
| Speckled Trout |
F
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
—
|
| Pompano |
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Ocean Springs
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Ocean Springs area.
Davis Bayou
Davis Bayou is the centerpiece of the Gulf Islands National Seashore's mainland unit in Ocean Springs, offering a protected tidal waterway where speckled trout, redfish, and flounder hold along its marsh grass edges and oyster shell banks. The bayou's visitor center and public boat ramp provide convenient access to this scenic inshore fishery surrounded by maritime forest. Fall produces exceptional speckled trout fishing as cooler water temperatures push fish into the bayou's deeper bends and pools.
Biloxi Bay Grass Flats
The grass flats along the southern shore of Ocean Springs in Biloxi Bay provide prime sight-fishing territory for tailing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder feeding on shrimp and small crabs. These expansive shallow flats warm quickly in spring, drawing fish up from the deeper bay to feed in the shallows on incoming tides. Wade anglers and kayak fishermen favor these flats for their accessibility and consistent production of quality inshore gamefish.
Fort Bayou
Fort Bayou is a meandering tidal creek northeast of Ocean Springs that winds through undeveloped marsh before connecting to the broader Biloxi Bay system, holding redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, and flounder. The bayou's fallen timber, undercut banks, and oyster shell points create natural ambush structure that concentrates gamefish along predictable locations. Its relatively narrow channel and limited boat traffic make it a favorite among local anglers seeking a quiet, productive inshore experience.
Old Fort Bayou Bridge
The Old Fort Bayou Bridge on Highway 90 creates a nearshore structure point where tidal current funnels through the pilings, attracting sheepshead, redfish, flounder, and black drum year-round. The bridge's concrete pilings are encrusted with oysters and barnacles that provide forage for sheepshead, which stack up around the structure in impressive numbers during cooler months. Anglers fish live shrimp or fiddler crabs on the bottom alongside the pilings for consistent catches.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Ocean Springs
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Ocean Springs charter. Click any species to learn more.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Peak: Feb, Mar
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Peak: Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct
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.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Peak: Jan, Feb, Dec
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Peak: Mar, Apr, May, Oct
A favorite inshore species found throughout the Gulf. Excellent eating fish that feeds aggressively on live bait and artificial lures.
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
Peak: Oct
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf. Found in the surf and along sandy beaches.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Ocean Springs
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Ocean Springs.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Ocean Springs is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Ocean Springs typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Ocean Springs
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Ocean Springs. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Ocean Springs. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Ocean Springs
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Ocean Springs include Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Pompano. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Ocean Springs are October, March, April, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Ocean Springs offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Ocean Springs is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Ocean Springs, your captain provides all required Mississippi fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Ocean Springs is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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