Mississippi · Gulf Coast
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN OCEAN SPRINGS
Ocean Springs is a solid destination for flounder fishing, with peak season in October and good catches in April, May, September. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Ocean Springs
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 — Ocean Springs
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Ocean Springs, MS.
How to Catch Flounder in Ocean Springs
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 Ocean Springs
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in Ocean Springs
More fish you can target while visiting Ocean Springs.
Flounder Fishing in Ocean Springs — FAQ
The peak months for Flounder fishing in Ocean Springs are October. During these months, Flounder are most active and abundant in the Ocean Springs area.
Flounder fishing charters in Ocean Springs 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 Ocean Springs, 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 Ocean Springs, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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