I’m Cole Ganey, owner and operator of Reel Therapy Charters. I spend most of my days running trips along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that you don’t need to leave the state to catch world-class saltwater fish. Whether you’re after speckled trout in skinny water or red snapper out near the rigs, Mississippi’s coast delivers. If you’re thinking about booking a trip with a guide in this part of the country, here’s what you need to know—and where you’ll get the best shot at a great day on the water.
1. Biloxi
If you’re looking to fish with a guide, Biloxi should be at the top of your list. It’s where I run most of my charters, and it offers everything from inshore marshes to offshore wrecks—all within a short ride from the dock. This part of the coast gives anglers the best access to artificial reefs, barrier islands like Deer Island and Horn Island, and protected backwaters that hold solid numbers of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Depending on the season, we also run offshore to target red snapper, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. For clients booking trips, that flexibility is huge—because whether you’ve got four hours or a full day, we can put something productive together.
2. Gulfport & Ship Island Reefs
Just west of us, Gulfport and the waters around Ship Island are another go-to area for charters. These waters are especially popular for nearshore trips—Spanish mackerel, bull reds, and kingfish all show up here in warmer months. When snapper season opens, guides will push out a bit farther to hit the deeper structure, but even a half-day trip near the islands can produce a full cooler. If you’re booking with a guide based out of Gulfport, ask about weather windows and target species. The fishing is solid, but local knowledge makes all the difference.
3. Pascagoula & Mississippi Sound
Farther east, Pascagoula and the Mississippi Sound offer quieter options with less pressure. This is where you’ll find a mix of bayous, marshes, and shallow flats that are perfect for anglers looking for a slower-paced inshore trip. It’s a great spot for fly anglers, or for folks looking to work artificial baits in calmer water. That said, conditions out here can be more variable than in Biloxi. When the weather lines up, though, the fishing turns on. Booking a local guide in this zone means gaining access to that day-by-day knowledge—where fish are staging, what tides are moving, and how to approach the wind.
4. Bay St. Louis & Long Beach
Bay St. Louis and Long Beach round out the top options for charter fishing on the coast. These towns are quieter but still hold great fish, especially in the winter and early spring. Redfish, black drum, and sheepshead are the main draw here. The nearby rivers and estuaries keep the water full of bait, and the local guides here know how to work the tides to get on the bite. If you’re looking for an easygoing trip—maybe with the family or for your first saltwater experience—this area’s a solid bet.
5. Cat Island
Cat Island deserves a mention of its own. I take clients out here regularly on full-day trips from Biloxi. The flats on the backside are great for speckled trout and redfish early in the day, and the deeper drop-offs on the outside edge offer a shot at jacks, sharks, and the occasional cobia. It’s a scenic area with minimal boat traffic, and when the tide’s moving, it fishes incredibly well. For anyone wanting a balance between action and scenery, Cat Island is hard to beat.
Booking a Trip with a Local Guide
When you’re booking a saltwater fishing trip in Mississippi, the key is working with a guide who knows how to read the conditions—tides, water clarity, bait movement, and local structure. On my boat, I tailor every trip to the time of year, the weather, and what the customer wants—whether that’s throwing lures in the bay, bottom fishing reefs, or just drifting with bait. You don’t need to be an expert. Just show up ready to fish, and I’ll handle the rest.
👉 You can check out biloxideepsea.com for trip options, pricing, and booking info.
Mississippi’s coast might not get the hype that other Gulf states do, but it has everything a saltwater angler needs—diverse structure, short runs to the fish, and year-round action. With the right guide, a good tide, and a bit of luck, you’ll have the kind of trip that keeps you coming back. I’ve fished these waters my whole life—and I’m still excited every time I leave the dock.
Hope to see you out there.
Capt. Cole Ganey
Reel Therapy Charters
Cobia Fishing Mississippi: 2025 Guide
