Family-Friendly Fishing: Half-Day Adventure

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Mississippi
$250 - $650 price range

Summary

Captain Will offers a half-day fishing trip perfect for families and kids. Growing up fishing with his dad, he brings genuine passion to every outing. The area is known for its Barrier Allens, a rare clownfish species, giving you a chance at some unique catches. From May to November, most local fish are in season, making it prime time to book. With a focus on creating memorable experiences, Captain Will loves nothing more than seeing families light up after a successful catch. He'll share his knowledge of the local ecosystem, pointing out interesting wildlife along the way. Soon, he plans to add birdwatching and eco-tours to round out the experience. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or looking for a fun family day on the water, this trip with Sawdust and Fishguts Charters is a great choice. With a 2-person capacity, you'll get plenty of personal attention and hands-on time with the rods.

Family-Friendly Fishing: Half-Day Adventure

Family Fishing Fun

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Sheepshead fish caught in Pass Christian

Impressive Sheepshead haul on a sunny fishing trip

Angler with a black drum fish in Pass Christian

Sheepshead catch, big smile!

Kid-Friendly Fishing Adventure with Captain Will

Get ready for a family-friendly fishing trip that'll have your kids hooked on the water! Captain Will's half-day charters are perfect for introducing little ones to the joys of angling. With his years of experience and passion for sharing the sport, you're in for a day of fun, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches. This trip is all about creating lasting memories and sparking a love for fishing in the next generation.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Will's trips are designed with families in mind. He'll get you set up with all the right gear and show you the ropes, whether you're a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills. The real magic happens when a youngster feels that first tug on the line. Will's face lights up just as much as the kids' when they reel in their catch. He's got a knack for finding the best spots where fish are biting, increasing your chances of success. Plus, you'll be fishing in an area known for its rare Barrier Allen clownfish, adding an extra splash of excitement to your day.

Top Catches This Season

From May to November, you're in for a treat. The waters are teeming with a variety of sought-after species, making it prime time to wet a line. Captain Will knows all the honey holes where black drum, summer flounder, sheepshead, sea trout, and redfish hang out. He'll teach you the best techniques for each species, from the right bait to use to the perfect way to present it. Kids will love learning how to cast, and the thrill of reeling in their own fish is unbeatable. Don't be surprised if you catch the fishing bug yourself!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish with Captain Will – it's the whole package. His boat is set up for comfort and safety, ensuring a smooth ride for all ages. Will's got a wealth of local knowledge, and he loves sharing stories about the area's history and ecology. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife too. Will's planning to add birdwatching and eco-experiences to his trips soon, so you might get a sneak peek at some feathered friends or other critters. The calm inshore waters make for a gentle trip, perfect for those who might be worried about seasickness.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite among anglers of all ages. They put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes. Kids love the "drum" sound they make when caught. Black drum hang out near structures and oyster beds, and they're suckers for crab or shrimp bait. They're available year-round but really start biting in the spring.

Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. Spotting them is half the fun! They lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. Captain Will will show you how to work a jig or live bait along the bottom to entice these tasty fish. Summer is prime time for flounder, as their name suggests.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're known for being tricky to hook, making them a fun challenge for more experienced young anglers. Will knows all the best spots around pilings and oyster beds where these fish love to hang out. Spring and fall are peak seasons for sheepshead.

Sea Trout: These silvery beauties are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're known for their speckled patterns and their willingness to strike lures. Captain Will might have you trying some topwater action at dawn or dusk – the surface explosions when a trout hits are exciting for anglers of any age. Fall is fantastic for sea trout fishing.

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're great fighters and can be caught using a variety of methods. Kids love seeing the spot on their tail, which looks like an eye. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall sees some of the best action when they school up in the shallows.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Will's half-day family trips are the perfect way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing or to spend quality time together on the water. With his patient teaching style and knack for finding fish, you're in for a day of fun, learning, and hopefully some great catches. Remember, these trips are limited to just two guests, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. The memories you'll make – from the excitement of that first catch to the stunning natural beauty around you – will last a lifetime. Don't wait to book your adventure with Sawdust and Fishguts Charters. The fish are biting, and Captain Will's ready to help your family reel 'em in!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

## Black Drum (Pogonias Cromis) ## Black Drum Description The Black Drum is a fish in the Sciaenidae family. The Black Drum is also the largest fish of that family, including almost 300 species, including their popular cousin, the Redfish. They are known as drums or croakers due to the repetitive drumming or croaking sounds they make. They are black and or grey and have powerful jaws with strong teeth capable of crushing prey like shellfish and oysters. ## Black Drum Size The Black Drum's typical weight range varies considerably from 5 to 30 pounds but can reach a weight of up to 90 pounds. If you intend to eat your catch, you may want to release Black Drum over 15 pounds. As they grow larger, the meat is tough and more comparable to chicken than a flaky texture. Also, the flavor of the older fish is not as tasty as the smaller-sized fish. ## Black Drum Spawning Black Drum have mating calls that they use to seek out others during the spawning season, capable of producing tones that reach 100 to 500 Hz. Black Drum grow rapidly and reach maturity within the first 2 years of their lives and live to 50 years. The females can lay eggs every three days during the spawning season. Their spawning seasons vary due to location, spawning occurring in February and March in southern areas like Texas, and April to June farther north. ## Black Drum Habitat Black Drum typically prefers brackish waters and estuaries. The adults live closer to the saltier areas near the ocean. They can be found around an oyster bed and other areas with plentiful food sources. The juveniles prefer the less salty areas of the same estuaries with sandy bottoms. Black drum are extremely adaptable when it comes to temperatures and salinity and can be attracted to freshwater creek openings and extremely shallow water, but are also found in depths of up to 100 feet. ## Black Drum Fishing You will find the best Drum fishing is on shallow water, muddy flats, and oyster beds, but they can also be found near inlets, pier pilings, creeks and estuaries that make way inward. Most anglers also fish for the Black Drum in the spring around the spawning season. At this time, the fish school up and are easier to target. After the spawning season, the fish disperse and become much harder to target. ## ## Black Drum Bait and Lures The best bait an angler can use for Drum fishing is live bait because they are bottom-feeders. Live bait such as fresh soft crabs, mollusk, peelers crabs, sea clam, or crushed mussels are the preferred bait. Anglers like to use crab because it does not tend to get eaten by catfish and other bait stealers. If you are not using live bait, then choose very slow-moving jigs like bucktail jigs. It is also vital to use the correct weighting for the conditions to ensure that your bait is on the bottom. When fly fishing, most anglers prefer to use a 7- or 9-weight fly rod, leaning towards a 9-weight for throwing heavier flies and a little extra strength when pulling on fish that may be more than 20 pounds. You will want to present your fly on the bottom, and weighted black flies that get to the bottom quickly are best such as the Redfish Worm, Merkin, and Clouser Minnow. ## Distribution and Range The Black Drum has a wide range and extends as far north as Nova Scotia, down the whole Atlantic coast of the United States, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. ## Black Drum Regulations Check the state you are fishing in as they each have their own regulations, but you will find most at 5 fish per day between 14 and 24 inches long, with one allowed over 24 inches.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a blast to catch. They typically range from 20-35 inches, with that telltale spot near the tail. You'll find them in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They're most active in warmer months, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: look for "tailing" reds in shallow water during high tide - their tails will stick out as they root for crabs and shrimp. Use a gold spoon or a soft plastic shrimp imitation, and cast just ahead of where you see movement. Work it slowly across the bottom. And remember, these fish can be spooky in clear water, so a stealthy approach is key.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite for inshore anglers. They usually run 14-24 inches and love hanging out in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. You'll find them schooling up in deeper waters during winter. These fish are known for their delicate, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their willingness to strike lures and their sporty fight. Best fishing is often in the fall, but they're around year-round. Here's a tip: try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Work them with a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic injured baitfish. If you're having trouble finding them, try slow-trolling along grass edges. Remember, Sea Trout have soft mouths, so set the hook with a quick, smooth motion rather than a hard jerk.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch, known for their convict-like stripes and human-like teeth. Most weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're crafty bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Spring's the best time to catch 'em when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - these fish are smart and put up a good fight. Plus, they're delicious table fare. Here's a local trick: use fiddler crabs or barnacles for bait. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them. Let your bait hit bottom, then slowly lift it in short hops. When you feel that nibble, set the hook hard. These guys have tough mouths, so don't be shy. And remember, patience is key with sheepshead fishing.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. They're usually 15-20 inches long, lying flat on the ocean floor with both eyes on their left side. You'll find them in coastal waters, especially around sandy or muddy bottoms. They're most active from spring to fall, with peak fishing from September to November. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky ambush predators. Here's a tip: when you're fishing for them, use a slow retrieve and keep your bait close to the bottom. Live minnows or squid strips work great. Try drifting or bouncing your bait along the seafloor to mimic their natural prey. And remember, when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab the bait sideways before fully committing.

About the Tidewater

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Will's half-day fishing trip is perfect for families looking to share quality time on the water. His smaller vessel creates an intimate setting where kids can learn the ropes and everyone has a chance to reel in some exciting catches. Will's lifelong passion for fishing shines through as he patiently guides guests of all skill levels. The surrounding waters are home to rare Barrier Allen clownfish, offering a unique angling experience you won't find elsewhere. From May to November, you'll have the best shot at hooking into the area's prized gamefish species. Beyond just fishing, Will loves pointing out local wildlife and scenic spots along the shoreline. His enthusiasm is contagious, making this outing fun and memorable for the whole family. Book a trip with Captain Will to create lasting memories and possibly help your child catch their very first fish!

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