Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of Mississippi's most productive waters? Our 6-hour charter trip takes you right into the heart of the action on the Mississippi and Pearl River. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the perfect spot for you to reel in some memories. Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for any fishing enthusiast.
Picture this: You're cruising down the calm backwaters of the Pearl River, rod in hand, with the gentle hum of the outboard behind you. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll hit up some prime fishing spots where the Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder love to hang out. But it's not just about the fish – keep your eyes peeled for ospreys diving for their lunch or maybe even a gator sunning itself on the bank. This trip is as much about soaking in the natural beauty as it is about filling the cooler.
On this trip, we're not just throwing a line and hoping for the best. We'll show you some tried-and-true techniques that work wonders in these parts. Depending on what's biting, we might do some bottom fishing for those tasty Black Drum, or try some sight fishing in the shallows for tailing Redfish. If the Flounder are feeling frisky, we'll break out the jigs and work those sandy bottoms. And don't worry if you're new to this – our captain's got patience in spades and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, we've got the Black Drum. These bruisers can grow to over 40 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. They love hanging around structure and will test your drag system for sure. Best time to target them? Fall through early spring is prime time.
Next, there's the Summer Flounder, or "flatties" as we like to call 'em. These ambush predators are masters of camouflage and can be a real challenge to spot. But man, are they tasty! Late spring to early fall is when they're most active, and there's nothing quite like the thump of a flounder hitting your bait.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive stripes, are another favorite. These guys are notorious bait stealers with their sheep-like teeth, but they're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. Winter and early spring is when they really stack up around structure.
Of course, we can't forget about the Redfish. These copper-colored beauties are the pride of the Gulf Coast. They'll eat just about anything that moves and can be found year-round, but fall is when they really shine. Nothing beats the sight of a big red's tail waving in the shallows.
Last but not least, there's the Crevalle Jack. These powerhouses are like the bulldozers of the fish world. They're not the best eating, but pound for pound, they might just be the hardest fighting fish in these waters. Late spring through summer is when they show up in force, and hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train – hold on tight!
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but what really makes this trip special is the experience. There's something about being out on these waters that just recharges the batteries, you know? Maybe it's the way the sunlight dances on the water as we're drifting along, or the thrill of watching your rod tip suddenly bend double. Or maybe it's just the chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with what really matters – good company, good fishing, and the great outdoors.
So there you have it, folks – a day on the water you won't soon forget. Whether you're looking to put some fillets in the freezer or just want to experience the best fishing Mississippi has to offer, this trip's got you covered. Remember, we've only got room for two guests per trip, so spots fill up fast. And just a heads up – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Give us a call at Sawdust and Fishguts Charters, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and so are we!
Crevalle Jack are real bruisers that'll test your gear and your arms. These powerful fish usually run 3-5 pounds but can get up to 60 pounds or more. You'll find them in both inshore and offshore waters, hanging around seagrass, flats, and reefs. They love structure, so look for them near oil rigs or floating vegetation too. These guys are bullies of the ocean - they chase down prey aggressively. Watch for diving birds to spot schools pushing bait to the surface. They rarely jump, but you'll see the commotion. Crevalle Jack put up an amazing fight and are a blast to catch. Use lures that mimic their prey like mullet or sardines. Silver spoons, crankbaits, and topwater plugs all work great. Cast past the school and retrieve quickly - these fish love the chase. Here's a pro tip: if you smell something like watermelon on the water, there's a good chance Jacks are feeding nearby. It's a weird but true sign to watch for when you're searching for them.
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black dot near the tail. Most reds we catch run 20-35 inches, but they can grow over 45 inches and 50 pounds in the right conditions. You'll find redfish in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Look for their copper-colored backs sometimes breaking the surface as they feed. Fall and winter are prime seasons as reds school up in the shallows. That's when sight fishing really heats up. Anglers love redfish for their hard fights and excellent table fare. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush a topwater lure in skinny water. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the shallows and look for pushes of water or mud boils. Those are often redfish rooting for crabs and shrimp. Toss a soft plastic or live bait in front of that commotion, and hold on tight!
Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of the coast. Their human-like chompers and black-and-white striped bodies make them stand out. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. These structure-loving fish hang around docks, bridges, and jetties. Anywhere with barnacles is prime sheepshead territory. They occasionally venture to sandy areas to munch on crabs too. Spring is sheepshead season, with February to April being the peak as they gather to spawn. That's when you can find big schools around offshore reefs and channel passes. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers. Their tough mouths and light bites make them tricky, but the sweet, white meat is worth the effort. Pro tip: use the smallest hook you can get away with, and set it fast and hard when you feel weight. Sheepshead are notorious for nibbling bait off hooks, so you've got to be quick on the draw to land them consistently.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish can change color to match the bottom, making them tricky to spot. Most are 15-20 inches long, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. You'll find flounder in both inshore and offshore waters, usually hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure where they can blend in and wait for prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, especially September through November. They're moving to spawn, so they're more active and easier to catch. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. These fish have a reputation for light bites and dropping baits quickly. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then set hard. It takes some practice, but it'll boost your hookup rate big time.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150