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6-Hour Fishing Charter Gulfport Mississippi
Captain Ben's Charters puts you right in the middle of some of Mississippi's best fishing action, whether you're chasing redfish in the shallow backwaters or heading out to the Gulf for bigger game. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter – Captain Ben runs a flexible operation that adapts to what's biting and what you want to target. With quality gear, fresh bait, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you'll spend your time fishing instead of figuring out the electronics. The boat handles both calm inshore runs and open Gulf conditions, so you're covered no matter where the fish are holding.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts with Captain Ben going over the game plan based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what species are most active. If the inshore bite is hot, you'll work the structure around Gulfport's barrier islands, targeting sheepshead around pilings and redfish cruising the grass flats. When conditions call for it, you'll head offshore where king mackerel patrol the deeper waters and cobia cruise near floating debris. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for everything from finesse bottom fishing to fighting hard-pulling pelagics. Captain Ben handles the bait situation, so you don't need to worry about sourcing live shrimp or cutting fresh chunks – just show up ready to fish. The 4-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded, giving everyone space to work their lines without tangling up.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Depending on your target species, Captain Ben switches up the approach to match what's working. For inshore species like sheepshead and black drum, you'll be bottom fishing with quality circle hooks and enough weight to hold in the current. The captain uses fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, and cut bait to entice these structure-loving fish. When targeting redfish, expect to work both live and artificial baits around grass beds and oyster bars where these copper-colored fighters like to ambush prey. Offshore trips focus on trolling for king mackerel using planers, downriggers, and surface baits to cover water efficiently. Cobia fishing often involves sight fishing when these curious fish surface near floating objects or working live bait around structure. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights – lighter setups for inshore work and heavier tackle when targeting blacktip sharks and larger Gulf species. Captain Ben provides instruction on proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and how to work different baits effectively.
Top Catches This Season
King mackerel remain the crown jewel of Mississippi Gulf fishing, and these speed demons put up fights that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds in local waters, with occasional fish pushing 50+ pounds during peak season from April through October. They're notorious for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, making them a favorite among anglers who want to feel their rod bend. Blacktip sharks bring serious muscle to the table, often exceeding 50 pounds and providing sustained battles that can last 20+ minutes. These apex predators are most active during warmer months and offer catch-and-release excitement that'll leave your arms burning. Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish commonly weighing 20-60 pounds around Gulfport's structures. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months, offering powerful runs in shallow water. Redfish are Mississippi's signature inshore species, ranging from slot-sized fish around 20 inches to oversized bulls exceeding 40 inches. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round but peak during fall months when they school up for spawning runs. Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish to hook, but their fighting ability and table quality make them worth the challenge. These convict-striped fish average 2-8 pounds and require finesse fishing around structure where they use their powerful jaws to crush crustaceans.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Ben's operation stands out because of its flexibility and focus on putting you on fish rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. The boat handles whatever Mother Nature throws at it, and the captain's local knowledge means you'll fish the most productive spots for current conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family group wanting to experience Gulf Coast fishing, this charter adapts to your skill level and goals. The included gear eliminates the hassle of buying or traveling with fishing equipment, and Captain Ben's pre-trip communication ensures you know what to expect and how to prepare. With departure times that work around your schedule and a captain who's passionate about putting clients on fish, this represents solid value for serious fishing action. Book early since prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its best.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. Spring spawning season is when they school up and become much easier to target. The fight is more about power than speed - these fish use their bulk and strong jaws to test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're bottom feeders with a serious appetite for crabs, clams, and mollusks. Fresh soft-shell crab is hard to beat for bait since it stays on the hook and doesn't attract bait stealers like catfish. My tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and watch your line closely. Drum often pick up baits gently before moving off with them.
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. They're found in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure, though they'll come shallow when chasing bait. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps - these sharks can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. They're surprisingly shy for sharks, often watching from a distance before committing. The fight is clean and strong without being overly aggressive. Use heavy braided line, circle hooks, and plenty of chum - mackerel or herring pounded to paste works best. Here's a local trick: once you start chumming, be patient. Blacktips will circle for a while before moving in, so keep that chum line going steady and let them come to you.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 10-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often following bait schools along drop-offs and structure. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. These fish are built for speed and put up a serious fight with long runs and jumps. The meat's rich and oily - great smoked or grilled fresh. My go-to setup uses a wire leader with stinger hooks since kings love to bite baits in half. Troll with live bait or spoons, but here's the key: when you get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds so that back hook finds its mark.
Redfish
Redfish are perfect inshore targets, running 18-35 inches and fighting way above their weight class. They love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. That distinctive black spot and bronze color make them easy to identify, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The fight combines strong runs with head-shaking determination that'll test your drag. Here's what works: when you spot tailing reds in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slowly. They spook easily in skinny water, so stealth beats aggression every time.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convict fish with their black and white stripes, typically running 1-8 pounds with occasional 20-pounders around deep structure. They live around docks, bridges, reefs, and any barnacle-covered pilings. Spring spawning season from February through April brings the biggest concentrations. They're prized for their sweet, white meat - some of the best eating in the Gulf. The challenge is their human-like teeth and notorious bait-stealing habits. They'll nibble and pick at baits, trying to clean your hook without getting hooked themselves. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, and barnacles work best. Use light tackle and small hooks, getting as close to structure as possible. My trick: when you feel that subtle nibbling, don't wait - set the hook hard and immediately. They've got powerful jaws, so you need to drive that hook home before they spit it out.
About the Reel Adventure
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330
