December 2025 — Mississippi Gulf Coast: Winter Trout Pattern, Black Drum in the Marsh. December is a early winter month with water in the 60-68°F range — sheepshead returning; redfish in deeper holes; winter pattern. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — December 2025
Primary targets this month: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum.
Redfish
Winter reds in the Biloxi Marsh, Bay St. Louis flats, Pascagoula River mouth, the barrier islands’ interior bays, and the rip-rap shorelines. Look for the warmest water — dark mud bottoms, deeper canals, creek mouths warming on afternoons. Gold spoons, scented soft plastics, live shrimp under a popping cork.
Speckled Trout
Trout gathering in the Mississippi Sound (Biloxi Marsh, Bay St. Louis, Pascagoula River mouth), the barrier island flats (Cat Island, Ship Island, Horn Island), and the deeper sound holes — Mississippi is the speckled trout capital of the Gulf. Larger fish (gator trout 20″+) hold in deeper potholes. DOA CAL Shads, MirrOlure Lil John, MirrOdine suspending baits, and live shrimp under popping corks. Slow the retrieve in cooler water.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are stacked for the winter/early-spring spawn. Target the rig wrecks, the US-90 Bay St. Louis Bridge pilings, the Biloxi Bay Bridge, the harbor pilings, and the offshore platforms. Fresh fiddler crabs and live shrimp on a #1 or #1/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle — set on the slightest tap. Vertical jigging tight to structure produces best.
Black Drum
Black drum (bull drum 30+ lb) on the marshes, the bayou edges, the harbor structures, and the passes — schoolies in the marsh and bulls in the deeper Sound. Cut blue crab, fresh shrimp, or peeler crab on a 5/0-7/0 circle hook with enough weight to hold bottom. Slow, deliberate fishery — set the rod and wait for the rod to bend.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 60-68°F. Sheepshead returning; redfish in deeper holes; winter pattern. Mississippi Sound has minimal tide range (1-1.5 ft) — wind dominates the fishery. South winds push water and bait into the marsh; north winds drop water and concentrate fish in the deeper Sound holes. The passes (Pass Christian, Biloxi Bay, Pascagoula) run on real tidal current and fish best on outgoing.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Slow it down. Cold water means cold fish — work jigs, soft plastics, and live bait with patience. Bites are subtle.
- Fish the warmest water. Dark-bottom flats, deeper canals, and creek mouths warm fastest. Afternoons usually outproduce mornings in winter.
- Light fluorocarbon leader. 15-20 lb plenty for inshore — winter water is clear and fish are line-shy.
December Outlook
Winter patterns establishing — sheepshead, tautog, cold-water specialists take over.
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18-27″ slot, one per angler per day (verify FWC zone-specific rules). Seatrout/Speckled Trout: FL: 15-19″ slot, 3 per day (verify zone). TX: 15-25″ slot, 3 per day. LA: 12″ minimum, 15 per day (verify current). Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, 8 per day (FL). Black Drum: 14-24″ slot or 16″ minimum depending on state; 1-5 per day. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Boomerang Bait & Tackle (Biloxi, 228-374-2422); J&M Tackle (Bay St. Louis); Pascagoula Bait & Tackle; The Sportsman (Long Beach).
Public Boat Ramps: Point Cadet Marina (Biloxi), Pass Christian Harbor, Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, Pascagoula Public Landing, Bay St. Louis Public Ramp, Lyman Public Ramp.
Charter Fishing: $450–$700 inshore (Sound trout/reds); $700–$1,100 nearshore rigs/reefs; $1,200–$2,200 offshore (rigs, deep snapper).
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