March 2026 — Mississippi Gulf Coast: Cobia Migration, Trout Moving to Flats. March is a early spring month with water in the 62-70°F range — COBIA peak migration; trout and redfish transitioning to flats. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — March 2026
Primary targets this month: Speckled Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia.
Speckled Trout
Trout holding 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. Live shrimp under a popping cork, soft plastic jigs in natural colors (root beer, new penny, opening night).
Redfish
Redfish in the Biloxi Marsh, Bay St. Louis flats, Pascagoula River mouth, the barrier islands’ interior bays, and the rip-rap shorelines. Cut bait, gold spoons, and soft plastics on light jigheads.
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.
Cobia
Peak cobia migration. Sight-fishing along the beach, around the offshore platforms, the artificial reefs (FH-12, FH-13), and following stingrays in spring along the beach, and following stingrays in clear water. Need calm seas (1-2 ft) and sun overhead. 4-6″ bucktails (chartreuse, white, pink), large soft plastic eels, or live eels and pinfish. Cobia often follow first refusals — make a second cast.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 62-70°F. Cobia peak migration; trout and redfish transitioning to flats. 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
- Cobia readiness. Keep a heavy spinning rod (8000-class, 40-50 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluoro) ready with a bucktail or live eel — cobia don’t announce themselves.
- Sight-fishing weather. Plan trips around calm seas and sun overhead. Polarized lenses essential.
- Bait migration. Spanish, kings, and predators follow bait pods — watch for diving birds and surface activity.
March Outlook
Spring transitions accelerate — water warming, fish moving onto flats, migrations intensifying.
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). Cobia: 36″ fork length, one per harvester (FL state waters — verify current rules). 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).
More Mississippi Gulf Coast Resources
Mississippi Gulf Coast Fishing Guide · Mississippi Gulf Coast Seasonal Calendar · All Mississippi Gulf Coast reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.