Mississippi Gulf Coast Fishing Report — Week of November 5, 2026: Sheepshead, Black Drum, Bull Reds

Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 12, 2026

This Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 5, built on early-November patterns across the Mississippi Sound. Cooling water and passing fronts usually move fish toward structure, piers and the barrier islands. Wind is the biggest variable, and the new moon on Monday, November 9 should strengthen tidal flow. Expect quick changes from front to front.

What’s Hitting

Early November along the Mississippi coast tends to bring a transition from warm-weather species. Sheepshead typically arrive in numbers around piers, bridges and rock structure, and black drum often gather near oyster reefs and deeper holes. Redfish should be active along the marsh edges and in the passes between the barrier islands, with larger bull reds possible near Ship Island. Speckled trout generally hold in deeper channels and around grass flats, particularly when water clears after a front. Flounder often leave the bays, so catches may slow. Offshore, anglers could encounter cobia and king mackerel in warm spells, though cooling water usually ends that run. A strong north wind can blow the water out of the Sound, so fishing becomes technical, and anglers often must seek deeper water.

Where to Find Them

The Biloxi Bay and Back Bay systems hold redfish, trout and drum around the bridge pilings and marsh points. The Ocean Springs and Gulf Islands National Seashore area, including Davis Bayou, provides a protected place for small boats and kayaks. Farther west, the Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian harbors offer access to the Sound and to the rock walls along Highway 90. The barrier islands, including Ship Island and Horn Island, host bull reds and trout on good days for those willing to travel. The Biloxi Channel and Deer Island region are classic trout and drum waters.

Tides & Conditions

Tidal range on the Mississippi coast is modest, often about a foot or two, so wind and barometric pressure usually shape water level. The new moon on Monday, November 9 should still bring stronger currents through the passes between the barrier islands. A north wind following a front can drain the Sound and shrink fishable water, whereas a southerly flow can push water in and widen options. Outgoing tides through the Pascagoula and Biloxi areas typically concentrate bait at points and channel edges. Daylight saving ended, so evenings darken sooner, and a headlamp becomes more useful after fishing.

Tackle & Tactics

Medium spinning rods with ten to fifteen pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader cover most inshore fishing. For sheepshead, use a small strong hook, a light weight and live fiddler crabs or shrimp near pilings. For black drum, a heavier bottom rig with cut crab or shrimp is traditional. Speckled trout respond to soft plastics under a popping cork or live shrimp, and redfish take gold spoons and cut mullet. Bring a net, a stringer or cooler and sturdy pliers. Rain gear helps on cool, windy mornings. A small tackle box of spare hooks suits barnacle-covered pilings.

Local Intel This Week

Access is generally good. The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and the Ocean Springs Harbor serve boaters, while the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor and the Pass Christian Harbor area offer waterfront access. Gulf Islands National Seashore lets visitors reach Davis Bayou by road, and passenger ferries run to Ship Island in season. Watch for strong current around the bridges. Some areas along the seawall have limited access, so confirm local rules. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Local bait shops along Highway 90 usually report which bait is available. Parking near the harbors can fill on cool, sunny weekends, so plan an early start. Bring sunscreen and water.

This Week’s Tip

Bring a bucket of fiddler crabs to the Highway 90 bridge area near Biloxi at slack water, lower a small hook along the pilings, and keep the line tight. Set the hook at the first sign of a nibble, and keep fish away from the barnacles.