Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing report covers late October, when cooling weather turns on the fall fishing along the coast and the barrier islands. Speckled trout are the lead target around the islands and grass flats, bull reds move through the passes between the islands, and flounder stage for their fall run. Plan around moving water and the weather window: tides strengthen as the moon builds toward full, and the run to the islands is open water, so wait for a calm morning.
What’s Hitting
Speckled trout hold around the barrier islands and grass flats, bull reds work the passes between the islands, and flounder stage for their fall run. Sheepshead sit around bridges and docks, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish are nearshore.
Expect the flounder run to build over the next few weeks and trout to keep feeding around the islands. Flounder move toward the passes and open Gulf as water cools, which is why the run builds through fall.
Where to Find Them
Fish the passes between Ship, Horn and Cat Islands for bull reds, and work the grass flats and surf lines around the islands for trout. Bridges and docks in Biloxi and Pass Christian hold sheepshead.
Passes funnel current and bait between the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf, giving bull reds an easy feeding lane. Grass flats and surf lines around the islands hold shrimp and baitfish for trout.
Tides & Conditions
The moon builds toward full and tides strengthen. Moving water in the passes is best, and calm mornings help on open water.
Stronger tides push more water through the passes and tend to activate feeding, but they also make anchoring and drifting harder. Check a current tide chart and marine forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
- Trout: live shrimp under a popping cork.
- Bull reds: cut mullet.
- Flounder: a mud minnow on a Carolina rig, which keeps the bait near the bottom where flounder lie in wait.
Fish slowly around structure and grass edges. Carry a marine radio and check the weather before heading to the islands.
Local Intel This Week
Gulfport Small Craft Harbor and the Biloxi area ramps are the usual jumping-off points for the island run, while Pass Christian Harbor and Ocean Springs Inner Harbor put you close to bridges and docks for sheepshead. The site’s location guide also lists the Bay St. Louis Public Ramp, the Lyman Public Ramp, Point Cadet Marina and the Pascagoula Public Landing. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Watch the weather windows. The run to the islands is open water, so wait for a calm day. The Mississippi Sound can build a steep chop quickly in a fall breeze, and a calm forecast makes both the crossing and the fishing far more productive.
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