Updated: Thursday, October 29, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 5, 2026
This Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the Mississippi Sound, the barrier islands and the coastal bayous. Cooler water brings speckled trout to the island shorelines, redfish into the marsh edges and flounder through the passes. Wind is the key variable, because the Sound is shallow and can turn rough quickly.
What’s Hitting
Speckled trout are the highlight, working island shorelines and grass flats on a moving tide. Redfish are in the marsh edges and bayous, and flounder move through the passes on their fall run. Sheepshead are building on bridges and docks, and black drum hold around the reefs. A few Spanish mackerel and bluefish linger near the barrier islands on warm days. Black drum and sheepshead stay active around the Biloxi Bay bridges and the Pass Christian harbor pilings, providing shore anglers steady action.
Where to Find Them
The shorelines of Deer Island and Cat Island hold trout and redfish on calm days. The passes between Ship Island, Horn Island and Petit Bois funnel flounder and drum. Around Biloxi and Ocean Springs, the bridge pilings hold sheepshead, and the bayous near Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian hold redfish. Back bays around Bay St. Louis and the Pearl River marshes hold redfish and trout on calm days.
Tides & Conditions
Tidal range is small on this coast, so wind and water temperature drive the bite. A light north wind clears water and concentrates fish along protected shorelines, while a hard blow makes the Sound dangerous for small boats. Check the marine forecast and carry a radio when crossing to the islands. Even minor water movement can help in the Sound, so look for current around the island passes and bridge pilings.
Tackle & Tactics
Live shrimp under a popping cork for trout, cut mullet for redfish, and a mud minnow on a Carolina rig for flounder. Use 15 to 20 pound fluorocarbon leader. Slow the presentation as water cools, and fish slowly around grass and structure. A paddle-tail soft plastic on a quarter-ounce jighead handles shallow grass, and a popping cork draws trout up from deeper edges.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, Biloxi ramps, Pass Christian Harbor and Ocean Springs Inner Harbor. Fish concentrate along island shorelines, at passes and at bridge pilings. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish, especially speckled trout, redfish and flounder. Another useful location is the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and the Ocean Springs fishing pier, which attract trout and flounder.
This Week’s Tip
Make the run to the islands only on a calm forecast. The Sound builds steep chop quickly in a north wind, and the return can be much rougher than the trip out.
Planning a trip to Mississippi Gulf Coast?
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