Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. The first signs of fall are showing up on the Mississippi coast. The water is cooling slowly, the bait is moving, and the Saturday full moon is pushing big tides through the passes between the barrier islands.
What’s Hitting
This week, speckled trout are feeding around the barrier islands and the marsh edges. Bull redfish are moving through the passes and along the islands, and slot reds are in the marshes. Sheepshead are on the piers, rigs, and rock structure, and tripletail are still around the markers and floating debris. Flounder are starting to show as they prepare for their fall migration.
Where to Find Them
Trout are around Cat Island, Ship Island, and Horn Island, especially along the grass beds and surf edges. Bull reds are in the passes between the islands, and slot reds are in the marshes around the Biloxi and Pascagoula rivers. Sheepshead are around the Biloxi and Ocean Springs bridges and the rock jetties. Tripletail are on the channel markers and crab trap buoys.
Tides & Conditions
The full moon on Saturday is driving strong tides and good current through the passes. Water temperatures are in the low 80s. Winds have been light, making for good conditions to run to the islands, but check the marine forecast and the tropics before heading out.
Tackle & Tactics
For trout, a live shrimp under a popping cork or a soft plastic on a jig head, worked around the island grass beds, is a great choice. For bull reds, a cut mullet or a live croaker on a fish-finder rig in the passes. For sheepshead, a fiddler crab or a piece of shrimp on a small, strong hook fished tight to the structure. For tripletail, pitch a live shrimp to the fish holding on the markers.
Local Intel This Week
The Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi and the Ocean Springs Harbor are good launch points. The Biloxi and Ocean Springs bridges offer shore access for sheepshead and trout. Fish are concentrating around the barrier islands and in the passes. The barrier islands are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Check current Mississippi Department of Marine Resources regulations, size limits, and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use a small, sharp hook and set it the moment you feel any weight or a slight tap. If you wait for a big bite, you’ll just lose your bait.
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