Coastal90.com Mississippi's Gulf Coast Online Guide

Surf Fishing on the Gulf Coast


Blue crab caught while wade fishing on Mississippi Gulf Coast Surf fishing is a local obsession on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Locals drive to the beaches to surf fish for their flounders, speckled trout, redfish, and Spanish mackerels. Since surf fishing requires very little equipment, it is popular with beginners to the fishing purist. Most of the time, early and late fishing is most productive. Walk out into an area that is about knee level. Begin casting and working a bait across the water. It won’t be long before you start getting fish biting in the surf.

Here are a few pieces of equipment you will need for surf fishing on the Mississippi Gulf coast:

  • Fishing pole-Preferably one that can handle salt water
  • life jacket
  • fish ring – stores fish when surf fishing
  • bait bucket
  • pair of pliers
  • knife
  • Small tackle box
  • hat
  • water-tight container for personal items
  • fishing partner
  • fishing license
  • Sunscreen
  • Surf Fishing Waders

Know the fishing regulations

Misssissippi Wildlife, Fishieries and Parks

There are many fishing regulations that you need to be familiar with before surf fishing. You need to know creel limits and license requirements. You should also know or be familiar with the species that may be caught in the Gulf of Mexico. You should also be aware of different jellyfish and stinging fish species. Taking a little time to familiarize yourself with the waters you are going to surf fish can and will pay big dividends. Also, know how you might handle catching a shark or stingray when fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Surf fishing is an easy way to walk out and catch some fish on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

You are in the water when surf fishing!

There is a big difference between fishing from a boat and the water. You are close to the fish when surf fishing. Be aware that a float basket or stringer of fish can attract predators to your catch. So if there are sharks or other aggressive large fish, you should remove your catch from the water. The temperature of the air and water is key for safe surf fishing. Know what the temperature is and gear up accordingly. Getting hypodermic when surf fishing in cold water doesn’t take long. Be careful and catch lots of fish when surf fishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast Beaches.

When fishing for redfish near Waveland, Mississippi, one popular method is to use a brown swimmer bait with a red dot. This type of bait is designed to mimic the appearance and movement of small fish, which can be highly attractive to redfish in the surf. To use this type of bait, you will need a casting rod and reel and a suitable fishing line.

When fishing in the surf near Waveland, I choose to wear waders to protect myself from jellyfish. These creatures are commonly found in the waters of the Gulf, and their stings can be painful and potentially dangerous. Wearing waders allows you to wade into the surf without exposing your skin to the jellyfish. When fishing with waders, it is essential to understand all safety risks involved with the waders. Read the manual on your wader and understand how to deal with problems.

A young boy spends a beautiful summer day on Waveland beach on the Mississippi Gulf coast with his dad, fishing for redfish. The boy is excited to be out on the water and learning how to fish from his father. His father shows him how to cast his line with a brown swimmer bait with a red dot and reel in the fish once it bites. As the day goes on, the boy becomes more confident in his fishing skills and is thrilled when he finally catches a redfish. His father is proud of him, and the two spend the rest of the day bonding over their love of fishing and the beautiful scenery of Waveland beach.