What You'll Find at Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach is a working waterfront where you can fish from the sand, the pier, or a charter boat without leaving the city limits. The beach itself runs along the Mississippi Sound, a shallow, warm-water system that holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel year-round. The water is murky—visibility rarely exceeds a few feet—so fish here rely on vibration and smell rather than sight, which changes how you present your bait and lures.

The beach is public and free to fish. You can walk out at low tide and find channels and drop-offs within casting distance. The pier at the Biloxi Beach Hotel & Casino is open to the public for a small fee and gives you access to deeper water without a boat. If you want to fish the deeper channels and bars where larger redfish and trout school, a half-day charter from one of the docks near the beach is the standard move.

Key Takeaways

  • Biloxi Beach holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel in the Mississippi Sound, with the best action during spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
  • You can fish the beach itself for free at low tide, or pay a small fee to fish from the public pier near the casino.
  • Live shrimp and mullet are the most reliable baits; artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work when fish are feeding actively.
  • Charter boats depart from nearby docks and target deeper channels where larger redfish and trout congregate, typically running four to six hours.
  • A Louisiana or Mississippi fishing license is required depending on where you fish; check current regulations before you go because seasons and bag limits change.

When to Fish Biloxi Beach

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures sit in the 70s, and fish move shallow to feed. Redfish are aggressive during these windows, and you'll find them cruising the flats and channel edges. Summer brings heat and lower oxygen levels in the shallows, pushing fish deeper and making them sluggish during midday.

Winter (December through February) is slower but not dead. Spotted seatrout bite well on cold mornings, and redfish move into the deeper channels where they're easier to target from a boat. Avoid the hottest part of summer unless you're willing to fish before sunrise or after sunset, or unless you're on a charter that knows where the deeper refuges are.

Bait, Lures, and Tackle Setup

Live shrimp is the standard bait for redfish and trout in the Sound. Buy them fresh from one of the tackle shops near the beach—they're more lively and catch more fish than frozen. Mullet, both live and cut, works for redfish and larger trout. Cast your bait near structure: oyster reefs, grass beds, channel drop-offs, and the pilings under the pier.

Artificial lures work well when fish are actively feeding. Soft plastics in natural colors—shrimp patterns, mullet shapes—on a quarter-ounce jig head are effective for both species. Topwater plugs in early morning and late afternoon can trigger strikes from redfish in shallow water. Bring a medium-power spinning rod rated for 15- to 20-pound line; the murky water means fish won't be line-shy, and you'll need the backbone to set the hook in hard sand and pull through grass.

Fishing the Beach at Low Tide

Low tide exposes channels and deeper pockets in the sand where redfish and trout hold. Walk the beach and look for darker water—that's usually deeper. Cast your bait or lure into these channels and work it slowly. The best fishing happens in the hour or two before and after low tide, when water movement concentrates baitfish and draws predators.

Wading is possible but wear shoes—the bottom is soft mud and shell, and stingrays are present. Move slowly and shuffle your feet to alert rays to your presence. If you hook a fish in shallow water, keep your rod tip up and be ready to move—redfish will run hard toward deeper water, and you'll lose them if you're not prepared to follow.

The Public Pier and Casino Access

The Biloxi Beach Hotel & Casino pier is open to the public for a daily fee (typically a few dollars). It extends into deeper water than you can reach from the beach and gives you access to the main channel where larger trout and redfish hold. The pier is crowded on weekends and during peak season, but it's a solid option if you don't have a boat or don't want to wade.

Bring the same tackle you'd use from the beach—medium spinning rod, live shrimp, and soft plastics. The pier has a bait shop nearby, so you can buy fresh shrimp if you didn't bring your own. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours; check current hours before you go, as they change seasonally.

Charter Boats and Deeper Water

Half-day charters (four to six hours) depart from docks near the beach and target the deeper channels and bars in the Sound. These boats carry four to six anglers and focus on redfish and spotted seatrout. The captain knows where fish are holding and will position the boat to give you the best chance. Most charters provide tackle and bait, though you can bring your own if you prefer.

Cost varies but typically runs between $300 and $500 per person for a half-day trip, split among the anglers on the boat. Book in advance during spring and fall, when the bite is best and boats fill up. The charter will handle licensing and regulations, so you don't have to worry about those details—just show up ready to fish.

Licenses and Regulations

If you fish from the beach or wade in Mississippi waters, you need a Mississippi fishing license. If you fish from a charter boat, the captain's license covers you. Louisiana licenses are not required for beach fishing in Mississippi, but if you cross into Louisiana waters, you'll need one. Buy your license online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website or at any tackle shop near the beach.

Bag limits and size restrictions change by species and season. Redfish have a 18-inch minimum and a two-fish daily bag limit in Mississippi. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily bag limit. Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily bag limit. Check the current regulations before you fish—they're posted on the state website and at most tackle shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Biloxi Beach from the sand?

Yes, you need a Mississippi fishing license if you fish from the beach or wade in Mississippi waters. If you fish from a charter boat, the captain's license covers you. Buy a license online or at any tackle shop near the beach.

What's the best time of day to fish Biloxi Beach?

Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, especially during summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper. Low tide concentrates fish in channels, so plan your trip around the tide schedule. Winter mornings are excellent for spotted seatrout.

Can I keep Spanish mackerel I catch at Biloxi Beach?

Yes, Spanish mackerel are common in the Sound, especially in spring and fall. They have a 12-inch minimum size and a 15-fish daily bag limit in Mississippi. They're excellent eating and fight hard on light tackle.

What should I do if I hook a stingray while wading?

Keep your rod tip up and maintain steady pressure—don't jerk or horse the fish. Rays are strong but will usually come in if you stay calm. Once it's close, cut the line rather than trying to land it. Wear shoes and shuffle your feet when wading to avoid stepping on rays in the first place.

How far out can I wade at Biloxi Beach?

The bottom drops gradually, and you can usually wade out 100 to 150 yards at low tide before the water gets too deep. The bottom is soft mud and shell, so it's easy to sink. Stay aware of the tide—it comes in fast, and you don't want to be caught too far out when water rises.