What Courthouse Road Pier Offers

Courthouse Road Pier is a public fishing pier in Gulfport that extends into the Mississippi Sound, giving you access to shallow Gulf waters without a boat. The pier is built over sandy bottom and seagrass flats typical of the sound, which means you're fishing structure that holds both resident species and seasonal visitors. It's a straightforward walk-on pier — no boat launch, no membership, just park and fish.

The pier works best during incoming and high tides, when baitfish move into the shallows and predators follow. Low tide can leave you fishing water so thin that larger fish move elsewhere, though smaller species and mullet stay active. The pier faces northeast, so it gets morning sun and afternoon shade from the pilings — useful in summer when midday heat drives fish deeper.

Key Takeaways

  • Courthouse Road Pier is a public walk-on pier in Gulfport open during daylight hours, with parking nearby and no fee required.
  • Incoming and high tides produce the best fishing, particularly for redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel in spring and fall.
  • Live mullet or shrimp work better than cut bait on this pier because the water clarity and light pressure from other anglers reward natural presentations.
  • Summer fishing is possible but slow; winter can be productive for redfish and black drum if you fish the deeper holes at the pier's end.

Species You'll Find Here

Redfish are the most reliable target on Courthouse Road Pier, especially in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). They cruise the flats on incoming tides, hunting mullet and shrimp. Fish the deeper water at the pier's end during low tide, then move to the shallower sections as the tide comes in. A 6-foot medium-power rod with 15-pound braid and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader will handle redfish without being overkill.

Spotted seatrout show up in the same seasons and often hunt the same water as redfish. They're faster strikers and lighter fighters, so you can drop down to 12-pound braid if you want. Spanish mackerel arrive in late spring and stay through early fall, feeding on small baitfish in the open water beyond the pier's end. They'll hit small spoons or live mullet cast into deeper channels.

Black drum move through in winter and early spring, particularly around the pier pilings where they hunt crabs and small fish. They're powerful and require heavier tackle — 20-pound braid minimum — but they're less common than redfish and trout. Mullet are present year-round and provide both food and sport; they'll take small flies or bread balls if you want light-tackle fun.

Tackle and Bait That Works

Live mullet is your best bait choice here. Courthouse Road Pier sits close enough to shallow flats that you can often catch your own mullet with a cast net before you start fishing, or you can buy them from local tackle shops in Gulfport. Fish them on a simple 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook with a small split shot 18 inches above the hook — the circle hook sets itself when a redfish or trout takes it, which matters when you're fishing from a crowded pier.

Live shrimp work when mullet are hard to find, though they attract smaller fish and crabs more readily. Use the same rig as with mullet but drop to a 1/0 hook. Cut mullet produces results but draws more catfish and sharks than live bait, which can slow your day if you're after redfish or trout.

Artificial lures make sense if you want to cover water or if the pier is crowded. Small soft plastics (3 to 4 inches) rigged on 1/8-ounce jigheads work for trout and smaller redfish. Spoons in silver or gold cast into the deeper channels beyond the pier attract Spanish mackerel and occasional large trout. Topwater plugs early in the morning or late in the afternoon can trigger strikes from aggressive fish, but they're less reliable than live bait on a busy pier.

Tides, Seasons, and Timing

Incoming tide is when Courthouse Road Pier fishes best. As water rises, baitfish move onto the flats and predators follow. The bite typically peaks in the hour before high tide and continues for the first hour of the outgoing tide. Low tide can be slow, but if you fish the deeper holes at the pier's end, you'll still catch fish — they're just concentrated in fewer places.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most productive seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, baitfish are abundant, and redfish and trout are actively feeding. Summer is fishable but slower; many anglers fish early morning or late evening to avoid the heat and the midday lull. Winter can be excellent for redfish and black drum if you're willing to fish in cooler weather, though some days the bite shuts down completely when a cold front moves through.

Check the tide tables for Gulfport before you go. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publishes tide predictions for the area, and most local tackle shops post them as well. Plan your trip for incoming tide if you can — it's worth the extra effort.

Practical Details for Your Visit

Courthouse Road Pier is open during daylight hours year-round. There is no fee to fish, and parking is available nearby. The pier can get crowded on weekends and during peak seasons, particularly in spring and fall. If you prefer elbow room, fish on weekday mornings or during summer when fewer anglers are out.

Bring sun protection — the pier offers some shade from the pilings, but you'll spend hours in direct sun. A hat, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved shirt are standard. The pier has no amenities, so bring your own water and snacks. A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish for dinner.

The pier surface can be slippery when wet, especially in the morning or after rain. Wear shoes with good grip. If you're fishing with children, keep a close eye on them — the water is shallow but moving, and the pier can be crowded.

Regulations and What You Can Keep

Mississippi has specific size and bag limits for redfish, spotted seatrout, and other species. Redfish must be between 18 and 26 inches (with a slot limit that protects very large fish), and you can keep three per day. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily limit. Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish limit. Black drum must be at least 12 inches, with a 5-fish daily limit.

Mullet have no size limit and no daily bag limit in Mississippi, so you can keep as many as you want. Always check the current regulations with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources before you fish — rules change, and it's your responsibility to know what's legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Courthouse Road Pier?

Yes. Mississippi requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (one day, three days, or annual) from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website or from most local tackle shops in Gulfport. The license is inexpensive and supports fish management in the state.

What's the best time of day to fish this pier?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive. Fish are more active during lower light, and the pier is less crowded. If you can time your visit to coincide with incoming tide during these windows, you'll have your best chance at redfish and trout.

Can I keep fish I catch here?

Yes, as long as they meet Mississippi's size and bag limits. Redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel are all good eating. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep your catch, and clean the fish as soon as you get home to preserve quality.

Is this pier good for beginners?

Yes. Courthouse Road Pier is a straightforward walk-on pier with no special skills required. The fish are willing, the tackle is simple, and you can watch other anglers to learn what's working. Start with live mullet or shrimp on a basic rig, fish the incoming tide, and you'll have a good chance of success.

What do I do if I hook a shark?

Stay calm and keep your rod tip up. Sharks are common in the sound and usually small (under 4 feet). If you hook one, you can fight it in and release it, or cut the line if you're uncomfortable. Never try to land a large shark from a pier — cut the line and let it go. Most sharks caught here are not aggressive and will leave once they're free.