Mississippi gulf coast

Hey fishing mags. This is the 3rd time I've clicked on this forum in my 7 years here as I'm no fisherman, however, I recently moved to the Mississippi gulf coast and the beach to me is just a reminder that I'm as far away from the mountains as I could possibly be. I'd like to change this, and if I can find some way to enjoy my new location I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm in Ocean Springs and would love to see what this place has to offer. Anyone somewhat nearby that wouldn't mind lending a line to a mag? I've got no qualms driving a bit as I work 4 days a week (but every weekend). I should probably just charter or maybe buy a jon boat just to get out on the water or something, but figured I'd check here first. As a heads up I generally refer to myself as a lure donor if I ever fish, but that could always change I guess. Thanks in advance and no worries if I come up no dice.

I can't speak to that specific area, but hiring a guide would be a good idea. Tell him what you want to accomplish and he can tailor his trip to your expectations. Be aware that charter captains really like it when a client has some prior knowledge. I'll give you a head start here.

First, always call it a pole and not a rod. "Rod" is for gapers.

There are two types of reels you will encounter, spinning reels and casting reels. It's important to know how to use the two.
A spinning reel looks like this and always goes on top of the pole.

Attachment 200670

Attachment 200671

A casting reel goes under the pole like this.

Attachment 200672

If you've got your reel on the wrong side of the pole your captain is going to know you're an idiot and will probably try to charge you for every fish you catch. Don't let that happen.

I hope that helps. Don't forget to tip.

Umm yeah, on opposite day.

Find a pier, rent a setup, buy some bait, and get some pointers from the weirdos that hang out on piers.
Once you get the hang of it, do some wading. You live in a prime area for early morning beach fishing. I didn't have a boat here for years, but did plenty of fishing.
I would look at inflatable SUP's like Bote. That is an excellent way to get some exercise and fish. If you decide to buy, look at Star rods- they have a 100% in store warrantee on breakage, which will happen. For reels, a nice Shimano, Diawa, or Penn is the way to go. Spinning only to start, and I would suggest braided line with mono backing. Any good shop can set you up right.

Just took a look at the map- Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve is where you want to be.

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Originally Posted by warthog

Umm yeah, on opposite day.

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Oh right. It's the other way around if you're fishing for sting rays. My bad.

Sting Rays are bait here.

Cool. We used to catch them trolling plugs in the sargassum. Never used them for bait.

OP, I forgot to mention trolling reels. Use both hands to wind the handle.

Mississippi gulf coast "beach" is quite a reach. As if MS doesn't have a hard enough time as it is, God cursed the state with barrier islands.

To OP: The aforementioned barrier islands hold gobs of fish, the rivers have white, specks, and green trout, the many many bridge pilings in the passes hold fish like crazy sometimes. But West into Louisiana, specifically the Biloxi Marsh, is where the guides run to.
Look on GE, you'll find a marina with a put-in just a few miles west of the Pearl river bridge. Call them to get the lowdown.

You need a La license, and a marsh boat that can handle some open water chop, but you can probably trailer to the ramp in 20-30 minutes from the house.

Thanks guys. I should try to catch this shark that's in our marina.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0bb1bdaa87.jpg
Something like this would be pretty dope to put on my brother's dock in the bayou. I'd really like a center console whaler montauk or something, but for $2100 this is cool. W hull glastrons are family nostalgia material.
https://mobile.craigslist.org/boa/5996796495.html
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Brother's dock
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5d691e4d13.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...adf2607dac.jpg
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^^^my "beach"
Biloxi bridge and casinos in the distance.