What You'll Find at Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach is a working waterfront where you can fish from shore, pier, or boat within sight of casinos and development. The beach itself—a narrow strip of sand along the Mississippi Sound—holds Spanish mackerel, pompano, and whiting in the warmer months, with occasional redfish and spotted seatrout. The real fishing happens at the public piers, the jetties, and in the shallow bays just offshore, where the mix changes by season and tide.

The sound here is shallow, murky, and productive. Water temperatures swing from the low 50s in winter to the mid-80s by August. Salinity varies depending on how much fresh water the Pearl River and other outlets are pushing in. That variation matters: redfish and seatrout tolerate it better than tarpon or permit do. You're fishing a transitional zone, not a clear Gulf flat, and that shapes what shows up and when.

Key Takeaways

  • Biloxi's public piers and jetties are free or low-cost and require no boat, making them the easiest entry point for visiting anglers.
  • Spanish mackerel and pompano peak in spring and fall; redfish and seatrout are present year-round but most reliable April through October.
  • The sound is shallow and silty, so light tackle, small baits, and early morning or late afternoon fishing produce better than midday.
  • Biloxi Bay and the Back Bay offer protected water for kayak fishing and small-boat anglers, with different species and less boat traffic than the sound proper.
  • Regulations change annually; check the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website before you fish to confirm season dates and size limits.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) brings the most consistent action. Water warms into the 60s and 70s, and Spanish mackerel move in from deeper water to feed on baitfish in the shallows. Pompano arrive in April and May, feeding on sand fleas and small crustaceans along the beach and in the first trough. Redfish and spotted seatrout are active throughout the sound, especially around structure—pilings, jetties, and the edges of deeper channels.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow by midday. Fish move deeper or into the shade of piers and structures to escape the heat and bright sun. Early morning and late evening are the only reliable windows. Tarpon occasionally show in the deeper channels and near the passes, though they're not a primary target here. Croaker and catfish bite well at night from the piers.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Water cools, and Spanish mackerel return in force. Pompano show again in October and November. Redfish and seatrout feed aggressively as they prepare for winter. The sound can get rough in October and November when cold fronts push through, but the fishing is worth it.

Winter (December through February) is slow and unpredictable. Most visiting anglers skip it. Redfish and seatrout are still present but scattered. Catfish and croaker bite from the piers at night. Water temperatures in the low 50s mean fish are sluggish and less willing to chase. If you're here in winter, fish the deeper holes in the sound and the channels where current keeps water moving.

Public Piers and Jetties

The Biloxi Fishing Pier is the main public option—a long structure extending into the sound with rod rental, bait sales, and a small fee (usually a few dollars per person). It's crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in spring and fall, but it holds fish year-round. Bring your own rod if you prefer; the rental rods are basic. Spanish mackerel, pompano, and seatrout are the primary targets. Early morning before the crowds arrive is your best bet.

The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor jetties are free and less crowded than the pier. The rocks hold redfish, seatrout, and Spanish mackerel. Access is from the harbor side; park near the marina and walk out. Tide matters here—incoming tide pushes baitfish against the rocks and concentrates feeding fish. Jetty fishing requires care: rocks are slippery, and the current can be strong. Wear shoes with grip and watch the water before you commit to a spot.

The Broadwater Beach area has smaller public access points and sandy beaches where pompano and whiting bite in spring and fall. Bring a sand spike for your rod and wade if the water is calm. This area is less developed than downtown Biloxi and draws fewer anglers, which can mean better fishing if you're willing to walk.

Bays and Shallow Water Fishing

Biloxi Bay and the Back Bay—the water between the barrier islands and the mainland—offer a different experience from the sound proper. The water is shallower, often murky, and warmer in summer. Redfish and spotted seatrout dominate here, especially around oyster reefs, grass flats, and the mouths of small creeks. Tarpon occasionally cruise the deeper channels in summer.

Kayak fishing is popular in the bays because the water is calm and the fish are close to shore. Launch from the public ramps near the marina or from beach access points. Bring a push pole or paddle quietly—these fish are easily spooked in shallow water. Live shrimp or small mullet work well. Early morning is essential; by midday the water warms and fish retreat to deeper holes.

Small-boat anglers can run into the bays at high tide and fish the flats and edges. A shallow-draft skiff or flats boat is ideal; deeper-hulled boats will run aground. Hire a guide if you're unfamiliar with the area—the bottom is soft and uneven, and the channels shift. A guide knows where the fish are holding and how to navigate without getting stuck.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique

Light to medium tackle is standard here. A 6- to 7-foot spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound braid or monofilament handles most situations. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, so use a short wire or heavy mono leader. Redfish and seatrout don't require a leader, but a 12-inch section of 20-pound mono prevents bite-offs from sharp gill plates.

Live shrimp is the most versatile bait. Redfish, seatrout, and tarpon all eat it. Mullet—either live or cut—works for larger redfish and catfish. Sand fleas, if you can find them, are excellent for pompano. Croaker and small pinfish are good for catfish and larger seatrout. Buy bait at the pier or at tackle shops near the harbor; live bait is fresher and more effective than frozen.

Casting small spoons and soft plastics works well for Spanish mackerel and seatrout, especially in spring and fall when fish are actively feeding. A 2- to 3-inch soft plastic on a 1/8-ounce jig head covers water quickly and draws strikes. Topwater plugs can produce in early morning and late evening when fish are feeding near the surface.

Regulations and Licensing

Mississippi requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older, with limited exceptions for residents fishing on private land. A three-day non-resident license is available and costs less than a full-year license. Buy it online through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website or at tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Biloxi.

Size and bag limits change annually and vary by species. Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum and a daily bag limit (usually 15 fish). Redfish have a 16-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Spotted seatrout have an 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily bag limit. Pompano have a 10-inch minimum. Check the current regulations before you fish—limits and seasons shift, and violations carry fines.

Some areas have seasonal closures or special restrictions. The Mississippi Sound has areas closed to harvest of certain species during spawning season. The Department of Marine Resources publishes a current regulations guide; pick one up at a tackle shop or download it from their website.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Biloxi is on the Gulf Coast, about 90 miles east of New Orleans and 270 miles south of Jackson. U.S. Highway 90 runs along the beach and connects to Interstate 10. If you're flying, the nearest airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International (PIB), about 15 minutes from downtown Biloxi.

Lodging ranges from budget motels to casino resorts. If you're fishing the piers and jetties, staying downtown near the beach is convenient. If you're hiring a guide or launching a boat, the Small Craft Harbor area is closer to the water. Book ahead in spring and fall when fishing is best and the weather draws tourists.

Tackle shops in Biloxi stock live bait, rods, and local knowledge. Ask about recent catches and where fish are biting—shop staff fish the area and can point you to productive spots. The Biloxi Fishing Pier also sells bait and has a small shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Biloxi Beach?

No. The public piers and jetties hold fish year-round and require no boat. If you want to explore the bays or fish deeper water, a boat or guide service opens more options, but shore fishing is productive and accessible.

What's the best time of year to visit?

April through May and September through October offer the most consistent fishing and the best weather. Spring brings Spanish mackerel and pompano; fall brings both plus aggressive redfish and seatrout. Summer is hot and slow by day; winter is unpredictable and cold.

Can I fish at night from the piers?

Yes. The Biloxi Fishing Pier is open 24 hours, and night fishing for catfish and croaker is popular. Bring a light and check the pier's current hours before you go. Jetties are less safe at night because of the rocks and darkness; stick to the pier if you're fishing after dark.

What size fish can I keep?

Minimum sizes vary by species and change annually. Spanish mackerel are 12 inches; redfish are 16 inches; spotted seatrout are 12 inches; pompano are 10 inches. Check the current Mississippi Department of Marine Resources regulations before you fish to confirm the exact limits.

Is the water safe to fish in?

The Mississippi Sound is fishable, but water quality varies. After heavy rain, fresh water from rivers can lower salinity and affect fish behavior. Avoid fishing immediately after storms. The sound is not a swimming beach—currents and murky water make it unsuitable for swimming, but fishing is safe from piers and jetties.