What You'll Find at Graveline Bayou

Graveline Bayou is a shallow, brackish system in Hancock County that sits between the Pearl River and the Gulf of Mexico. The water is typically 2 to 4 feet deep across most of the bayou, with scattered deeper holes and channels that hold fish year-round. The bottom is soft mud and grass, and the shoreline mixes marsh, mangrove, and hardwood.

The primary species here are redfish and speckled trout, with occasional flounder and sheepshead. Redfish dominate in spring and fall when they move into the shallows to feed. Speckled trout are present most of the year but are most reliable from October through April. The bayou also holds small tarpon and permit in summer, though they are not the main draw.

What makes Graveline distinct is its accessibility to anglers with small boats or kayaks. The shallow draft means you can fish water that larger bay boats cannot reach, and the narrow channels and marsh edges create natural ambush points for redfish. The bayou is also less crowded than the main Pearl River passes, which appeals to anglers looking for quieter water.

Key Takeaways

  • Redfish and speckled trout are the primary species, with redfish most active in spring and fall and trout most reliable from October through April.
  • The bayou averages 2 to 4 feet deep with soft mud and grass bottom, making it ideal for shallow-draft boats, kayaks, and wading.
  • Access is via the Pearl River from Pearlington or via boat launch at Waveland, with no dedicated public launch directly on Graveline itself.
  • Redfish respond to live mullet, shrimp, and soft plastics worked slowly along grass edges and channel banks.
  • Mississippi saltwater fishing license is required; check current redfish and trout bag limits before you fish.

When to Fish Graveline Bayou

Spring (March through May) is peak season for redfish. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and redfish move into the shallows to spawn and feed. Sight-casting to tailing fish in the marsh is possible on calm mornings, and the bite remains strong through midday. Speckled trout are present but less concentrated than in fall.

Fall (October through November) brings the second-best redfish bite and excellent speckled trout fishing. Water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, and both species feed aggressively before winter. Trout often school in deeper channels and along the bayou's main body, making them easier to locate than in spring.

Summer (June through August) is slow. Water temperatures exceed 85 degrees, and fish move to deeper holes and the main river channel. Early morning and late evening trips can produce, but midday fishing is nearly dead. Tarpon and permit show up in July and August but require specialized tackle and patience.

Winter (December through February) is hit-or-miss. Cold fronts push water temperatures into the 40s and 50s, and fish move to the deepest available water. Trout fishing can be good immediately after a cold front passes, but you need to fish deep channels and holes rather than the shallows.

How to Reach Graveline Bayou

There is no public boat launch directly on Graveline Bayou. The standard approach is to launch from Waveland or Pearlington and run up the Pearl River to the bayou's mouth. From Waveland, the Waveland Harbor boat launch (on the Gulf side of town) is the closest option; it is a public facility with parking and a concrete ramp. The run to Graveline is roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on water conditions and your boat speed.

From Pearlington, the Pearlington boat launch sits on the Pearl River north of town and is also public. The run downriver to Graveline is longer—roughly 20 to 30 minutes—but the launch is less crowded than Waveland. Both launches charge a small day-use fee (amounts vary by season and facility).

If you have a kayak or canoe, you can also access Graveline from the Pearlington side by paddling downriver, though the current and occasional barge traffic make this route less ideal than launching from a boat. Shallow-draft boats (skiffs, flats boats, jon boats) are ideal; anything drawing more than 18 inches will run aground in the shallower sections.

Tackle and Technique for Redfish and Trout

For redfish, use medium-weight spinning tackle (6 to 7 feet, 15- to 20-pound braid) and cast live mullet or live shrimp near grass edges, channel banks, and marsh points. Redfish in Graveline are not leader-shy, so 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon is fine. Work the bait slowly and let it sit; redfish in shallow water are cautious and will often mouth a bait before committing. Soft plastics (4- to 6-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors) also work well when cast and retrieved slowly along structure.

For speckled trout, use lighter tackle (6-foot spinning rod, 10- to 12-pound braid) and focus on deeper channels and the main bayou body, especially in fall and winter. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic approach; cast near submerged structure and work the cork with short, sharp pops. Soft plastics on light jig heads (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) also produce, particularly in fall when trout school in open water.

Sight-casting to tailing redfish in the marsh is possible in spring on calm, clear mornings. Polarized sunglasses are essential. Cast ahead of the fish and let the bait or lure settle; a redfish will often turn and take it without a dramatic strike.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Mississippi saltwater fishing license to fish Graveline Bayou. Licenses are available online through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website, at tackle shops in Waveland and Pearlington, or at Walmart locations in the area. A three-day license is the most common short-term option for visiting anglers.

Redfish and speckled trout have bag limits and size restrictions that change periodically. As of recent regulations, redfish have a 2-fish daily bag limit with a 18-inch minimum size, and speckled trout have a 25-fish daily bag limit with a 12-inch minimum size. Check the current Mississippi Department of Marine Resources regulations before you fish, as these limits are subject to change.

Flounder and sheepshead also have bag limits and size restrictions. Tarpon and permit are catch-and-release only in Mississippi state waters. Chumming is allowed but live bait is restricted in some areas; confirm current rules with the launch attendant or a local tackle shop.

What to Expect: Weather, Tides, and Conditions

Graveline Bayou is exposed to Gulf weather, and conditions can change rapidly. Wind is the biggest factor—even 10 to 15 knots makes the shallow water choppy and reduces visibility for sight-casting. Early morning trips (before 9 a.m.) typically offer calmer conditions and clearer water. Afternoon wind is common, especially in spring and summer.

Tides in Graveline are modest (typically 1 to 2 feet) but do affect water depth and fish location. Rising tide pushes fish into the shallows and marsh; falling tide concentrates them in deeper channels. Fish are most active during the first two hours of rising tide and the first hour of falling tide. Slack tide (the hour around high or low) is often slow.

Water clarity varies with rainfall and wind. After heavy rain, the bayou becomes stained and murky, which can actually improve the bite for redfish (they rely more on smell and lateral line). Clear water is better for sight-casting but can make fish more cautious. Saltwater intrusion varies seasonally; in summer, the bayou is more saline; in winter and after rain, it becomes more brackish.

Local Tackle and Services

The nearest tackle shops are in Waveland and Pearlington. Waveland has several shops within a few blocks of the harbor launch, and staff there can provide current conditions, recent catch reports, and advice on where redfish and trout are biting. Pearlington has at least one tackle shop near the boat launch. Both towns have fuel, ice, and basic supplies.

There are no lodging options directly on Graveline Bayou, but Waveland and Pearlington both have motels and vacation rentals. Waveland is the larger town and has more amenities, including restaurants and grocery stores. Pearlington is smaller and quieter but still has basic services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Graveline Bayou from shore?

Shore access is limited. The bayou is surrounded by private property and marsh, with few public access points. A boat or kayak is the practical way to fish here. If you want to wade, ask at the tackle shop in Waveland or Pearlington about any public marsh access; locals may know of spots not obvious on a map.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is best for sight-casting and calm water. The bite remains good through midday in spring and fall, but summer afternoons are slow. Late afternoon (4 p.m. onward) can produce in fall and winter when water temperatures drop.

Do I need a guide to fish Graveline Bayou?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the bayou's channels and structure. Local guides know where redfish and trout are holding and can teach you how to read the water. Guides are available through tackle shops in Waveland and Pearlington or by searching online for "Graveline Bayou fishing guide."

What size boat do I need?

A shallow-draft boat (skiff, flats boat, or jon boat) 16 to 20 feet is ideal. Kayaks and canoes work for anglers comfortable paddling in open water. Anything drawing more than 18 inches will run aground in the shallower sections, especially at low tide.

Are there other fish species worth targeting?

Flounder and sheepshead are present year-round and respond to live shrimp and mullet. Tarpon and permit show up in summer but are difficult to catch and require specialized tackle. Most anglers focus on redfish and trout because they are more reliable and more fun on light tackle.