Mississippi provides an incredible variety of angling opportunities ranging from world-record crappie in the northern reservoirs to trophy redfish and speckled trout along the Gulf Coast. The state is particularly famous for its 'Arc of Slabs' reservoirs and the diverse river systems of the Mississippi and Pascagoula.
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Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Crappie
Peak season is February through April during the spawn; Mississippi is world-renowned for trophy slabs exceeding 3 pounds.
Largemouth Bass
Fishing is excellent year-round with the most active spawning period occurring from late February to early April.
Red Drum (Redfish)
Available year-round in coastal marshes and the Mississippi Sound; strict slot limit of 18 to 30 inches applies.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
Most active during spring and fall; current regulations include a 15-inch minimum length and 15-fish daily bag limit.
Blue Catfish
Major river systems like the Mississippi and Yazoo produce giant catfish year-round, with peak heavyweight action in summer.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish
Excellent panfishing statewide, especially during the spring spawn in May and June.
Smallmouth Bass
Primarily found in Pickwick Lake in the northeast corner of the state; best caught in spring and late fall.
Top Waters
Grenada Lake
Widely recognized as the 'Crappie Capital of the World' for producing massive trophy-sized fish.
Ross Barnett Reservoir
A 33,000-acre reservoir near Jackson known for high-quality bass and crappie fishing.
Pickwick Lake
A premier destination in the Tennessee River chain famous for smallmouth bass and striped bass.
Enid Lake
Part of the famous crappie corridor and site of the long-standing world record for white crappie.
Mississippi Sound
Provides access to diverse saltwater species including speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.
Sardis Lake
Highly productive flood-control reservoir popular for both tournament bass fishing and crappie slabs.
Pascagoula River
One of the last large unimpeded river systems, offering unique freshwater and brackish water habitat.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Mississippi's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Silver Dollar Charters
Charter/GuideBiloxi, MS
Specializes in deep sea and offshore fishing trips for snapper, cobia, and king mackerel.
Team Brodie Charters
Charter/GuideBiloxi, MS
A versatile guide service focusing on inshore species like trout, redfish, and flounder in the Sound.
Strictly Business Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideBiloxi, MS
Offers diverse offshore and nearshore trips for families and serious anglers alike.
Mega-Bite Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideBiloxi, MS
Provides professional guide services for both nearshore and deep sea offshore excursions.
Fish-N-Fool Charters
Charter/GuidePass Christian, MS
Inshore fishing specialist focused on the productive marshes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Tackle Box
Bait & Tackle ShopOcean Springs, MS
A local hub for coastal anglers providing fresh bait, custom lures, and expert advice.
Southern States Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopBiloxi, MS
Offers a wide range of saltwater tackle, terminal gear, and live bait for coastal fishing.
The Reel Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopCorinth, MS
Serving northeast Mississippi with a focus on bass and crappie gear for Pickwick Lake.
Hooks Marine & Fishing
Bait & Tackle ShopPetal, MS
A comprehensive shop for river and pond anglers in the Hattiesburg area.
Main Harbour Marina
MarinaRidgeland, MS
A full-service marina located on the shores of Ross Barnett Reservoir offering slips and fuel.
Bay Marina
MarinaBay St. Louis, MS
Ideally located for quick access to the Bay of St. Louis and the Mississippi Sound.
Columbus Marina
MarinaColumbus, MS
Located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, serving boaters and anglers in the Golden Triangle.
Gulfport Marina
MarinaGulfport, MS
A city-run facility providing excellent access to the Gulf and protected harbor services.
Point Cadillac Marina
MarinaBiloxi, MS
Offering convenient wet slips and quick access to the premier fishing grounds of Biloxi.
White River Fly Shop
Fly ShopPearl, MS
Located within Bass Pro Shops, this is the state's largest retailer for fly rods and flies.
G-Eye Fly Fishing
Fly ShopOcean Springs, MS
A specialized guide service and fly fishing resource focusing on saltwater fly angling.
D&B Fly Shop
Fly ShopVicksburg, MS
Provides custom flies and equipment for local river and reservoir fly fishing.
Breath's Boats & Motors
Boat DealerBay St. Louis, MS
A family-owned dealership specializing in coastal fishing boats and outboard service.
Rez Marine
Boat DealerRidgeland, MS
Provides a wide selection of fishing boats specifically geared for Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Blackcreek Marine
Boat DealerHattiesburg, MS
Sales and service for freshwater fishing boats and aluminum craft for the Leaf River area.
Performance Marine
Boat DealerColumbus, MS
Northeast Mississippi's source for bass boats and high-performance fishing vessels.
Tylertown Marine
Boat DealerTylertown, MS
Specializes in aluminum fishing boats and outboards for south Mississippi anglers.
S & M Custom Rods
Rod BuilderVancleave, MS
Expertly crafted custom fishing rods designed for the rigors of coastal saltwater fishing.
T&T Custom Rods
Rod BuilderBiloxi, MS
Hand-built fishing rods tailored to specific species and angler preferences.
Coastal Custom Rods
Rod BuilderPass Christian, MS
Focuses on high-performance custom rods for inshore and offshore applications.
R&R Custom Rods
Rod BuilderIuka, MS
Specializes in custom bass and smallmouth rods for anglers on Pickwick Lake.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.