Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Eric Bonneman
If you’ve spent some time fishing in the marsh or you’re just planning a trip down to the Gulf Coast, let me tell you—there’s plenty to be excited about this time of year.
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind when folks think of hitting the water. The cooler weather, it changes things, sure, but not in a bad way.
The fish don’t “disappear”—they just act a little different. The marsh grass even thins out just a bit, making it easier to spot them in the shallows. It’s quieter out there too, with fewer boats buzzing around. You’ve got room to breathe, and sometimes that’s just what you need.
Finding the fish? That’s half the fun. It’s not hard if you know what you’re doing—or if you’re lucky enough to bump into someone who does.
So, with winter already here, let’s take a closer look at what makes fishing in Gulfport during the cooler months worth your time:
Species to Target in Winter
As the cooler months settle in, our fishing charters in Gulfport have been yielding plenty of action with seatrout, redfish, and flounder. But then, as temperatures drop further into the heart of winter, you’re going to notice a shift in what’s biting. Seatrout and flounder will start to thin out, but don’t worry—that just means the spotlight will shift to reds.
Winter is prime time for targeting big spawning females alongside slot-sized reds that thrive year-round in Gulfport waters. December, January and February reds will bring the fight to you with every hookup, and their numbers remain steady throughout the season. Here’s why: as water temperatures drop, redfish (or red drum) gather in large schools, making them easier to locate. The big spawners—those oversized females—are still hanging around from their late fall spawning cycle, and you can find them near the deeper channels, passes, and structure.
Slot-sized reds, usually between 18 and 27 inches, are plentiful in the shallows and marshy areas, where they forage on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. The cooler water slows their metabolism a bit, but don’t let that fool you—they’ll still crush a well-placed lure or bait. Their numbers stay consistent thanks to strong conservation practices, including slot limits that protect both juvenile fish and breeders.
Reds are hardy and super adaptable, thriving in the brackish and saltwater habitats around Biloxi. They have a lateral line packed with sensory cells, letting them pick up vibrations from prey or your lure even in murky water. Now knowing this, a rattling jighead or noisy topwater can be the ticket to more strikes. If you’re in deeper water targeting those big girls, live bait like pinfish or croakers works like magic.
As we inch closer to spring, the Gulfport fishery evolves again, with black drum and sheepshead showing up more. These species are known for their size during this season, giving fishermen big battles and plenty of fish to bring home. (Little known fact: Winter can yield larger specimens across the board, so every trip is a chance to land a true trophy fish.)
Areas to Focus On
Now winter in Gulfport offers another great advantage—less travel time to the best fishing waters. The local fish are on the hunt for temperate zones and reliable food sources, so they don’t stray far from the shoreline.
That means the coastal marshes become even bigger hotspots, with the warm water outflows and freshwater feeds that create pockets of temperate conditions. These areas give the fish shelter and feeding grounds for winter species. Redfish in particular, you can often spot tailing while they feed on the many crustaceans in the shallows.
Nearshore reefs and barrier islands can also be good locations during the winter months. These waters let you target many of the bigger fish typically associated with offshore trips—without the long boat rides. Doesn’t matter if you’re looking to fish inshore marshes or hit the reefs—you’ll find the action is closer to home this season.
Why The Winter Fishing in Gulfport is So Good
Gulfport in Winter has a unique combo of big fish, mild weather, and fewer crowds. Since the average temperatures hover between 45°F at night and 65°F during the day, it’s a great escape for anyone tired of shoveling snow up North. (All kidding aside… even if escaping the cold isn’t on your agenda, the lighter boat traffic and quality of catches are reasons enough to hit the water.)
This time of year really highlights Gulfport’s incredible fishery. If you’re after redfish, you can stack the cooler without much trouble—plenty of action and no big guessing game. But if you’re feeling like a fight, winter’s also the time to hook into a big black drum.
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