Expert-Guided Beginner Fishing in Gautier, MS

Published Date: October 2, 2025
Fishing

Biloxi
$500 - $1,200 price range

Summary

This full-day fishing trip in Gautier, Mississippi is perfect for newcomers to the sport. Captain Forrest Walters takes you out for 8 hours of inshore fishing, focusing on redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. You'll cruise through calm backwaters and productive bays along the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Captain provides all the gear you need and offers patient, hands-on instruction. He'll teach you the basics of casting, baiting hooks, and reeling in your catch. It's a relaxed environment where you can learn at your own pace while still enjoying plenty of fishing action. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great option for families or small groups looking to try coastal fishing for the first time. By the end of the day, you'll have gained confidence in your angling skills and hopefully landed some nice fish to show for it.

Expert-Guided Beginner Fishing in Gautier, MS

Reels and Catches

Creating memories

Marley Ray in Mississippi

Gulf Coast fishing at its finest!

Nothing beats a haul like this on the Gulf Coast!

Reel In Fun: Beginner Fishing in Gautier

Hey there, fishing newbies! Ready to wet a line without the pressure? Captain Forrest Walters has got you covered with this laid-back, full-day trip out of Gautier, Mississippi. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on the basics, this is your chance to learn the ropes (or lines) in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore waters. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, and flounder - the holy trinity of Mississippi fishing. So grab your hat and let's dive into what makes this trip a perfect cast for beginners!

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're cruising through the calm backwaters of Gautier, the morning sun warming your face as Captain Forrest points out a school of redfish tailing in the shallows. For the next 8 hours, you'll be soaking up knowledge faster than your bait soaks up water. This isn't your granddad's stern fishing lesson - it's a chill day on the water where questions are encouraged and mistakes are just part of the learning process. You'll start with the basics - how to bait a hook, cast without tangling (trust me, it's possible), and reel in your catch like a pro. But don't worry, there's plenty of actual fishing mixed in with the learning. By the end of the day, you'll be spotting fish, setting hooks, and maybe even giving the captain a run for his money (okay, maybe not quite, but you'll definitely improve).

Casting Call: Techniques & Gear

Alright, let's talk shop. Captain Forrest stocks his boat with top-notch gear that's perfect for beginners. You'll be working with light to medium spinning rods - easy to handle but still tough enough to land a big red. Live bait is the name of the game here, usually shrimp or mullet depending on what's biting. You'll learn the art of the gentle cast, how to work a popping cork (it's like a fish dinner bell), and the subtleties of feeling for that telltale nibble. The waters around Gautier are a mixed bag of grass flats, oyster beds, and deeper channels, so you'll get to try different techniques as you move around. And hey, if you're struggling with your cast, no sweat - the captain's got a few tricks up his sleeve to get you dialed in.

Target Species

Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, often putting up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, especially around structure like oyster bars or grass beds. In Gautier, you can find them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up and chase bait. The "bull reds" (over 27 inches) are catch-and-release, but they make for an epic battle and a great photo op.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are anything but specks. Known for their spotted sides and delicate flavor, specks are a favorite among light tackle anglers. They're ambush predators, so you'll often find them lurking around points, drop-offs, or grass edges. The bite can be subtle, so staying alert is key. Spring and fall are fantastic for trout fishing in Gautier, with many anglers chasing that elusive "gator trout" (over 5 pounds).

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the inshore world. Masters of camouflage, they bury themselves in the sandy bottom waiting to ambush prey. Catching flounder is all about patience and precision - you'll learn to drag your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when a flounder strikes. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they move towards the passes to spawn. And let's not forget - they're delicious, making them a favorite for the dinner table.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've guided plenty of first-timers, and there's nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up when they reel in their first fish. This trip isn't just about filling the cooler (though that's always nice). It's about building confidence, learning new skills, and maybe even kickstarting a lifelong passion. The waters around Gautier are forgiving enough for beginners but productive enough to keep things exciting. Plus, the scenery ain't too shabby - you might spot pelicans diving for bait, dolphins playing in the wake, or even a gator sunning on the bank. It's the kind of day that reminds you why people fall in love with fishing in the first place.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, are you ready to trade in your fishing frustrations for some real know-how and a cooler full of fish? This trip with Captain Forrest is your ticket to becoming a bona fide angler (or at least looking like one on Instagram). With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for a family outing, a group of friends, or even a team-building day that beats any trust fall exercise. Just remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a good attitude - the captain will handle the rest. The fish are biting in Gautier, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let this chance to learn from one of the best slip away like a big one off the hook. Book your trip with Marley Ray Adventures and get ready to make some waves (and maybe even catch dinner). Tight lines, folks!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a real favorite around here. They usually run 28-33 inches when fully grown, but can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. These fish put up an awesome fight and are known for their distinctive black tail spot. Fall is prime time for redfish, when they're feeding heavily before winter. They'll hit just about any bait that fits in their mouth, but I like using topwater lures for explosive strikes. If you're fly fishing, try a 3-inch weedless fly. One tip: look for their tails sticking up out of the water on really shallow flats - it's a dead giveaway. Redfish make great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a popular target in our local waters. These fish typically range from 14-24 inches and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper waters up to 164 feet. Sea trout have a mild, delicate flavor that many folks enjoy. They're fun to catch year-round, but fall and spring tend to be prime seasons. When fishing for them, I like to use artificial lures like jerk baits or plastic shrimp. A local tip: try trolling slowly along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. Just remember, their meat is on the softer side, so be careful not to overcook it when you get them home for dinner.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are an odd-looking but tasty fish we catch in our coastal waters. They're flat and oval-shaped, usually 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so they like to hide in the substrate. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they move offshore for the winter. Folks enjoy catching them for their unique appearance and excellent table fare. To land one, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom. I like using live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a single-hook rig. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and reposition it before fully committing.

About the Marley Ray Adventures

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

We'll be cruising the calm backwaters and bays around Gautier in a comfortable, well-equipped fishing boat perfect for inshore adventures. There's plenty of deck space for up to 6 guests to cast lines and reel in catches. The vessel has all the essential fishing gear on board, so you don't need to bring your own rods or tackle. With a stable ride and shaded seating areas, it's an ideal setup for beginners to learn the ropes of saltwater angling. Captain Forrest keeps the boat in top shape and outfitted with modern electronics to help locate the best fishing spots. Whether you're after redfish, trout, or flounder, this boat provides a great platform for a full day of fishing fun on Mississippi's scenic coastal waters.

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