FISHING IN MISSISSIPPI
From freshwater to saltwater, a multitude of Mississippi fishing and boating opportunities await those who seek adventure on the waterways.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN MISSISSIPPI
LAKE TANGIPAHOA
LEFLUER’S BLUFF STATE PARK
Anglers can try their luck at Mayes Lake, a scenic oxbow of the Pearl River, or drive a short distance to Ross Barnett Reservoir.
HUGH WHITE STATE PARK
On Grenada Lake is best known as a haven for crappie fishermen, but is also well-stocked with bass, bream, and catfish.
GET A MISSISSIPPI FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN MISSISSIPPI
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
BLUEFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
You can sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, light- to medium-action spinning |
| Reel | Matching spinning reel with quality drag |
| Line | 15-20-pound braid; and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Popper's; Bluefish aren't picky about lure type, just needs to create a surface disturbance. Smaller does well. |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
TARPON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The tarpon was one of the first saltwater species to be declared a game fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 5.5 foot, medium-heavy, medium-fast-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 30-pound test monofilament or braided fishing line (Monofilament is better) |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Single hook, Poppers, Soft Plastics, Live or dead sardines |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Ultralight spinning or spincast combos |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well) |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
