When blue marlin are off Biloxi
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists late spring through early fall for blue marlin out of Biloxi, the warm-water months when Biloxi boats make the long run to bluewater.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is usually held in June, which puts the tournament fleet on the water in the middle of that window.
The run from Point Cadet Marina
The tournament fleet makes its offshore bluewater run from Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi. Biloxi Bluewater’s species blurb puts fish over 250 feet near the shelf drop-off, and that depth sets the length of the run.
Past the water you already fish, the bottom changes in steps. Boats pass these on the way out, nearest first:
- Katrina Reef. Inshore, in the Biloxi area.
- Horn Island Bar. South side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi.
- Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds. Barrier islands, with cobia in late April and early May.
- Ship Island wrecks and the Camille Cut tanks and barges. About 15 to 20 miles offshore.
- MDMR offshore reef sites. 15 permitted sites from the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership.
All of these sit short of the 250-foot water where the marlin fishing starts. Treat them as the near and middle water on the way out rather than as marlin grounds.
Reading conditions before the run
NDBC station 42040 is the offshore buoy to watch. The NDBC page says the station was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position.
Before committing to the run, check these at 42040:
- Wind speed and direction
- Wave height
- Wave period
Then read the official NOAA marine forecast for the area and decide from the numbers.
Grounds and structure
The named offshore structure runs from rigs and salt domes south of the Mississippi River mouth to a rig off Louisiana and an offshore ledge. The Horseshoe and Ram Powell sit off Louisiana and south of the river mouth, so these grounds are regional. For the wider picture, see our page on Gulf of Mexico blue marlin (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
| Ground | Depth | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf drop-off | 250+ ft | Where Biloxi Bluewater’s blurb puts fish |
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | 300-400 ft | South of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig off Louisiana | |
| Offshore ledge |
Plot the Horseshoe and shelf-edge depths against Chart Contours in Breakpoint before you go. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Horseshoe rigs and salt domes
The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes sit at 300 to 400 feet, south of the Mississippi River mouth. That is deeper than the 250-foot shelf-edge threshold, so the water steps down as you run out. The fleet works this ground.
Ram Powell rig
Ram Powell is a named oil rig off Louisiana and one of the local offshore marks.
The offshore ledge
The offshore ledge is another named ground on the local list of offshore marks.
How blue marlin are fished out of Biloxi
Biloxi Bluewater lists trolling with large lures or rigged baits as the local method.
For rigging, spreads and biology, see our blue marlin guide.
Who fishes for blue marlin out of Biloxi
Two groups work the bluewater out of Biloxi: a charter that lists blue marlin, and the tournament fleet. For wider coverage of the species group, see our billfish guides.
Biloxi Bluewater Charters
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists blue marlin. Captain Jerry McClure runs Gunslinger, which has twin Cat 375 hp engines and carries 6 guests.
The tournament fleet
The tournament fleet runs from Point Cadet Marina to bluewater past 250 feet near the shelf drop-off. It fishes the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, usually in June.
FAQ
When is blue marlin season off Biloxi?
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists late spring through early fall for blue marlin fishing out of Biloxi. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic usually falls in June.
How deep do Biloxi boats fish for blue marlin?
Biloxi Bluewater’s blurb puts fish over 250 feet near the shelf drop-off. The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes sit at 300 to 400 feet.
Where does the tournament fleet leave from?
Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC station 42040, which the NDBC page says was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Check wind, wave height and wave period, then the official marine forecast.
Who runs blue marlin charters from Biloxi?
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists blue marlin, with Captain Jerry McClure on Gunslinger (twin Cat 375 hp, 6 guests).
When is the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic?
Usually June.
