Mahi-Mahi Fishing Out of Biloxi: When the Fish Are Here
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Biloxi is offshore trolling in summer. Aquiline’s Biloxi species list puts the season in summer, and FishingBooker’s Biloxi fishing rundown points boats to the oil rigs.
This page covers when the fish are here, where boats run, which structure is mahi water and which is not, and who fishes for them from this port. For getting out of the Sound and reading conditions, see the Biloxi port guide.
The Summer Window
Aquiline puts the season in summer. The source gives no start or end point, so none is named here. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, usually held in June, is covered below under who fishes for them.
Where Boats Run for Mahi Out of Biloxi
Boats run offshore and troll, and FishingBooker points them to the oil rigs.
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 42040, re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. A buoy reading is a single point and doesn’t describe the whole run, so check wind, wave height and period against the official marine forecast before you leave.
For the broader rig and bluewater pattern beyond this port, see mahi-mahi across the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
| Ground | Type | Depth or distance | Location note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | Oil rigs and salt domes | 300-400 ft | South of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig | Off Louisiana | |
| Offshore ledge | Ledge | ||
| Ship Island and Camille Cut wrecks, tanks and barges | Wrecks and structure | About 15 to 20 miles offshore | |
| MDMR offshore reef sites | Permitted reef sites | 15 sites | Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership |
| Katrina Reef | Reef | Inshore, Biloxi area | |
| Horn Island Bar | Bar | South side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi | |
| Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds | Barrier-island grounds | Cobia in late April and early May |
Rigs and salt domes are the structure to mark before the run.
The Rigs and Salt Domes
These are the distant bluewater grounds that the oil-rig trolling points to.
- Horseshoe rigs and salt domes: 300-400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth.
- Ram Powell rig: an oil rig off Louisiana.
- Offshore ledge: offshore structure on the run.
Nearer Structure
Two sets of structure sit nearer on the way out.
- Ship Island and Camille Cut: wrecks, tanks and barges about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
- MDMR offshore reef sites: 15 permitted sites under the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership.
Inshore Grounds That Are Not Mahi Water
Anglers who fish the Sound and the islands will know these grounds already. They sit well inside the bluewater where boats troll for mahi-mahi.
- Katrina Reef: inshore, Biloxi area.
- Horn Island Bar: south side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi.
- Cat Island and Horn Island: barrier-island cobia grounds, with cobia in late April and early May.
How Mahi Are Fished Here
The local method is trolling, offshore and at the rigs, with rigs and salt domes as the structure to mark.
For general behavior and gear, see mahi-mahi species and tackle. For what else can show up on the same troll, see other offshore gamefish.
Who Fishes for Them
Charters and tournament teams both work these waters.
Charters
Two local charters list mahi-mahi, and either works as a reference point for a Biloxi mahi charter.
- Biloxi Bluewater Charters: Captain Jerry McClure. The boat is Gunslinger, with twin Cat 375 hp engines, carrying 6 guests. See Biloxi Bluewater Charters’ site.
- Aquiline Custom Charters: Captain James. See Aquiline Custom Charters’ site.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is the tournament listed for mahi-mahi out of Biloxi. It is usually held in June. Details are on the Billfish Classic event page.
FAQ
When is mahi season out of Biloxi?
Aquiline puts the season in summer.
Where do Biloxi boats run for mahi?
Boats troll offshore, and FishingBooker points them to the oil rigs. Named grounds include the Horseshoe rigs and salt domes, the Ram Powell rig off Louisiana and the offshore ledge.
How deep are the Horseshoe rigs?
They sit in 300-400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC station 42040, re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Read it alongside the official marine forecast.
Is there a mahi tournament?
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, usually in June.
Who runs mahi charters out of Biloxi?
Biloxi Bluewater Charters (Captain Jerry McClure, Gunslinger) and Aquiline Custom Charters (Captain James). Both list mahi-mahi fishing out of Biloxi.
