Spanish mackerel fishing out of Gulfport centers on a short list of named grounds and two local charters that target the fish. This page covers when the fish are listed, where and how far boats run, the structure, and who fishes for them. Ramps and harbor detail are in the Gulfport port guide.
When the fish are here
Two Gulfport charters, Dailey Charters and Dock Slammer Fishing Charters, list Spanish mackerel in the October "What’s biting in Gulfport right now" section of their sites. Neither listing gives a season range, so this page prints no start or end month.
- Listed in October: Dailey Charters and Dock Slammer Fishing Charters
- Season range given: none
- Wider timing: the Spanish mackerel guide for the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide) covers the migration picture
Where boats run for Spanish mackerel fishing out of Gulfport
Cat Island is about 8 miles from Gulfport and is the closest named ground on this coast. The Mississippi barrier islands, including Ship Island, frame where the structure sits, and the MDMR permitted offshore reef sites (concrete rubble) lie north of them. The local charters that target the fish run 30 ft boats. No mileage is given for the reef sites, Ship Island or Fish Haven 9/11.
- Closest named ground: Cat Island, about 8 miles from Gulfport
- Reef sites: north of the barrier islands
- Barrier islands: the frame for the run, with Ship Island among them
Reading conditions before the run
No active NDBC buoy sits near Gulfport, and no Gulfport tide station turned up. Read the official National Weather Service marine forecast before you run, and plan around wind, wave height and period as numbers.
Grounds and structure
The coast has a purpose-sunk shrimp boat, permitted reef sites of concrete rubble, and Cat Island.
| Name | Type | Distance/Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Island | About 8 miles from Gulfport | |
| Fish Haven 9/11 | Retired shrimp boat sunk as a reef | Off the Mississippi Coast |
| MDMR permitted offshore reef sites | Permitted reef sites, 15 sites, about 16,000 acres | Concrete rubble at sites north of the barrier islands |
| DeSoto Canyon | ||
| Mississippi Canyon | ||
| The Nipple | ||
| The Elbow | ||
| The Spur |
Cat Island
Cat Island is about 8 miles from Gulfport, the nearest named ground on this list.
Fish Haven 9/11
Fish Haven 9/11 is a retired shrimp boat sunk as a reef off the Mississippi Coast in July 2026. No depth or coordinates are given for it.
MDMR offshore reef sites
MDMR permits 15 offshore reef sites covering about 16,000 acres in total. The sites north of the barrier islands are concrete rubble. Individual sites are not named here. The Chart Contours layer helps locate reef sites and rubble patches against bottom features. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Offshore names
DeSoto Canyon, Mississippi Canyon, The Nipple, The Elbow and The Spur are names anglers hear on this coast. No depth or distance is given for them here.
How it’s fished from this port
Local charters list Spanish mackerel and run to the grounds above, so fishing out of Gulfport centers on that structure and those islands. Lures, leaders and general technique are covered in our Spanish mackerel fishing guide.
Who fishes them
Two charters list Spanish mackerel out of Gulfport, and the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is the port’s tournament.
| Operator | Captain | Boat | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dailey Charters | Chris Allenbaugh | 30 ft Island Hopper | 6 passengers |
| Dock Slammer Fishing Charters | Hunter Veal | 30 ft Island Hopper, built 1990 | 6 passengers |
Both charters list Spanish mackerel in October.
Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
The Rodeo is held out of Gulfport, usually in July.
FAQ
When is Spanish mackerel fishing out of Gulfport listed?
Two local charters list Spanish mackerel in October, and no season range is given. For the wider species picture, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
How far is Cat Island from Gulfport?
About 8 miles.
What is Fish Haven 9/11?
A retired shrimp boat sunk as a reef off the Mississippi Coast.
Where do I read conditions with no nearby buoy?
No active NDBC buoy sits near Gulfport, and no Gulfport tide station turned up. Read the official National Weather Service marine forecast and plan around wind, wave height and period.
Which Gulfport charters target Spanish mackerel?
Dailey Charters (Captain Chris Allenbaugh) and Dock Slammer Fishing Charters (Captain Hunter Veal). Both run 30 ft Island Hoppers carrying 6 passengers.
Is there a Spanish mackerel tournament in Gulfport?
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, usually held in July.
