Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Biloxi means a run south of the Mississippi River mouth to the Horseshoe rigs and salt domes, in about 300 to 400 ft of water. FishingBooker lists yellowfin here year-round, and trips often go overnight. Our Biloxi port guide covers the harbor and passes; this page covers the tuna grounds, the season and the methods.
When yellowfin are off Biloxi
The fish are around all year. What changes is how far you run and how big the fish are. For biology and the general picture, see our yellowfin tuna guide.
Year-round
FishingBooker’s Biloxi yellowfin listing shows yellowfin here year-round, so plan around your weather window and your boat rather than a short season.
Late fall and winter
Trustedfish says late fall and winter fish run closer in and larger. If you want a shorter run or a bigger fish, this is the window to watch.
| Window | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Year-round | Yellowfin listed by FishingBooker |
| Late fall and winter | Fish run closer in and larger, per Trustedfish |
Where Biloxi boats run
Boats head south and offshore, toward the river mouth and the structure around it. For the Gulf-wide picture, see yellowfin in the Gulf of Mexico (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
South of the river mouth
The Mississippi River mouth anchors the run. Boats go south of it to reach the tuna grounds.
Horseshoe rigs and salt domes
The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes are the primary structure, south of the Mississippi River mouth in about 300 to 400 ft of water.
Ram Powell rig
Ram Powell is an oil rig off Louisiana that Biloxi boats also fish.
The overnight run
One documented overnight trip out of Biloxi’s Boardwalk Marina fished both the Ram Powell rig and the Horseshoe rigs. It shows how far the run can go.
Closer structure
The grounds below are nearer to port. Use them for orientation; they are not tuna water.
| Ground | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | 300-400 ft | South of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig off Louisiana | |
| Offshore ledge | ||
| Ship Island wrecks, Camille Cut tanks and barges | About 15 to 20 miles offshore | |
| Katrina Reef | Inshore, Biloxi area | |
| Horn Island Bar | South side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi | |
| MDMR offshore reef sites | 15 permitted sites, Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership |
How yellowfin are fished here
Local methods follow the structure. Our other tuna fishing guides cover tackle in depth.
Chunking pogies and freelining
Boats chunk dead pogies to build a slick, then freeline a bait down it.
Early morning trolling
Trolling is worked at first light.
Topwater on schools
Aquiline Custom Charters fishes topwater jigs and poppers on schools. Keep a popper rod rigged for when fish show on the surface.
Reading conditions at 42040
NDBC station 42040 was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. A buoy reports conditions at one point, and the rigs sit elsewhere, so read wind, wave height and period at 42040 and in the official forecast before the run.
Who fishes yellowfin out of Biloxi
Aquiline Custom Charters, run by Captain James, lists yellowfin tuna and fishes topwater jigs and poppers on schools. Its Aquiline Custom Charters offshore trips page shows what it offers.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Biloxi
Are yellowfin here year-round?
FishingBooker lists them year-round. Trustedfish says late fall and winter fish run closer in and larger.
Where do boats run?
South of the Mississippi River mouth to the Horseshoe rigs and salt domes. The overnight trip from Boardwalk Marina also fished the Ram Powell rig.
How deep are the Horseshoe rigs?
About 300 to 400 ft.
What bait do locals chunk?
Dead pogies, followed by a freelined bait.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC 42040, re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Read wind, wave height and period there and in the official forecast.
