Blackfin tuna fishing out of Biloxi runs most of the year, with fall as prime time. The structure that holds them sits far to the south, from a ledge about 65 miles out to the Horseshoe rigs below the Mississippi River mouth. Departure and port details are on the Biloxi port page.
When blackfin are around Biloxi
According to Biloxi Bluewater Charters tuna trip listings, blackfin are around most of the year, and fall is prime time. Biology and general behavior are in our blackfin tuna guide.
| Period | What the local operator reports |
|---|---|
| Fall | Prime time |
| Rest of the year | Fish around most of the year |
| Year-round | Full-day tuna trip offered |
Fall is prime time
Fall is the best blackfin season, and the local operator gives no further detail.
The rest of the year
Blackfin are still around outside fall, so the same grounds apply in every season.
Where Biloxi boats run for blackfin
Biloxi boats run south for blackfin: to a ledge about 65 miles out, to the Horseshoe rigs and salt domes south of the Mississippi River mouth, and overnight to the Ram Powell rig off Louisiana. Each step is farther from the dock and deeper into the northern Gulf.
The three runs, in order:
- Ledge about 65 miles south. The nearest stated blackfin destination.
- Horseshoe rigs and salt domes. South of the Mississippi River mouth, in 300 to 400 ft.
- Ram Powell rig. An oil rig off Louisiana, fished on an overnight trip.
The ledge about 65 miles south
A ledge lies about 65 miles south of Biloxi.
Horseshoe rigs and salt domes
The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes lie south of the Mississippi River mouth, in 300 to 400 ft.
Ram Powell rig overnight
The Ram Powell rig is an oil rig off Louisiana. Boats fish it on an overnight trip from Biloxi’s Boardwalk Marina. For how this run fits the wider region, see the Gulf blackfin picture (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
Reading conditions: NDBC 42040
The NDBC page says station 42040 was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. It is an offshore reference and will not match conditions at the dock. Check its wind, wave height and period alongside the official NOAA marine forecast before you run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Grounds and structure off Biloxi
Closer to the dock, Biloxi’s named structure starts with the Ship Island wrecks and Camille Cut tanks and barges about 15 to 20 miles offshore, plus 15 permitted MDMR reef sites. These nearer grounds are listed as Biloxi structure, not as blackfin grounds. Each can be marked as a waypoint before the run.
| Ground | Where | Depth or distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Island wrecks, Camille Cut tanks and barges | Offshore | About 15 to 20 miles |
| MDMR offshore reef sites | Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership, 15 permitted sites | |
| Katrina Reef | Inshore, Biloxi area | |
| Horn Island Bar | South side of Horn Island | Short boat trip |
| Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds | Barrier islands | |
| Offshore ledge | South | About 65 miles |
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | South of the Mississippi River mouth | 300 to 400 ft |
| Ram Powell rig | Off Louisiana | Overnight trip |
Ship Island wrecks and Camille Cut tanks and barges
The wrecks around Ship Island and the Camille Cut tanks and barges sit about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
MDMR offshore reef sites
MDMR has 15 permitted offshore reef sites, created through its partnership with the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks.
Katrina Reef, Horn Island Bar and the barrier island cobia grounds
Katrina Reef is inshore in the Biloxi area. Horn Island Bar is on the south side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi. The Cat Island and Horn Island grounds see cobia in late April and early May.
How blackfin are fished from Biloxi
Locally, blackfin are trolled on a full-day tuna trip, and the farthest structure is fished on overnight rig trips. Other tunas and ports are covered in our tuna fishing guides.
The local formats:
- Full-day trolling trip. Biloxi Bluewater’s tuna trip.
- Overnight rig trips. The route to the farthest structure.
- Charter boat on the water. The Gunslinger, twin Cat 375 hp, 6 guests.
Trolling on a full day
Biloxi Bluewater’s full-day tuna trip is a trolling trip.
Overnight rig trips
Overnight rig trips reach the farthest structure. The Ram Powell rig from Boardwalk Marina is the example.
Who fishes them here
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists blackfin tuna. Captain Jerry McClure runs the boat, named Gunslinger, with twin Cat 375 hp engines and room for 6 guests.
FAQ: blackfin tuna out of Biloxi
When is the best time for blackfin out of Biloxi?
Blackfin fishing out of Biloxi runs most of the year, and fall is prime time, as the local operator describes it.
How far do boats run?
The Ship Island wrecks and Camille Cut tanks and barges are about 15 to 20 miles out. A ledge lies about 65 miles south. The Horseshoe rigs sit south of the Mississippi River mouth in 300 to 400 ft. The Ram Powell rig is an overnight trip.
What is the Ram Powell trip?
Ram Powell is an oil rig off Louisiana. Boats fish it on an overnight trip from Biloxi’s Boardwalk Marina.
Which buoy covers the offshore water?
NDBC station 42040, re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Read its wind, wave height and period with the official forecast.
Who runs tuna trips from Biloxi?
Biloxi Bluewater Charters, with Captain Jerry McClure on the Gunslinger (twin Cat 375 hp, 6 guests). It runs a full-day trolling tuna trip.
