King mackerel fishing out of Gulfport runs spring through fall, on offshore trips that clear the Mississippi barrier islands. Kings still show up in October reports from local charters. This guide covers when the fish are here, how far boats run, the structure that holds them, and who fishes them.
When King Mackerel Are Off Gulfport
Kings are here from spring through fall. Two Gulfport charters list them in their October "What’s biting in Gulfport right now" sections, so the season runs well into autumn.
The Gulfport window is one piece of a larger movement. For the wider picture, see the regional guide on how kings move through the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
| Season | King mackerel off Gulfport |
|---|---|
| Spring | In season |
| Summer | In season |
| Fall | In season, listed in October charter reports |
Running Offshore Past the Barrier Islands
Offshore king trips from Gulfport run out past the Mississippi barrier islands. For harbor and island orientation, start with the Gulfport port page.
Read the official NWS marine forecast for the Mississippi coast yourself before the run; chart layers are not for navigation. Three numbers decide whether to go:
- Wind speed in knots at the start and end of the day
- Wave height in feet offshore
- Wave period in seconds
Weigh them against your own boat’s limits.
Cat Island
Cat Island sits about 8 miles from Gulfport. It is the nearest named landmark on the run toward the islands.
Grounds and Structure That Hold Kings
Structure around Gulfport ranges from state-permitted reef sites near the islands to named features well offshore. Work from near to far.
MDMR Offshore Reef Sites
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) has 15 permitted offshore reef sites, about 16,000 acres in total. The sites north of the barrier islands are concrete rubble.
Fish Haven 9/11
Fish Haven 9/11 is a retired shrimp boat sunk as a reef in July 2026, off the Mississippi coast near Ship Island.
Farther Offshore
These named grounds farther out come up in Gulfport offshore fishing:
- DeSoto Canyon
- Mississippi Canyon
- The Nipple
- The Elbow
- The Spur
Who Fishes for Kings Out of Gulfport
Kings off Gulfport are worked by local offshore charters and by entrants in the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
Charters
Three Gulfport charters list king mackerel:
| Charter | Captain | Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Ron’s Charters | Captain Ron Harmon | "Lucky Enough," a rebuilt 1978 40 ft Chris-Craft |
| Dailey Charters | Captain Chris Allenbaugh | 30 ft Island Hopper, 6 passengers |
| Dock Slammer Fishing Charters | Captain Hunter Veal | 30 ft Island Hopper built 1990, 6 passengers |
Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is a Gulfport tournament that includes king mackerel. It is usually held in July.
How It Is Fished Locally
Kings out of Gulfport are worked by the offshore charters above and by Rodeo entrants. For methods, baits and rigging, see our king mackerel species guide.
FAQ: King Mackerel Fishing Out of Gulfport
When are king mackerel off Gulfport?
Spring through fall. Two Gulfport charters list kings in their October reports.
How far is Cat Island from Gulfport?
About 8 miles. Offshore king trips run out past the barrier islands.
What are the MDMR reef sites?
There are 15 permitted offshore sites, about 16,000 acres in total. The sites north of the islands are concrete rubble. Fish Haven 9/11, a retired shrimp boat, was sunk as a reef in July 2026 near Ship Island.
When is the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo?
Usually July. It is a Gulfport tournament that includes king mackerel.
What else is caught offshore with kings?
See our coastal and offshore gamefish guides for the other species worked off the Gulf coast.
