Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico can mean many things to different types of anglers.
From casting inshore to heading into deep offshore waters and everything in between,
one thing’s for certain – the Gulf of Mexico lives up to its reputation. So where should you start?
In this video, we’ll give you all the information you need to start planning your Gulf of Mexico
fishing trip. From where to go, to what kind of experience is best suited to you,
we’re covering the basics to make things easier. Before we dive in,
make sure to hit the like and subscribe button for more videos like this one.
There are 5 American states bordering the Gulf of Mexico: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama, and Florida. All provide easy access to its waters, making them known
as the “Gulf States.” Here, fishing is a way of life, and there are countless charters,
piers, barrier islands, and beaches to cast a line into the Gulf from. It all depends on
what kind of fishing experience you’re after. The first decision you’ll need to make when starting
to plan your trip is whether you want to stay close to shore or travel way out into the deep.
If you’re heading out with anglers of varying skill levels, kids, or you don’t quite have your
sea legs yet, an inshore trip may be the perfect thing for you. The waters are sheltered and calm,
and you won’t have to travel far to get to the fishing grounds. Plus,
they’re home to shallow-water royalty. Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder can all be found
in the Gulf’s countless marshes, bays, and inlets, anywhere from east Texas down to the Florida Keys.
Hook all three in a day and you can call yourself the holder of an “Inshore Grand Slam.”
If you want to ramp things up a notch, there’s nothing better than targeting Snook and Tarpon.
Both put up an incredible fight and exhibit extreme stealth, meaning you’ll need both
muscle power and your wits about you to hook ‘em. They typically prefer shallow and clear waters,
so places like the Florida Keys and Everglades are popular destinations. You’ll also find them
along the Panhandle and even in the shallow waters along Mississippi’s Long Beach.
And that’s just scratching the surface of what’s on the table. Jack Crevalle, Bonefish, Permit,
Sheepshead, Sharks, and many more all inhabit the Gulf’s inshore waters.
Now, let’s set our sights on deeper waters. Big game fish is what the Gulf coast is best
known for. Oil rigs, underwater canyons, deep water reefs, and the Gulf Stream all make its
waters ideal for some of the most sought-after game fish. From Mahi Mahi and Wahoo to Tuna,
Sailfish, and Marlin, nearly every fish on your bucket list is up for grabs.
Since these are deep-water species, count on spending at least 8 hours on the water – and
sometimes more. Locations along the Florida Panhandle, like Destin and Pensacola, are
closest to the deep waters beyond the Continental Shelf, but you’ll still want to have plenty of
time to troll for and reel in your catch. On the other hand, if you’re heading out of Galveston,
Biloxi, or Orange Beach account for longer travel times to the fishing grounds.
On these trips, a well-equipped charter boat and knowledgeable captain make all the difference.
Every pelagic fish has a different run time so you’ll also want to keep seasonality in mind
if you’re after a specific target. You can find detailed information on
all the big hitters by checking out the blog linked in the description below.
And what about those waters in between the inshore marshes and bays and the deep Continental Shelf?
They’re just as exciting. In fact, some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf call the reefs and
wrecks their home. For dozens of delicious Grouper varieties, as well as hard fighters like Kingfish,
Amberjack, and Cobia you can explore the waters from Texas all the way to Florida.
These reefs are also home to the Gulf’s signature fish. That’s right,
we’re talking about Red Snapper. These fish are so popular that they’re subject to strict seasons.
In most states, you’ll only have a short window each year to get your hands on them. Make sure
you’re keeping an eye out for updates and book your charter early to avoid disappointment!
Depending on where you’re departing from, a Red Snapper fishing trip could see you
spending all day on the water – but trust us, it’s more than worth it.
Before heading out on the water, it’s important to make sure you’re following
all the rules. Each state has its own regulations related to fishing licenses and harvesting,
so making sure you're staying informed before casting a line is essential.
If you’re heading out with a charter captain they'll make sure you're up to date,
and provide you with a saltwater fishing license in most states.
On the flip side, if you’re heading out on your own, you’ll be responsible for
making sure you’re up to date with the latest regulations and having the proper licenses.
Deep sea anglers heading further than 9 miles offshore will also need to make
sure their captain has a federal permit. This applies to the whole Gulf of Mexico,
aside from areas in Southern Florida, where federal waters start 3 miles from shore.
And that’s it, you’re ready to go! If fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is at the
top of your bucket list, we hope this video has inspired you to start planning your dream trip.
And speaking of planning your trip, that’s why we’re here.
FishingBooker has the largest selection of fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico.
With hundreds of options to choose from, verified reviews, and our best price guarantee,
you’ll save time and money when you book your trip online.
So go ahead and visit FishingBooker.com, take a look at some of the charters in the area,
and start planning your adventure today!