Page 46 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
The Gulf Coast has always provided outstanding fishing prospects. When Europeans first sailed into the Gulf about 500 years ago, they marveled at the abundance and variety of fish they encountered.
This year we celebrate National Fishing Month, actually for more than a month—from July 24 through August 30. During this month, get out to enjoy nature and do a little fishing along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Fishing has long been part of Coastal Mississippi’s culture and way of life, and National Fishing Month is the perfect opportunity for friends and families to
experience everything our waters have to offer,” says Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. “Whether it’s booking a family’s first charter, chasing
a bucket-list catch, or spending the day exploring our 62 miles of shoreline, Coastal Mississippi offers unforgettable experiences on the water and memories that will last long after the trip is over.”
Coastal Mississippi offers varied fishing opportunities. Anglers can wade the beaches, fish the rivers or Mississippi Sound. Visit one of the barrier islands for a family adventure or head farther offshore into the Gulf.
Off the Mississippi Coast, many people
like to catch red snapper during the summer, but anglers can catch more snapper species. The catch might also include vermilion snapper, also called beeliners, mangrove or gray snapper, lane snapper and other snapper species.
“Mangrove snapper stay higher in the water column,” advises James McCanless with Aquiline Custom Charters who runs out of Biloxi. “For mangroves, we put out a flatline baited with live shrimp. We use no weight or maybe a small split-shot. We use small hooks. If we hide the hook, we have a better chance of catching mangroves.”
Depending upon the depth and
46 | August 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
National
Get Outside to Enjoy the Natural Abundance of Mississippi
story and photos by
John N. Felsher