World-Class Gulfport Offshore Fishing | Captain Ron

Gulfport Offshore Fishing with Captain Ron

When you're looking for a real Gulf Coast fishing adventure, Captain Ron's Charter delivers the kind of offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Based out of Gulfport, Mississippi, this isn't your typical tourist trap operation – it's a family-run charter service with over three decades of experience putting folks on fish. Captain Ron and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work hard to make sure your four and a half hours on the water are worth every minute. The Lucky Enough is built for comfort and fishing success, with plenty of shade when you need a break from the Gulf sun and a spacious cockpit where you can battle whatever decides to take your bait.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at the Gulfport marina, where you'll meet Captain Ron or one of his experienced captains who'll be running your trip. The Lucky Enough is designed for both offshore and inshore fishing, meaning you're not locked into one style of fishing – your captain will read the conditions and take you where the action is hottest that day. This boat handles the Gulf swells beautifully, and with a clean restroom on board, everyone stays comfortable throughout the trip. The large cockpit gives you plenty of room to move around when you're fighting fish, and there's ample shade for when you need to cool off between hookups. With a maximum of four guests, you're not going to be elbow-to-elbow with strangers – this is personalized fishing at its best. The crew provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, so you can focus on what matters most: getting your line wet and having a great time on the water.

Trolling and Bottom Fishing

Captain Ron's crew runs a mix of fishing techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling is a big part of the offshore game here – you'll have multiple lines in the water as the boat moves at a steady pace, covering water and hunting for active schools of fish. The crew sets up the spread with different lures and baits designed to attract whatever pelagic species are moving through the area. When you hook up trolling, get ready for some serious action as these fish hit the lures at full speed. Bottom fishing is another major technique, especially when targeting structure-oriented species around reefs and wrecks. The crew knows exactly where these productive spots are located, and they'll anchor up or drift over the structure while you drop your lines to the bottom. Circle hooks and heavy sinkers are the norm for bottom fishing, and the crew will help you detect those subtle bites that can turn into trophy fish. Both techniques require different approaches, but the experienced crew will coach you through everything so you can make the most of your time on the water.

Customer Stories

"Captain Hunter, Captain Pandy, and first mate Dakota made the trip awesome! Friendly and knowledgeable, fun and just a real relaxing pleasant day. The weather was perfect and the fishing good. All in all a really enjoyable trip. I recommend highly this crew and boat for a good experience and memories. Thanks for the memories and we will do this again!" - Alfred. "Captain Hunter and Dakota were awesome. They were very friendly and did everything to help us have a good experience. We are already planning another trip with them." - Stan.

Top Catches This Season

The Gulf of Mexico off Gulfport is home to an impressive variety of fish species that keep anglers excited throughout the year. Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and these beautiful fish are known for their bright red coloration and excellent table fare. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, though larger specimens certainly swim these reefs. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish, meaning they hang around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey. The best time to target them is during their season, typically running from June through July, when federal regulations allow harvest. These fish are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits, from squid and cut bait to live pinfish. What makes red snapper so exciting to catch is their initial run when hooked – they'll dive straight for the structure trying to break you off, making for an intense battle from the moment you set the hook.

King mackerel, locally called "kings," are another premier target species that patrol these offshore waters. These sleek predators can range anywhere from 10 pounds up to 40 pounds or more, and they're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in a heartbeat. Kings are typically most active from spring through fall, with peak action often occurring during the warmer months when baitfish are plentiful. They're primarily caught while trolling, and when a king hits your lure, you'll know it immediately – these fish make blistering runs that will test your drag system and your arms. The fight is what makes kings so popular among anglers, as they'll jump, dive, and make multiple runs before coming to the boat. Wire leaders are essential when targeting kings due to their sharp teeth, and the crew always comes prepared with the right tackle for these toothy critters.

Cobia are another exciting species that frequent these Gulf waters, particularly during their spring and fall migrations. These brown sharks of the fishing world are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities that get the heart pumping. Cobia can grow quite large, with fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're excellent eating and strong fighters, making them a favorite target for many charter guests. The best time for cobia is typically March through May and again in September and October when they're moving along the coast. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures, from live crabs to large jigs, and their habit of following other fish to the surface where you can see them coming.

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