Fishing Charter FAQ

No — Mississippi fishing licenses are included for all passengers on every trip aboard The Shearwater. You don't have to buy or bring anything licenses-wise.

Everything to catch fish: custom rods, reels, tackle, live and cut bait, ice for the catch, Mississippi fishing licenses, and an experienced First Mate. Captain Brandon and crew also fillet and bag your catch at the dock.

Food and drinks (a cooler is fine — we have ice), sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, a light jacket for early mornings, and soft-sole or non-marking shoes. That's it.

Up to 6 passengers. The Shearwater is federally permitted for 6 guests, keeping your trip private, uncrowded, and personal.

Yes — a clean, private restroom on board, plus an ice-cold air-conditioned cabin and a covered deck. It's one of the most comfortable boats on the Mississippi coast.

Absolutely! We love family trips. Brandon Jr. ('BB') grew up on this boat and shares Gulf Coast history with the kids. We supply smaller rods, life jackets, and plenty of patience.

Safety always comes first. Captain Brandon monitors weather closely and calls trips with at least 24 hours notice when possible. If the captain cancels for unsafe seas, your deposit moves to an open date or is refunded in full.

Yes! Any legal-size fish you catch is yours to keep, within Mississippi and federal limits. At the end of the trip, our crew fillets, cleans, and bags your catch right at the dock so it's ready for the skillet or your cooler.

We depart from Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, 679 Beach Blvd, Pier B, Slip 9, Biloxi, MS 39530. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Depends on trip length. Half-day (4.5 hr) and 6-hour trips typically stay 3–12 miles out around barrier islands, passes, and nearshore reefs. 8-hour and 10-hour trips push 15–30+ miles out to deeper federal waters, rigs, and artificial reefs.

Red snapper season typically opens in late spring or early summer with state and federal harvest windows. Season dates change every year, so call Captain Brandon at (228) 282-4452 for current season dates.

The fastest way to book is by phone: call Captain Brandon at (228) 282-4452. You can also request a date online through our booking form and Captain Brandon will call you to confirm. A deposit is required to lock in your date.

Yes, beer and wine are fine in moderation. Please no glass bottles and no hard liquor. Cans are preferred for deck safety.

Tips are customary and deeply appreciated. Our First Mate works hard all day baiting hooks, netting fish, and filleting your catch at the dock. Typical gratuity is 15–20% of the charter price.

The Shearwater is a heavy, stable 37' sportfisherman that handles the Gulf chop well. If someone feels off, our ice-cold A/C cabin offers immediate relief out of the sun and heat. Over-the-counter motion-sickness meds taken the night before also help.