Gulf Islands National Seashore (Mississippi) | FISHING

Fishing on the pier at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at Davis Bayou

Fishing on the pier at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at Davis Bayou

A Mississippi State Salt Water Fishing License is required for recreational fishing within the Mississippi unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore waters. Federal boundaries extend one mile around Ship Island, Horn Island, and Petit Bois Island. The waters around Cat Island are not under National Park Service jurisdiction. No special license is required from the National Park Service. Commercial fishing, shrimping, and crabbing is prohibited in the waters of the National Seashore.

Mississippi unit of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

Mississippi unit of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

For those without a boat, a fishing pier is located at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. Park at the far end of the parking lot to the left of the building and take the trail towards the restroom. A sign points the way. The trail forks, with a left leading to the restroom and a right to the fishing pier.

For those visiting Ship Island by ferry, you can shore fish from the west end of the island.

Fishing Pier at the Colmer Visitor Center in the Davis Bayou unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fishing Pier at the Colmer Visitor Center in the Davis Bayou unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore

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Last updated on March 14, 2025
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