Shockaloe Trail in the Bienville National Forest is the longest single-loop hiking trail in the state. The trail is nearly 23 miles, although it crosses service roads, allowing you to shorten the loop if you prefer. Be aware that Shockaloe is also used as a horse trail.
The campgrounds at Shepard State Park are the perfect place to get away and enjoy nature. The park offers eight miles of trails that sprawl along the grounds, giving campers the opportunity to explore the land, seeing everything from beautiful wetlands to awe-inspiring oaks.
The Marathon Lake Recreation Area is a quiet campground near Raleigh. The lake is stocked full of fish and there are plenty of camping grounds, so you might just decide to stay the night and hike the short trails more than once!
Fontainebleau Nature Trail is made up of two paths, a .75-mile loop and a half-mile there-and-back trail that extends past the loop. Visitors will enjoy beautiful bayou hiking located in the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. There's even an overlook to observe Davis Bayou!
At less than two miles, the Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail (ARK) is an easy hike that the whole family can enjoy. These woodland walking trails take about an hour to navigate and offer beautiful views of Arkabutla Lake along with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings!
]]>Tanglefoot Trail is 43.6 miles, so it's best to pick a section if you're planning on hiking, but this beautifully-maintained trail is worth a visit. The Tanglefoot Trail was originally a railway, and conversion to a trail was completed in 2013. It travels through six towns, so visitors have a chance to explore some beautiful communities they might not otherwise see.
Natchez Trace is made up of five separate trails for a total of 60 miles. The trail’s total length, which extends from Mississippi to Tennessee, is around 450 miles. If you’re carting along some less experienced hikers, it’d be ideal to traverse the Blackland Prairie Section of the trail, which is generally not too crowded and is 12.5 miles (back and forth). Trekking through this area, you’ll be gifted with some scenic river views. This particular hike is ideal for all levels of skill, and you can bring the dog along too!
This excellent trail is about 12 miles in length, and travels through Mississippi’s Desoto National Forest. Traverse through swamp-like areas. See pitcher plants, palmettos, and the rare wild orchid, in all their glory. On the western portion of the trail, about a quarter-mile stretch is a hard-packed surface, making it wheelchair accessible.
Experience some truly immaculate beauty hiking at LeFleur’s Bluff. The hiking trail is approximately 2.5 miles and is situated among 365 acres of enchanting woodland. Enjoy the serene beauty of the bluffs and nearby streams that lead to Mayes Lake. If you want to spend some more time immersed in the beauty of the park, consider camping, fishing, or having a picnic.
Tishomingo covers 1,530 acres of land and is characterized by its stunning rock formations. Take in the sights of magnificent cliffs and valleys as you hike this 13-mile trail. Not only can you appreciate the geologic beauty of this park, but also the incredible flora and fauna. Here, you will find hundreds of species of fern, wildflowers, wild turkey, hawks, owls, and more.
]]>The Kitty Bryan Dill Memorial Parkway is a 3.75-mile trail running through West Point, Mississippi. The surface makes this a good track for running, and since the path connects five parks throughout the city, there's plenty of scenery to enjoy.
The six-mile loop at Butts Park is a popular choice for trail running. The area was originally home to a German POW camp during World War II. The natural-surface trails here are well-maintained, but runners should be aware that the trail is shared by mountain bikers, so stay alert.
Several of the trail options at Clark Creek make for an excellent running location. There are about 1.78 miles of improved trails in this area and 2.6 miles of primitive trails. Choose which one of these suits your skill set, depending on your level of endurance and ambition. Be sure to check the trail map before heading out!
The trails at Bonita Lakes are also highly recommended for a nice run. This city-owned park features three lakes, including Long Creek Reservoir. The area is relatively primitive and features lovely nature trails, a running/walking track, horseback riding opportunities, picnic areas, and much more.
Located in Tishomingo State Park, the CCC Camp Trail is a true delight to runners. Venture across springs, streams, and intricate rocky outcrops. Peep wildflowers, ferns, and abundant wildlife along your journey, too. The trail is approximately three miles in length.
]]>
Trace State Park is located near Tupelo in Belden, Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MSDWFP), Trace State Park contains 35 miles of trails which are accessible to motorcycles and ATVs. Be sure to sign a release first!
MX886 is a dirt track in Pontotoc, Mississippi, which is open the first and third weekend of every month. The track offers a variety of obstacles like jumps and different types of dirt for riders of varying experience. In addition, the track holds regular races for the Midsouth Motocross Championship Series.
The track at Meridian’s Dirty Deeds is suitable for all skill levels and bike sizes, so all dirt bikers will feel at home. Riders applaud the track for having some of the very best dirt in the state, excellent elevation changes, and a friendly and helpful staff.
While primarily used by ATV riders looking to go mudding, Mudslangers makes for a prime location for off-roaders of the dirt biking variety too! This “recreational paradise” features an abundance of trails, mud holes, and even primitive camping if you decide to make a whole trip of it! Mudslangers is a huge local favorite with a die-hard community supporting it.
Raine or shine, Crossroads ATV & Recreation Park in Clinton is open every weekend! From 9 a.m. until dark, you can start up your dirt bike and tear through the well-maintained trails at Crossroads. Be sure to check out the rules and regulations before you head out, to ensure that you and other riders stay safe during your time on the trails.
The Meridian Motorcycle Association (MMA) has one focus, and that’s “to unite off road riding enthusiast through MMA member events, cookouts, race events, and social gatherings.” At Meridian OHV Park, it’s not just about the ridging, it’s about the strong sense of community. At this park, riders will find an impressive selection of trails of varying difficulties. Be sure to pay attention to the signs and follow the rules!
]]>
LeFleur's Bluff State Park is nearly 500 acres in the heart of Jackson, and the park is full of trails and boardwalks which are perfect for viewing woodland birds. There is a nest box trail to showcase prothonotary warblers, and birders can also seem Acadian flycatcher, wood thrush, summer tanager, and more. The park also includes the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science which conducts ornithological research.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge features a four-mile round-trip trail that runs alongside the Noxubee River. Birds which are commonly found include the Kentucky warbler and LeConte's sparrow, as well as a number of ducks and geese during the winter. The park is also a habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling 25,000-acre refuge that has two nature trails—the 8.3-mile Magnolia Trail and the 2.2-mile Cabin Road Hiking Trail (which is also an ATV trail). The refuge was created to protect the waterfowl who use the area as a habitat. There have been 247 documented bird species that have been observed at the refuge, and there's a list available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so you can keep track of which ones you've seen.
The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) covers 18,000 acres of bayous, salt marshes, and savannas. The wetlands here are mostly brackish, and the environment here is extremely diverse, giving birdwatchers incredible opportunities to see various species. Follow the Savanna Trail Boardwalk and see the American white pelican, brown pelican, osprey, reddish egret, and more.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is another opportunity for bird lovers to see some spectacular wetland birds. There are two trails, the C.L. Dees Nature Trail and the Fontainebleau Nature Trail. This is the only place in the world to see the Mississippi sandhill crane—there are only 120 of the birds living in the refuge.
]]>
Your off-roading adventure should begin with the pros at Adventure ATV. Here, you’re dealing with fellow riders who have first-hand knowledge of the vehicles they sell and can help you make the right choice the first time. They offer both new and used models from top names like Polaris, Can-Am, and Argo.
Suzuki, Can-Am, and Polaris dominate the showroom at Natchez Powersports. They order directly from the manufacturers, which mean they also have access to manufacturer-direct rebates, financing, and deals to help you get your new ride for the best price. They’re also your one-stop shop for service needs to keep your ride running like new.
Dedicated to all things Honda and Yamaha motorsports, you know you’ll be getting one of the highest quality off-roading vehicles possible. Even if you don’t buy your ATV or dirt bike from them, you can rely on them for hard-to-find parts that will keep your current vehicle in tip-top shape.
Big Muddy’s off-roading vehicles are made for the dirt-and-mud lifestyle. They feature brands like Textron Off-Road and Cushman to handle whatever the trails throw your way. You’ll also appreciate their knowledge and expertise behind each vehicle they sell.
Touted as having the lowest prices in America, their fans love that they don’t have to sacrifice performance for value. They specialize in brands like Yamaha and Honda, as well as a large selection of pre-owned rides to fit any budget. They’re also a quality source for OEM parts and service.
Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda are just a few of the fan favorites you’ll find in their showroom. Their huge selection of new and used inventory all under one roof means you’re likely to find what you’re looking for without having to go elsewhere.
Don’t let the name sway you—they’re just as dedicated to the off-road lifestyle as two-wheeled highway adventures. Choose from best-in-class names like Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Can-Am, to name a slight few. Their customers love the friendly service and wide selection of off-road vehicles that suit all skill levels and purposes.
Devoted to only the best brands like Polaris and Kawasaki, their showroom is brimming with both new and used models to fit your needs. You can bring your vehicle in for oil changes, accessories, tires, and everything else to keep you riding.
Jeeps and trucks, ATVs and dirt bikes—whatever your preference, N2Deep has all the tires and accessories you need to trick out for ride for the off-roading lifestyle. Their no-credit-needed policy makes it easy for you to get what you need to stay in the driver’s seat. If you don’t live nearby, no worries—they ship all over the country to help you get what you need.
If you’re looking for the best prices on your new off-road toy, you’ll find them at Fun ATV. Offering high-quality brands like CFMoto and Coolster at below MSRP, you can start riding for much less than the “other guys.” You can save time on the credit approval process by doing it online via their website.
]]>If you're really looking for a challenge, try the Black Creek Trail. This 41-mile hike is definitely a stretch for an intermediate hiker, but it's relatively easy terrain. Keep in mind this is not a loop, so either plan to have a car take you back to your starting point or double back once you get about halfway.
The Tanglefoot Trail is a Mississippi Rails to Trails conversion, meaning it was originally a railroad that is now a hiking trail. In fact, the original railroad was built by Col. William Clark Faulkner, grandfather of the famous author. The total length of the trail is 43.6 miles, but of course, you aren’t expected to tackle the whole thing! With plenty of changing scenery—including fields, wetlands, and six communities—this hike should keep you energized the whole time.
The hiking area at Ethel Vance Natural Area (or Vance Park as it's known locally) is about 13 miles of varying terrain. Perfect for an intermediate hiker, most of the trail is an easy walk, but you'll find some hills and plenty of beautiful scenery to keep you interested and energized throughout your hike.
Traveling there and back, the Tuxachanie Trail is miles of ridges, wetlands, and forest. The Tuxachanie is another trail that follows an abandoned railroad. Scenery includes live oaks, pitcher plants, creeks, ponds, and wooden footbridges. Be aware that a short section of the trail is also a horse trail.
At Clark Creek Natural Area, you can choose between a primitive trail or a more modern "improved" trail. For an exciting intermediate hike, give the primitive trail a shot. The trail is 2.6 miles-long and usually takes about three hours to complete. And you'll get a huge rush when you come across the waterfall on this route!
]]>Clarkco State Park is located south of Meridian and north of Quitman off of Highway 145. The park is 815 acres of beautiful woodlands and gently-sloped hills, with a 65 acre lake, disc golf course, picnic pavilions, splash pad, and more.
Clarkco State Park features a five-mile nature trail that circles the park. Stroll the trail at your own leisure—it's sectioned into half-mile segments, so you don't have to commit to the whole five miles at once if you don't want to. With wooden bridges and well-marked paths, this is an ideal hike for the whole family.
View this post on Instagram
As you're strolling along the nature trail, make your way to the north end of the lake. Here, you'll find an observation tower that allows you a bird's-eye view of the entire park. You'll absolutely love the stunning perspective of Ivy Lake from atop the tower.
One of the best features of Clarkco State Park is the wide variety of camping options available. Whether you enjoy primitive tent camping, RV camping, or you'd prefer to relax in a a furnished, air-conditioned cabin or cottage, Clarkco State Park has exactly what you're looking for.
If you're looking for something to do outside of the park, consider heading to the Causeyville General Store in Meridian. The site began as a Native American trading post in 1869 and opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. Many of the original fixtures are still in place, and the gristmill is still used to produce corn meal that is sold on site.
Trail mix and hot dogs over the campfire are fun for awhile, but if you're going to camp for a couple of days, you might want to venture into town for a meal or two. Mimmo's Ristorante Pizzeria is known for having authentic, delicious Italian food. Their extensive menu covers pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Dunn's Falls Water Park is about 20 minutes away from Clarkco State Park. This stunning park lies on the Chunky River and features a 65-foot waterfall that was created by John Dunn. The park is named in his honor and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.
Fans of country music and history buffs alike will love visiting the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Meridian. Jimmie Rodgers is often called "The Father of Country Music" and he was one of the first people to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Take a trip back in time as you view special artifacts from this influential musician's life.
]]>
Tucked in the northeast corner of Mississippi lies Tishomingo State Park, a hidden jewel of sorts in the Mississippi landscape. This amazing state park isn’t your typical state park. The whole area is steeped in culture and history, offering a glimpse into the past of Paleo Indians and the stories they left behind. Visitors can view the giant rock formations and other natural wonders not found anywhere else in the state, along with hiking trails, disc golf, canoeing and fishing, rock climbing, a swimming pool, playground, and other amenities.
This homey little American eatery isn’t far from Tishomingo State Park, and has something on the menu that’s likely to suit every appetite. They specialize in favorites like burgers, chicken fingers, and all the fixings to make your meal complete.
If you’re looking to feed a crowd, Hometown Pizza is sure to please. This treasured pizza joint has all your favorite flavors, including their very own pizza sauce, along with pasta and wings.
Brush up on local culture and history at this great history museum. Located in the old courthouse (a piece of history on its own), the museum displays several artifacts from the Civil War, Native Americans, and other cultural items. The architecture alone is worth the trip.
This little piece of history is located in the midst of Iuka, but is still considered one of the state’s most hidden gems. The park features three of its original six natural springs, which have been rumored to have healing properties. Local legend says an ailing chief drank its waters and his health was fully restored. You can take a taste for yourself (the St. Louis World’s Fair once touted it as the best water in the country). The park is also home to a playground, covered bridge, and log cabin.
For rainy days at the park or simply as an alternative to hiking and all things outdoors, head north about 45 minutes to Corinth, Mississippi, and challenge your mind and wits. The Corinth Escape Rooms are interactive games that put you in the center of the action. Solve puzzles and find clues to make your way out of the room before time runs out!
]]>
A trip to Tishomingo is like stepping back in time—way back, since the artifacts found in this area date back to 7000 B.C. Today, the moss-covered boulders, waterfalls, and lush greenery make it easy to imagine what life was like back then, sparking the imaginations of kids and parents alike! Be sure to visit the swinging bridge.
Located near the heart of Jackson, LeFleur's Bluff is a surprising escape from modern life. Set up at one of the 28 tent facilities, then enjoy either of the two playground areas, the hiking trail, picnic areas, and both regular and disc-golf. While you're there, drop into the Mississippi Natural Science Museum, which is located within the state park.
Paul B. Johnson is located in the Pine Belt, so you're already in a remote area before you ever reach the campground. Stay in a tent, cabin, or cottage, and enjoy plenty of space to boat, fish, and swim, as well as football fields, disc golf, and a splash pad the kids will love.
Sardis Lake Recreation Area is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the state of Mississippi. Sardis Lake is a sprawling body of water that covers 98,000 acres, and with nine campgrounds surrounding the picturesque lake, there's plenty of room for everyone. Be sure to pick a spot near one of the playgrounds!
Surrounding a 640-acre lake and providing guests with an abundance of activities, Little Black Creek is a perfect family getaway. Book one of the campground’s many rustic cabins with stunning lake-side views. Enjoy fishing, swimming, camping, biking, kayaking, and picnicking to round out the day of activities. The kids will enjoy every minute of it.
]]>
The Tupelo area is home to some of the state's most beautifully secluded woods, making it an ideal spot for camping out. The Campground at Barnes Crossing is close enough to the city of Tupelo to be convenient, but you'll feel like you're a million miles from anywhere as you relax and enjoy the scenery!
River Town Campground is one of the most well-maintained RV campsites you'll ever find. You'll love the spacious feel of the park, the convenient amenities, and the friendly service. But the real star of the show comes when the sun goes down—you don't want to miss the legendary Vicksburg sunsets!
Paul B. Johnson is a sprawling park nestled in the heart of Mississippi's Pine Belt. Enjoy a day of fishing and boating on Geiger Lake, take the kids to the splash pad, or cool off in the game room. Whatever you're into, you'll find it at Paul B. Johnson!
Wallace Creek Campground is known for being peaceful and relaxing, with incredible views of Enid Lake. The staff here discourages loud music and partying, so it's the ideal place to escape if you're looking for a quiet retreat. There's also a large picnic area that's perfect for big groups!
Little Black Creek Campground stretches along the banks of a 640-acre lake. Enjoy fishing, biking, kayaking, or just relaxing and watching the sun set over the lake. Plan a visit on a holiday to enjoy their special firework shows!
]]>Grenada Lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control lake on the Yalobusha River. The area is known as a particularly good spot to find crappie, but anglers also find bass, bream, and catfish in the waters. Set up camp in Hugh White State Park for a real outdoors experience.
Lake Tangipahoa is a 490-acre lake in Percy Quin State Park southwest of McComb. It is formed by the Lake Tangipahoa Dam, which was built on the Tangipahoa River in 1940. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks reports that the crappie and bluegill are especially well-sized, but bass and catfish fishing are also popular here.
The Okhissa Lake is a beautiful 1,075-acre lake located in the sprawling Homochitto National Forest. Okhissa Lake holds the unique distinction of being the first lake in the country endorsed by legendary bass fisherman Bill Dance, who was involved in developing the fishing habitat.
View this post on Instagram
Pickwick Lake is a reservoir in Mississippi's northeastern corner, and it joins Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Fishermen here often find black bass, crappie, catfish, and paddlefish. Even if you don't catch anything here, the scenery will be worth the day spent on the water!
Located in Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall counties, Sardis Lake covers an amazing 98,520 acres on the Little Tallahatchie River. Anglers will enjoy fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. In fact, many say that Sardis Lake boasts some of the best crappie fishing in the state. You won’t want to miss out on the abundant opportunity provided by this incredible lake.
]]>
Fall bike tours on the Natchez Trace Parkway are in high demand and usually sell out fast. The scenery is breathtaking, taking you through twists and turns through incredible fall scenery with no major climbing required. If you want to take advantage of this group ride, you better book early.
If you’re planning to ride the Natchez Trace Parkway this fall, get the food fuel you need with a breakfast stop at The Castle Restaurant. The name sets the right expectations - this place looks every bit of a castle and you’ll dine like royalty. Breakfast consists of elevated eats like croissants, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, and breakfast casserole, among other top choices.
This long-time hiking outpost has everything you need for fall hiking. Family owned and operated, you can find top brands like Patagonia, Chaco, and Columbia, among others. And since the folks here are locals and fellow hikers, they can also point you in the right direction for some of the best trails to hike this fall.
Truly a gem in the big city, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is the biggest green space in Jackson and can make you feel like your miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is largely frequented by golfers and fishermen, but their nature trails offer an enjoyable escape during the fall. You might also luck out on a campsite so you can extend your stay.
The world of watersports isn’t quite finished when fall rolls around. Okatoma Outdoor Post still offers kayak and canoe rentals through Halloween, and by all means you should take advantage. Set adrift on a simple day trip or extend your stay with primitive camping. It’s your last chance until next year, so book your visit soon.
View this post on Instagram
This pier is one of many hotbeds along the Mississippi coast that offer close looks at fall migration. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are usually spotted all along the coast toward the end of September. The pier is frequented most often by birders hoping to see water and wading birds that are popular in marshy areas.
This local’s hotspot is a great place to unwind after a long day of bird sighting. Their menu is one of the most diverse in town, offering everything from burgers and sandwiches to steak and seafood. The food is tasty, the service is quick, and you’ll leave full thanks to plentiful portions.
View this post on Instagram
Mississippi isn’t exactly a climber’s paradise, but the bluffs in Tishomingo State Park can satisfy the need for a quick climb. Climbing is only available by permit and you’ll need to bring your own gear, but there’s truly no other climbing experience like it anywhere else in the state. You also have the added benefit of being surrounded by beautiful foliage in the fall.
Whether you’re planning some climbing or just want to welcome fall with a campsite bonfire, this state park is among the best. The park is teeming with hiking trails, wildflowers, and amazing sights that make this state park stand out from the rest. Camping grants you access to it all, including disc golf, sports areas, and fishing.
View this post on Instagram
Featuring trails, sandbars, and a campground, Wild Country Off-Road is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Featuring 1,000 acres of space, this off-road park is a bit of a local legend. Not only is there opportunity for off-roading, but this park also has fishing, primitive campsites, an indoor concert hall, a restaurant, and an awesome mud race track. You won't want to miss out on this come fall.
]]>Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.
Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.
Fall Script for Southern Bass
Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.
Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.
Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.
Quick tip: This is strictly a match-the-hatch deal. Use lures that are about the same size as wandering shad. If young-of-the-year threadfins are on the bass menu, try small swim baits fished on drop-shot rigs.
Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.
Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Rendezvous With Redfish
Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.
Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.
At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or ([email protected]) is a top guide here.
Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.
For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.
Quick Tip: Incoming tides in late evening or at night are primo times for reds as the fish free-spawn then in the mouths of coastal bays and estuaries. If you can’t fish any other time, make sure you fish the incoming tides.
Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Tishomingo State Park is one of the best areas in the state for rock climbing. This is one area where permits are required, so keep that in mind before you go. To get to Jean's Overhang, cross the Swinging Bridge, then turn right and hike down a short trail. Routes here include Ankles Away, Black Crack, Heart Ache, and Mental Block.
Corn Flakes, also called Cornflakes Buttress, is also located in Tishomingo State Park, and this is one of the most popular climbing areas in the state. To get to Corn Flakes, continue hiking south of Jean's Overhang and past a small waterfall. Corn Flakes is home to routes including Slip-N-Slide, Mississippi Women, and Mad Dog.
If you’re looking to hone your skills indoors, the Hangout is your spot. This gym provides a perfect space to improve your abilities in case you decide to travel to a more mountainous state for some outdoor climbs. The Hangout features two walls for bouldering with a connecting overhang.
]]>