Gafftopsail Catfish Fishing in Mississippi
When gafftopsail catfish are caught across Mississippi, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Gafftopsail Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Mississippi by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Mississippi
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching gafftopsail catfish in Mississippi
Gafftopsail Catfish catches in Mississippi run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 1% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Mississippi fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch gafftopsail catfish in Mississippi?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release gafftopsail catfish in Mississippi?+
Across Mississippi, about 1% of the gafftopsail catfish caught are kept and 99% are released. That works out to roughly 9,135 kept and 658K released in 2024.
How many gafftopsail catfish are caught in Mississippi?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 668K gafftopsail catfish caught by recreational anglers in Mississippi in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this gafftopsail catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
