We know the Local Waters

Raised on local waters Tony and Tim Deas still make at least one trip a week out on the Gulf or in the marsh. The brothers started running sport fishing charters in 1974. They have developed Sports Unlimited into a store with the most extensive saltwater tackle selection in the state.

Working in the store didn’t keep Tony and Tim off the water though. Both own 22-foot bay boats for the light tackle marsh and inshore fishing they love best. They know that anglers headed to the Gulf Coast all have their own fishing favorites and dreams.

“I was the first one to offer light tackle trips to the Chandeleur Island. But I had to learn that those boys from Tennessee, Texas, and upstate who booked charters wanted to fish the reds on light tackle,” notes Tony. “Redfish sure do pull a lot harder. I guess fishing specks is something I grew up with.”

Like most locals, the Deas brothers are speckled trout fanatics. They and their staff have fished for about anything that swims. Sports Unlimited stocks everything from the latest speck-catching crankbaits like Y-Zuri, and burly two-speed reels and rods that will put the brakes on billfish and tuna.

Tony breaks down the local saltwater sport fishing into three categories: inshore, green water, and offshore. The combination of three means there is only a couple months (January and February) of the year when fishing is slow.

Otherwise, you can have your pick of bull reds or giant yellowfin tuna, blue marlin or kingfish (the kingfish national championships are often held in nearby Biloxi) cobia or speckled trout. The fish don’t mind the brutal July and August heat if you don’t, although climate and great action are the reason spring and fall are the most popular months.

Don’t forget the many lakes and rivers and the freshwater fishing options for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Sports Unlimited hasn’t.