Boating Lifestyle in Mississippi

Visit the Sights and Scenery of Mississippi’s Lakes and Rivers

Mississippi is blessed with various bodies of water that offer a range of recreational activities throughout the year. From the longest river in North America, the Mississippi River, to the many other rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, it has plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing. 

One of Mississippi’s larger bodies of water is the Pearl River, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and boat shows in Mississippi. The Big Black River provides a scenic backdrop for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, while the Yazoo River is a great spot for boat shows and fishing in Mississippi. The Leaf River is also a popular fishing spot, while the Ross Barnett Reservoir offers a range of activities, including water sports. 

Mississippi is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, as well. While the ocean provides some of the best beaches in the state, it also offers plenty of opportunities for boats, fishing, and swimming.

Inland, Pickwick Lake is a well-known place for bass fishing and boating, and Sardis Lake is an excellent spot for fishing and boating. Finally, Grenada Lake is ideal for fishing and boating and a perfect place for a leisurely cruise. 

No matter what type of recreational activity you’re interested in, Mississippi’s many bodies of water will surely provide the perfect scenery. From fly-fishing to boat shows and diving to boating in Mississippi, there will always be something exciting to do in this great state!

From the mighty Fort Massachusetts and Biloxi Lighthouse to Beauvoir in Biloxi and the Old Brick House, the Gulf of Mexico provides boat shows and plenty of spots to cast a line or enjoy the view. The Round Island Lighthouse and Jackson Dam on Pearl River offer excellent opportunities to catch local bass and other fish. In contrast, locations like The Loop, the Mississippi Blues Trail, and Moss Point Blues are also ideal for a more leisurely and educational journey.

For those looking for a more sombre trip, a visit to the Hurricane Katrina Memorial serves as a stark reminder of the strength and unity of the local community. Here you’ll be able to appreciate the courage and fortitude that so many Mississippians displayed in the face of adversity.

Whether you’re looking for exciting fishing opportunities or a more low-key educational experience, Mississippi offers a wealth of fun things to do for the whole family. 

What Types of Fish Can I Catch?

Mississippi is home to the best fishing spots around, whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started. In that case, you will have many opportunities to catch some of the best fish in the US, from White Crappie, Black Crappie, Magnolia Crappie, and Largemouth Bass to Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Yellow Bass. 

Don’t forget the monsters of the deep, like Walleye, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Longear Sunfish, Warmouth, Green Sunfish, Redear, and Bluegill. There’s even a sweet selection of Sturgeon, Drum, Carp, Buffalo, and Shad to keep you on your toes!

Mississippi is known for its excellent fishing spots that will provide an great experience for beginners and experts alike! You’ll find plenty of places to get out on the water and check out some of the best fish Mississippi has to offer.. 

Where to Eat in Mississippi

Mississippi is a beautiful and diverse state known for its natural landscapes and exhilarating outdoor activities. With that said, if your adventure to the great state of Mississippi includes boating, fishing, or attending one of the many boats shows in Mississippi, there’s no better way to top off a memorable day than with a delicious seafood meal from one of the fantastic eateries throughout the region. 

Whether cruising through beautiful waters or enjoying a day at the beach, the seafood restaurants in Mississippi await to take you on a compelling culinary journey. Steve’s Marina Restaurant in Gulfport is the perfect spot to enjoy a scenic harbor view and fresh gulf fish. The Reef in Waveland offers delicious shrimp, oysters, and crawfish boils. Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach, McElroy’s Harbor House, and Bacchus on The Beach, all located in Biloxi, allow beach-goers and boaters to savor some of the best cuisines in the area. 

The ocean bounty continues for those looking for a more inland experience. Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach and Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant fill the air with the heady aroma of catfish and hush puppies. 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill in Gulfport is perfect for seasonal events, sunset dinners, and memorable parties. Harbor View Café in Long Beach serves savory dishes like shrimp burgers, gumbo, and Shrimp Vesuvio. Meanwhile, Brady’s Steaks and Seafood in Bay St. Louis compensate for its lack of ocean views with quality steaks, lobster, and other fresh seafood dishes. 

Finally, two outstanding options to check out are the two The Blind Tiger locations, located in Biloxi Beach and Bay St. Louis. Woody’s Roadside Ocean Springs is a great spot to quench your thirst while relaxing near the water. And, of course, your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic The Blind Tiger Biloxi Beach to indulge in a local favorite.

Whether you plan to cruise in a boat or stroll along the beach, remember to take a break to fill your stomach with the delectable dishes these seafood hot spots offer.

Where to Buy a Boat in Mississippi

There are plenty of options for buying a boat in Mississippi. There are boat shows to browse different types of boats, local dealerships, and boat loan providers to help you secure the perfect vessel. Start shopping around and get out on the water to witness one of the best boat shows in Mississippi.

Buying from your local boat dealership: There are dozens of great boat dealerships in Mississippi, These dealerships will have a large selection of boats and a wide variety of boat brands. You’ll have your choice between nationally known dealerships like Bass Pro Shops and locally owned dealerships such as Emmett’s Marine. 

You can find a knowledgeable salesperson to answer any questions you may have to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. 

Buying from a private seller: Perhaps you know someone personally who is selling their boat, or maybe you went on an online marketplace and found a great boat to buy. Either way, you can likely easily find a boat to buy in Mississippi from one of your neighbors.

Buying a boat at a boat show: Boat shows are a great option to buy your boat from, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of boat you want to buy! Boat shows in Mississippi bring in many local dealerships that will have their boats on display for you to compare and eventually buy.

Boat Shows in Mississippi

If you live in Mississippi or plan a visit anytime soon, you will want to take advantage of the upcoming boat shows around the state. From the Annual Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Festival to the Biloxi Boat Show, there’s plenty of fun to have and boats to see. There will be plenty of vendors and informational booths to learn about new boats and the best fishing spots. And for those wondering about financing their dream boat, there will also be experts to talk about boat loans in Mississippi. So, don your captain’s hat and experience the excitement that only hundreds of boats can create while enjoying the vibrant boat shows in Mississippi. 

Most dealerships will have awesome deals, and you can even find financing and decide to purchase a boat at the show! If you’re new to boat shows, check out our Boat Show Guide so you can have all the tips and tricks you need to have a great experience the next time you attend a boat show in Mississippi. 

Boat Loans in Mississippi

Given the waterways, fishing in Mississippi, and boat shows available to residents, Mississippi is an ideal location for boat ownership. But if you’re not in the best financial position yet to purchase a boat outright, you’re likely looking at an affordable option,

You might want to consider applying for a boat loan in Mississippi. Commercial lenders and boat loan providers offer various loan products to suit people’s needs and different boat types. To find the best loan option, seek advice from experienced lenders and compare costs.

Buying a boat requires determining your budget and securing financing. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to do this. 

Using an online boat loan calculator, you can find your desired terms by plugging in the purchase price, down payment, and target interest rate, giving you an idea of the terms that will fit your budget. 

You can submit a credit application when you’ve found your ideal boat. You can opt to finance through a dealership or try using a local bank or credit union to see if you can get a better deal. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be ready to hit the open water in Mississippi.

To have the best financing experience, it is best to choose an experienced lending service with expertise in boat loans in Mississippi. Working with a financial service provider like First Approval Source is your best bet for getting the most competitive rates and terms. 

Storage Solutions for Boaters in Mississippi: Finding the Right Space for Your Boat!

While considering the purchase of a boat in Mississippi, it may be helpful to know the many convenient places to store your vessel. There are various options throughout the state, from gated & dry storage to smaller indoor units and marinas.

Marinas: The state of Mississippi contains some of the best marinas in the country. A marina provides a safe and convenient place to store your boat in the water. Many marinas offer amenities such as fueling stations, electrical and water hookups, and repair services. Most of the time, you’ll also have convenient locations for picking up quick snacks or extra safety equipment for your trip out. 

Dry Storage Facilities: A dry storage facility is a good option if you prefer to store your boat out of the water. This way, you can benefit by keeping your boat safe from weather elements. These facilities often offer secure storage, launch and retrieval services, and maintenance services. 

Private Docks: If you happen to own waterfront property and plan on using your boat frequently, storing your boat at your own private dock would be your best option. This way, your boat is always within reach for you, and you can take it out at your leisure. 

Boatyards: A boatyard is a good option if you need to store your boat for an extended period of time. These facilities often offer maintenance and repair services, as well as storage options.

Self-Storage Facilities: A self-storage facility is an affordable option for storing smaller boats and personal watercraft. These facilities may have outdoor or indoor storage options, and they have additional amenities such as security and access controls.

From economical and luxurious options to heated and climate-controlled facilities, Mississippi offers plenty of great places to store and maintain your vessel. When choosing a storage option, consider factors such as cost, location, security, and accessibility to find the best fit for your needs.

Mississippi is an excitingly diverse state that offers all sorts of recreational activities for anyone keen on experiencing its unique and vibrant culture. Boating and fishing in Mississippi are two must-do activities that each beach-goer or sea-faring captain should participate in. Whether you’re just starting or an experienced angler, the Magnolia state will surely have the perfect spot to reel in your most significant catch! 

Plan your dream vacation with the right boat loan in Mississippi and explore the waters and beaches with a newly purchased craft from many local boat dealers. Stop at the best seafood restaurants in the area and quench your thirst with a cold drink at The Blind Tiger. Plan around the many boat shows in Mississippi, and always remember to check for the right boat storage spot to protect your vacation vehicle. 

Are you still trying to figure out the best boat loan to get? With First Approval Source, you can use our flexible loan options to ensure you get the boat of your dreams. Get started now and find the loan that fits your needs. Let’s hit the open seas in your new boat!