Does Bay St Louis area have good fishing?

If you have a boat capable of getting out front/to the islands, then absolutely. If your boat is limited to the bay, then it's not the best from a fishing standpoint. There are some folks that have it dialed enough to consistently catch fish, but the quality of the fishery on the east side of the marsh and the islands is so good that you should focus your efforts there if possible.

If you are expecting Delacroix, Venice, Grand Isle, Fuchion, Cocodrie or something similar you will be sorely disappointed.

Sweet. This is what I’m wondering. There’s not many places that can compete with Venice, Delacroix etc. I’m just looking to take my kids fishing and have a good time. My dad has a second home there and I’m considering getting a camp there if it’s possible to catch from docks. I’d prefer not to get a boat yet. Really appreciate the advice

Wow, 2 down votes. I had no idea people thought the fishing around the Bay was as good as the world class fishing of the area's named above. SMDH

Really depends what "Bay St. Louis Area" means to you.

If youre wanting Bay St. Louis proper - the fishing is not the best in the world. Better in winter. can catch fish during summer in bay - but generally have to run to islands or isle pitre area.

If you're fine with more outskirts, the Ansley/Waveland area has better fishing IMO. Freshwater and Salt on edge of East Pearl. can run across lake and fish 9mile and 3 mile area - as well as run to islands to fish.

We have a camp in Waveland at LaFrance Marina, which as been in our family since the 70/80s. we love it. Can be in BSL in 20 minutes but also have access to duck hunting etc in the winter.

I agree with above - if you're looking for a "fishing camp" go south (Venice, Port Sulphur, Delacroix, PAL, etc).

If you are wanting an all around camp that is close to entertainment, still offers decent fishing at times, and good duck hunting at times--then MS coast can be an option

Agree with Silver Poon. Been fishing the area for years. Own a lot by LaFrance Marina in the “neighborhood “I’m putting on the market this spring because I’m buying a camp there. Like the area

You talking a family camp or just one for the ol baws? Fishing in winter in the bay and jourdan can be jam up, summer is better just out front or at the islands. One thing that convinced my wife in BSL over GI was the proximity to good fishing AND the plethora of things to do within 30 minutes. 90% of the time we are on the boat, either at the islands, beach near downtown, or sandbars up the river. Kids absolutely love it, so it has been a great family investment for us. We are just off the jourdan, halfway between I10 and 90. 20 minute ride to downtown BSL, 45 min boat ride to isle au pitre or Cat.

I think this is the route we want to go. Not sure of location but purchasing property and making improvements then build out.

ETA: retirement in 5 years.
Wife is partial to waveland area.

We have stayed in BLS proper and stayed near shoreline park. We usually end up biking and hanging near the beach during trips. Just getting back into fishing so private launch not necessary. I’ve realized that I will be doing ALL of the work to keep this place enjoyable for others (including boat) so I’m keeping the amenities low for now. It’s just me and wife and her two boys who will be out of school by then. One graduates this year the other in 5 years.

What boat would you recommend as we are getting back into boating? We want to get something we can learn and still enjoy in the bay. $30k boat budget.