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Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Shark

The Blacktip Shark is a common and exciting species found in Mississippi's coastal waters, with their population status currently rated as 'good' by NOAA Fisheries.

Scientific Name: Carcharhinus limbatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These medium-sized sharks typically reach 4-5 feet in length at maturity, with a maximum size around 6-8 feet, and are easily identified by their distinctive black-tipped fins on the pectoral, dorsal, pelvic, and caudal fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer coastal waters less than 100 feet deep, frequently moving into shallow flats, estuaries, and around barrier islands.

Key Locations

  • In Mississippi waters, they're primarily found in the nearshore subtropical coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around the Biloxi Marsh, Mississippi Sound, and areas from Bay St.
  • Louis to Pascagoula.
  • Target areas include the shallow flats around Casse Tete Island and East Timbalier Island, deeper channels and inlets that serve as travel corridors, and offshore bars and reefs that attract baitfish.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas include the shallow flats around Casse Tete Island and East Timbalier Island, deeper channels and inlets that serve as travel corridors, and offshore bars and reefs that attract baitfish.
  • Around estuary mouths where currents converge.
  • Beyond the breakers where sharks patrol for prey.

Blacktip Shark FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Blacktip Shark in Mississippi?

For bait, chunks of oily fish work best - mullet, bonito, menhaden, and threadfin herring are highly effective, with menhaden being particularly productive given their importance in blacktip diets. In spring, troll live baits like menhaden. During summer, use topwater lures or soft plastics.

When is the best time to fish for Blacktip Shark in Mississippi?

The prime season for blacktip shark fishing in Mississippi runs from late spring through early fall, with peak activity in August, September, and October when water temperatures remain warm but summer crowds diminish.

How do you catch Blacktip Shark in Mississippi?

In spring, troll live baits like menhaden slowly near the surface around estuary mouths where currents converge. During summer, sight fishing in the shallow flats around Biloxi Marsh is exciting - look for their distinctive fins and use topwater lures or soft plastics.

What do Blacktip Shark eat?

Blacktip sharks are highly piscivorous, feeding primarily on small schooling fish including Gulf Menhaden (which comprises a significant portion of their diet), Atlantic Croaker, sardines, anchovies, herring, and various sciaenids. They also consume crustaceans, squid, and occasionally rays.

Where do Blacktip Shark live in Mississippi?

They prefer coastal waters less than 100 feet deep, frequently moving into shallow flats, estuaries, and around barrier islands.

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