Angie Holland Charts Her Own Course on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Captain Angie Holland navigated uncharted waters to become the owner of the only female-owned and operated inshore charter service on the Mississippi Coast. Now, just over a year after her launch, her service is thriving, bringing joy to clients from throughout the region.
A fourth-generation Biloxian, Holland grew up steeped in coastal tradition. Her grandfather was a wooden boat builder, and her family often fished local bridges and waterways for fun. “When I was with my dad, we fished. My mom took me fishing. My grandfather took me fishing. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but it was always there; I just didn’t know it was my passion,” she said.
It wasn’t until a friend asked her to help out as a deckhand that it all clicked. “I absolutely loved it. I realized I could get paid to be out on the water, doing what I love. That first day? I couldn’t wait to do it again.”
The distinction of being the only solely owned and operated female inshore charter captain on the Coast came with more grit than glamour. “Breaking into the industry was the hardest part. It was tough getting people to give me a chance,” she said. “At first, I was worried that people wouldn’t want to work with me because I’m female, but I’m finding the opposite to be true. And I’ve put my heart and soul into making this happen.”
She credits her background in jewelry sales for helping her stand out in the industry. “My favorite part of that job was being part of someone’s special moment. Now, I get to do the same thing, just in a different setting. People are out here having their best day ever, and I get to be part of that. That’s the best part of the job.”
True to its name, Happy Fishing Charters is all about creating joyful, hands-on experiences, especially for families and first-timers. Holland says she thrives on teaching people how to fish.
“I’m very patient, and I love giving people the chance to do it themselves,” she said. “It’s not about me doing the work for them. It’s about helping them make memories.”
One of her most meaningful trips involved an elderly man named Mr. Jim, who had redfish on his bucket list. “On his first cast, he caught the perfect redfish to take home for dinner. Later that day, he caught several bull reds. He didn’t have much time left, so helping him accomplish that really stuck with me.”
Holland fishes year-round, adjusting to the seasonal patterns of redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, sharks, and more.
Support from the local community has been overwhelming. “People have shown up for me in a big way, repeat clients, word-of-mouth, positive reviews.
The Gulf Coast has embraced me.”
Her advice for other women who want to break into the outdoors or charter world? “You’re going to hear a lot of no’s. Keep going until you find your yes. And whatever you do, don’t give up—it’s worth it.”
You can find Angie and Happy Fishing Charters docked at the Small Craft Harbor in Biloxi or follow her adventures on Facebook. Just look for the big smile and the even bigger redfish.
