As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around New Orleans, is looking exceptionally promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 75 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. This mild weather makes it ideal for a day of fishing.

Tides are moderate, with high tide anticipated around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. These tidal conditions should provide good movement and access to various fishing spots.

Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at 5:15 PM, giving you ample daylight to enjoy your fishing trip.

Yesterday saw a lot of action, especially for speckled trout and redfish. Anglers reported catching a good number of speckled trout in the 20-inch range, particularly when drifting oyster reefs in 3 to 5 feet of water. Redfish were active in the marsh areas, especially where there is moving water and bait. There were also reports of catching bull reds, jacks, and sharks due to the abundant bait in the bays.

For speckled trout, using soft plastics like curly tail grubs or shrimp imitations has been effective. For redfish, a combination of live bait such as shrimp or mullet, and lures like gold spoons or spinnerbaits, has been successful.

Some hot spots to consider include the marshes around Montegut, which get less fishing pressure than areas like Cocodrie or Grand Isle, and the waters around Buras, where anglers can head upriver or downriver between Empire and Venice to target bull reds.

Overall, the conditions are perfect for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. Make sure to get all your gear ready and take advantage of the favorable weather and tidal conditions.