If you're planning to head out fishing in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast today, here's what you need to know.

First, let's talk about the tides. Today, October 17, 2024, the tidal coefficient is high, indicating big tides and strong currents. The first high tide was early this morning, and the next one will be around 3:55 PM. Low tides are at 8:34 AM and 9:29 PM.

Sunrise today is at 7:13 AM, and sunset will be at 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

The weather has been calm, with light winds, making it ideal for fishing. Water temperatures are around 83-84 degrees, which is perfect for a variety of fish species.

Yesterday saw excellent fishing conditions, especially around the jetties and in areas like Port Aransas and the South Jetty. Redfish, both slot-sized and bull reds, were plentiful. You could catch them using cut mullet, live shrimp, cut man-of-war, or cut ladyfish. The South Jetty was particularly good, with fish biting on an ounce and a half to three-ounce weights on a number six hook.

Speckled trout were also active, especially around the rocks at Mustang Point and near the gas wells like the Seven Sisters. Live shrimp and free-lining were the most effective methods for catching trout in these areas.

Black drum and mangrove snappers were also caught in good numbers. For black drum, live or dead shrimp worked well, while mangrove snappers were caught near the fairies and the Brown Root Jetty using small split shots and free-shrimping.

If you're looking for hot spots, consider the South Jetty and the area around the Fina docks in Port Aransas. The rocks at Mustang Point are also a great place to catch reds and trout. For those venturing further out, the gas wells like the Seven Sisters are holding good trout.

In terms of lures, bigger lures like Mirrolure Lil’ John XL’s, 6” Coastal Brew Darts, and 5” Salt Water Assassin Sea Shad paddle tails in natural colors have been effective, especially when worked near the bottom. For redfish, electric root beer WACky shrimp rigged weedless or live shrimp under a popping cork have been successful.

Overall, it's a great day to be out on the water, with plenty of fish to go around and favorable conditions. Just remember to watch out for those big ships and strong currents.