As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico around New Orleans is looking promising despite some recent cold fronts. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Conditions
- **Tidal Report**: Expect a moderate tide with highs around 1.5 feet and lows at about 0.5 feet. The changing tides, especially during the morning and late afternoon, tend to stir up the fish.
- **Weather**: The forecast shows partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 mph. Temperatures will be in the mid-70s, making for comfortable fishing conditions.
- **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to find those hot spots.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good amount of activity, particularly with redfish and speckled trout. Anglers reported catching these species in good numbers, especially in areas like Yscloskey and the marshes around Boothville-Venice.

### Catch Report
- **Redfish**: Several reports indicated that bull reds and smaller redfish were schooling in large numbers. Anglers caught limits of redfish, with some catches exceeding 20-30 fish per trip.
- **Speckled Trout**: Trout were also plentiful, with many anglers catching them in the morning hours. The trout were found in both shallow and slightly deeper waters.
- **Other Species**: Black drum, drum, and even some red snapper were also caught, though in smaller numbers.

### Best Lures and Bait
- For redfish, using live or artificial shrimp, spoons, and soft plastics has been effective. The reds are particularly attracted to gold spoons and chartreuse-colored soft plastics.
- For speckled trout, topwater baits, especially those that mimic baitfish, have been working well. Live shrimp under a popping cork is also a reliable choice.
- For black drum, using live or cut bait such as crab or shrimp tends to work best.

### Hot Spots
- **Yscloskey**: This area has been a hotspot for both redfish and speckled trout. Look for areas with structure like oyster beds and marsh edges.
- **Boothville-Venice**: The marshes here are teeming with redfish and trout. Focus on areas where the marsh meets the open water, as these transitions often hold large schools of fish.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day for fishing in the Gulf of Mexico around New Orleans. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the beautiful Louisiana waters.