As of October 18, 2024, the fishing scene along the Maine coastline is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Tidal Report
Today's tidal cycle starts with a low tide at around 5:30 AM and a high tide at 11:30 AM. The second low tide will be at 5:45 PM, followed by a high tide at 11:45 PM. These tidal shifts are crucial for understanding the movement and feeding patterns of the fish.

### Weather
The weather forecast indicates mild conditions with partly cloudy skies and gentle winds out of the northwest at about 10 mph. Water temperatures are dropping, which is ideal for the fall fishing season.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 5:37 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a flurry of activity with striped bass and bluefish actively chasing mackerel along the coastline. These fish are on the move as they prepare for their migration south, making them aggressive feeders. Tautog fishing is also improving as the water temperatures drop, with bigger fish being caught in shallow waters.

### Catch Reports
Anglers reported catching significant numbers of striped bass, ranging from 20 inches to 40 pounds, particularly around areas like the Lower Piscataqua River and Cape Cod Bay beaches. Bluefish were abundant, and tautog fishing was good along jetty rocks and bridge pilings. Offshore, there were excellent catches of pollock, cod, haddock, and redfish, with pollock being the most plentiful.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass and bluefish, mackerel remains the most reliable bait. Using live or cut mackerel can yield impressive results. For night fishing, eels and soft plastic stick baits are highly effective. For tautog, clams and crabs are the go-to baits. Offshore, jigs and cod flies were successful for catching pollock, cod, and haddock.

### Hot Spots
- **Lower Piscataqua River**: Known for its strong striper action, especially with river herring fry and bait balls of tinker mackerel.
- **Cape Cod Bay Beaches**: A hotspot for striped bass and bluefish feeding on peanut bunker and mackerel.
- **Jeffrey’s Ledge**: Excellent for groundfish like pollock, cod, and haddock, with tuna also present among schools of haddock in deeper waters.

With these conditions and tips, you're set for a productive day of fishing along Maine's Atlantic coastline.