18 OCT 2024 · If you're heading out to fish in the Gulf of Mexico around New Orleans today, October 18, 2024, you're in for a treat. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your day on the water.
First off, let's talk about the weather and tides. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high of 78°F and a low of 64°F, making for comfortable fishing conditions. There's a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 mph. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:34 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the waters.
The tides are looking favorable, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM. This transition period often triggers fish activity, so be ready to cast your lines during these times.
Yesterday saw a lot of action, especially for speckled trout and redfish. Speckled trout are plentiful, with many catches in the 20-inch range. These fish are biting well on soft plastics like curly tail grubs or live bait such as shrimp or mullet. Redfish are also abundant, particularly in the marsh areas, with both bull reds and slot reds being caught using live bait like shrimp, crabs, or mullet, and jigs with a curly tail or a spoon.
In addition to trout and redfish, there have been reports of catching black drum, flounder, and even some shark species. For black drum and flounder, use live or cut bait like shrimp or crab.
If you're looking for hot spots, Buras and Venice have been hot for redfish and speckled trout. The marshes and shallow waters in these areas are ideal for targeting these species. Grand Isle is another great spot, known for its inshore fishing and variety of fish including redfish, trout, and flounder.
So pack your gear, grab your favorite lures and bait, and head out to these spots. With the favorable conditions and recent catches, today should be an excellent day to reel in some big ones. Just remember to check the local fishing regulations and respect the new no-fishing buffers to protect the habitat and reduce fish spills. Good luck, and tight lines