If you're planning to head out fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine today, December 29, 2024, here's what you need to know.

First, let's look at the tides. Today, the first low tide is at 3:29 AM, followed by a high tide at 9:06 AM. The second low tide will be at 4:10 PM, and the final high tide of the day is at 9:45 PM. These tidal changes are crucial, especially in areas with strong tidal currents[2].

The weather is quite chilly, with temperatures expected to be around the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at 7:12 AM, and sunset will be at 4:02 PM, so make sure you're dressed warmly.

Despite the cold, fishing has been quite good in recent days. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a variety of fish, including bluefin tuna around Southwest Ledge, where huge schools of mackerel are present. There's also been very good bottom fishing for tog, cod, and sea bass throughout the area[1].

For cod and haddock, remember the new recreational measures set by NOAA Fisheries. The minimum size for Gulf of Maine cod is now 23 inches, and for haddock, it's 18 inches. Private recreational anglers can possess up to 15 haddock[4].

When it comes to lures and bait, using live or artificial mackerel can be very effective for catching bluefin tuna. For bottom fishing, clams, crabs, and squid are excellent baits for cod, tog, and sea bass.

Some hot spots to consider include Southwest Ledge for bluefin tuna and the general coastal areas around Maine for bottom fishing. The strong tidal currents and the presence of bait fish make these areas highly productive.

Stay warm, and good luck on the water