For November 21, 2024, if you're planning to head out to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine, here's what you can expect:

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, the weather is expected to be overcast with a northeast wind blowing at over 20 knots, which could make the seas rough. The air temperature is around 61°F, but the wind chill will make it feel cooler. Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 3:53 PM. Tides are significant, with high tide at 8:15 AM and low tide at 2:15 PM.

### Fish Activity
Despite the challenging weather, fishing conditions can still be favorable. Pollock have been the stars of recent trips, with many anglers landing fish in the 10-20 pound range. Haddock, cod, and cusk are also being caught in decent numbers. There have been reports of dogfish and blue sharks, but these are mostly being released.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the groundfish like pollock, haddock, and cod, jigs and cod flies have been the most effective. Drifting and anchoring have both produced good results. If you're targeting the larger fish, using bait like clams or mackerel can be beneficial.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots has been the areas around the Gulf of Maine, particularly where the water is a bit deeper and there are offshore ledges. These areas tend to attract schools of sea herring, which in turn attract larger fish like pollock and tuna.

Another good spot is near the coastal areas around Kennebunkport and Portland, where the structure of the seafloor can hold a variety of fish species, including cod, haddock, and pollock.

### Recent Catches
Yesterday's trip saw excellent landings despite the rough conditions. Pollock dominated the catch, with several anglers landing multiple fish over 13 pounds. There were also catches of cod, haddock, cusk, and mackerel. A few blue sharks and dogfish were caught but released.

Be prepared for rough seas and cold conditions, but with the right gear and patience, you can have a successful day fishing off the coast of Maine.