As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in Louisiana, is looking very promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 75 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. Tides are moderate, with high tide at around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, providing good movement and access to various fishing spots. Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset is at 5:15 PM, giving you ample daylight.

Yesterday saw a lot of action, especially for speckled trout and redfish. Anglers reported catching a good number of speckled trout in the 20-inch range, making them perfect for the pan. Redfish were also plentiful, with several slot-sized fish caught in the marshes and shallow flats.

For speckled trout, using ultraviolet matrix shad tied to a fluorocarbon leader with an oddball rattle cork has been effective. For redfish, a 3/4 oz gold spoon with a swivel tied directly to braided fishing line is a reliable choice. Live shrimp under a popping cork and mullet or shrimp free-lined along rocks and shell flats are also producing good results.

If you're looking for hot spots, consider heading to the marshes around Venice, where bull reds and speckled trout are always active. Diving birds are a good indicator of schools of baitfish in this area. Another spot is Baffin Bay, where early morning shallow water fishing is still successful. Look for areas with jumping bait and small slicks, indicating feeding activity.

In the coastal waters, areas like Port Mansfield, particularly near deep water drop-offs and along the Intracoastal Waterway, have been productive. The East Cut and jetties here are worth a visit, using mullet and shrimp as bait.

Overall, with the right gear and knowledge of the tides and fish behavior, today should be a great day to catch some impressive fish in the Gulf of Mexico's Louisiana waters.