If you're planning to hit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana today, here’s what you need to know. As of November 16, 2024, the fishing conditions are quite favorable despite the intermittent rain storms.

First off, let's talk about the tides and daylight. Sunrise was around 6:45 AM, and sunset is expected at about 4:55 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide in the late morning and a low tide in the early afternoon[4].

The weather has been a bit unpredictable, but if you can get out between the rain storms, the fishing is really good. Prior to the increased winds and rain, the fishing pattern was following the typical fall season trends. Redfish are ganging up inside the marsh, and speckled trout are pushing deeper into the marsh as well[3].

One of the highlights recently has been the abundance of large white trout. These fish are not just in one spot; they've been found in the bay, around the barrier islands, and throughout the Louisiana marsh. Some of these white trout have been as large as 17 inches, caught over oyster reefs in shallow waters[3].

For redfish, they are schooling in large numbers, especially in areas like Boothville-Venice. Bull reds and jacks are common, and some days you can find them schooling by the tens or even hundreds[1].

When it comes to lures and bait, live shrimp are always a good choice, especially for trout and redfish. For redfish, imitation shrimp lures under popping corks or jig heads with soft plastic tails in lighter colors have been very effective. For trout, fishing with live shrimp in and around structure has been producing a fair bite[2][3].

Some hot spots to consider include the marsh areas around Hopedale and the barrier islands. The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge and the waters around Venice are also known for their rich fish populations.

In summary, if you can navigate the weather, today promises to be a great day for fishing in Louisiana's Gulf Coast waters. Just remember to pack your gear, including live shrimp and the right lures, and be prepared to adapt to the changing conditions. Happy fishing