If you're heading out to fish in the Gulf of Mexico around Louisiana today, here's what you can expect:

First off, the weather is looking pretty favorable. The temperatures are in the lower 80s, and the seas are expected to be calm with waves of 3 feet or less, making it ideal for both inshore and offshore fishing. Sunrise is around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:30 PM.

Tides are moderate, with a high tide in the late morning and a low tide in the early evening. This tidal pattern should help flush out some baitfish from the marshes, attracting more game fish.

Yesterday's fishing was excellent, especially for redfish and speckled trout. Anglers reported catching large schools of bull reds and jacks, particularly in the marsh areas around Yscloskey. Redfish were abundant, with many anglers hitting their limits quickly. Speckled trout were also plentiful, especially in the morning hours.

For lures, live shrimp and finger mullet have been the best bets. For those preferring artificial lures, silver spoons and soft plastics have been producing good results. If you're targeting redfish, try using shrimp under a popping cork or cut mullet in the flats and sand pockets.

Some hot spots to consider include the marshes around Yscloskey, where the reds and trout have been schooling in large numbers. Another good spot is along the jetties, where bull redfish and oversized drum have been biting on blue crab and Spanish sardines.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Louisiana, with plenty of fish to go around and favorable conditions to make your trip enjoyable. Just remember to use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait, and don't forget your Recreational Offshore Landing Permit if you're after red snapper, though the season for that has already closed for this year.