If you're heading out to fish in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana's coast today, January 17, 2025, here's what you need to know:

First off, let's talk about the tides. For Lake Charles, the low tide is at 4:56 AM with a height of 0.34 ft, followed by a high tide at 8:51 AM with a height of 0.52 ft. The second low tide is at 4:34 PM with a height of -0.34 ft, and the final high tide of the day is at 11:20 PM with a height of 0.73 ft. Sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and sunset is at 5:36 PM[2].

The weather is looking decent, but always check the latest forecast before you head out, as conditions can change quickly.

Yesterday saw some great catches of redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. Redfish were particularly active in the shallower waters and near drop-offs, feeding aggressively. Trout were found in the open bays and along jetties, while sheepshead were hanging around structure like pilings and reefs[1].

For redfish, some of the best lures include topwater plugs, especially over shell reefs and in open bays. The Berkley Gulp Saltwater lineup, particularly the Jerk Shad in New Penny color, is highly effective. In murky waters, spinnerbaits like the Z-Man Chatterbait or Strike King Redfish Magic work wonders[3].

If you're targeting trout, soft plastics and jigs are good choices. For sheepshead, live or artificial baits that mimic their natural food sources, such as fiddler crabs or shrimp, are your best bet.

Hot spots to consider include the Calcasieu and Sabine lakes, where the murky waters favor the use of spinnerbaits for redfish. Grand Isle is another great spot, known for its high tidal coefficients which can lead to significant fish activity[2][4].

Overall, it's shaping up to be a good day on the water, so make sure you're well-prepared with the right gear and an eye on the weather. Good luck out there