Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, as of January 30, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. We're still feeling the aftermath of that unprecedented blizzard that hit us on January 21st. The cold snap has been intense, but it's slowly starting to warm up. Today, you can expect mild temperatures, but the water is still chilly, which affects fish behavior.

Now, let's dive into the tidal report. According to the tide charts, today's high tide is at 8:07 AM with a height of -0.0 m (-0.01 ft), and the low tide is at 7:56 PM with a height of -0.14 m (-0.46 ft)[2].

Sunrise today is at 6:51 AM, and sunset is at 5:36 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially since many species are more active during these transitional periods.

Given the recent cold weather, fish activity has been a bit sluggish, but as the water starts to warm up, we're seeing some signs of life. Redfish, sea trout, and even some amberjack are starting to become more active. The cold has pushed many fish into deeper holes and warmer areas, so you'll need to adjust your tactics accordingly.

For lures, I highly recommend using topwater lures like the walk-the-dog type stick baits (known as spooks) and poppers & chuggers. These have been industry standards in this region for decades and are excellent for attracting bigger predators from deeper waters[3].

Crankbaits are also a good choice, especially if you're targeting fish at various depths. Make sure to choose the right crankbait based on the depth you're fishing in to avoid getting tangled in seaweed or other debris[3].

If you're looking to use artificial shrimp, rigging them on a jig head for deeper waters or a weedless hook for shallower waters is the way to go. This will help you avoid snags and increase your chances of catching fish[4].

As for hot spots, I recommend checking out the areas around Lake Pontchartrain and the marshes just off the Gulf Coast. These areas tend to have warmer waters and plenty of hiding spots for fish. Another spot is the New Canal USCG station area, which often sees a good mix of redfish and sea trout.

In summary, while the fishing has been a bit challenging due to the cold weather, things are starting to pick up. Use the right lures, pay attention to the tides, and head to those warmer spots where fish are likely to congregate. Good luck out there, and tight lines