Hey there, folks It's your buddy Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around Louisiana.

First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. As of today, February 1, 2025, the weather is looking pretty favorable with light north winds, which should make for a comfortable day on the water. Sunrise is at 6:50 AM, and sunset will be around 5:37 PM. Tides are relatively mild, with a high tide at 10:01 AM and a low tide at 8:22 PM, both with minimal height variations[2].

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Recently, the waters around Louisiana's Gulf Coast have been producing some great catches. In areas like Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding bays, speckled trout, redfish, and black drum have been quite active. Trout are biting well in the morning near deeper waters, and as the afternoon warms up, they tend to follow the bait onto the flats. Redfish are feeding heavily in shallower waters, especially around structures like oysters and mud flats[1].

For those heading out to fish, here are some hot spots and tips. One of the best places to try your luck is around the jetties and deeper channels. For instance, Port Isabel and Port Mansfield have been producing good numbers of trout and redfish. At Port Isabel, trout are biting on live shrimp or Cajun pepper soft plastics during incoming tides on the outside of the jetties. Redfish, including some oversized ones, are being caught inside the jetties using Spanish sardines and blue crab[1].

When it comes to lures, you can't go wrong with topwater baits and soft plastics. Walk-the-dog type stick baits, known as spooks, and poppers & chuggers are excellent choices for attracting those bigger fish. These lures mimic the natural movement of prey and can entice fish to strike from deeper waters. Crankbaits are also highly effective, especially if you choose the right depth for the fishing environment. Ball Tails and Mansfield Knockers have been working well in areas like Port Mansfield[1][3].

In terms of bait, live shrimp are always a winner, especially for trout and redfish. Dead shrimp on the bottom can also attract black drum, particularly around the apron of the jetties. Soft plastics like WAC ATTACK's WACky Fluke in peppered pumpkin color have been successful in deeper channels and mud flats[1].

So, if you're planning to head out today, make sure to check the weather app for any barometer changes and be prepared with the right gear. Wear your kill switch and stay safe out there.

Happy fishing, and tight lines