"Redfish, Specks, and More: A Gulf Coast Fishing Report from New Orleans"

Artificial Lure here, checking in from the Gulf of Mexico right outside our beloved Big Easy, New Orleans. It’s the fourth of November—fall’s setting in deep, and the fishing is cranking up. Let’s get into the day’s report. Sunrise came at 6:18 a.m. and we’ll see sunset at 5:05 p.m. Today started off cool, with a gentle breeze out the north—about 6 to 12 knots—and mostly sunny skies. Temps this morning hovered in the high 50s but we’ll warm to nearly 70 by noon, making it prime time for a bite. Light jackets early, shirtsleeves by midday. Tides are working in our favor with a high tide pushing in just after 9 a.m., and the low slacking off around 2:45 p.m. That mid-morning push will have the marsh draining bait, and the predators are set to feast. Water clarity’s good after a few dry days, with the marsh grasses golden and the bayous clear. Let’s talk recent catches. Across the marsh edges and in Lake Borgne, guides are putting anglers on solid redfish up to 35 inches. Schoolie reds are thick, with some bruiser bulls popping up near Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass. Speckled trout have been steady over oyster reefs—most of ‘em 13-17 inches, but pods of bigger specs are around deeper cuts. Folks are hauling in limits when the bite’s on, especially during that falling tide. Black drum are working the deeper holes and so are sheepshead, if you shrimp around bridge pilings. Latest reviews out of local charters are all smiles—some boats reporting 20-30 reds, with catch and release keeping the action honest. Trout counts depend on moving water; on good days, anglers are stacking a couple dozen apiece. Flounder showed up near Bayou Bienvenue, with some fat slabs mixed in. TripleTail and Jack Crevalle are less consistent lately, but don’t be surprised if one bends your rod. For baits, live shrimp under a popping cork is money everywhere right now. If you don’t have shrimp, mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig will do you right. But don’t overlook artificials—MirrOlure’s MirrOdine, Z-Man’s DieZel Minnow in Houdini, and Matrix Shad in Lemon Head are slamming specks and slot reds. Topwater plugs are working early, especially in the calm shallows north of Shell Beach—try a Super Spook, walk it slow for that fall blow-up. Scented soft plastics like Gulp! Shrimp on a 1/4 oz jighead make a difference when the water cools and fish get picky. Hot spots today: - The Biloxi Marsh is on fire for reds and specks; fish drain mouths at high tide for best results. - Lake Borgne’s southern shorelines are holding trout and drum—work the broken shell and bayous leading in. - Rigolets Pass for big red action and maybe a black drum kicker; bridge pilings and deep bends are producing. If you’re after meat for the skillet, stick to live shrimp. Heading for a trophy, break out that popping cork or toss a big paddle-tail. Watch your tide, match your lure color to water clarity, and don’t ignore the wind line—where the chop meets calm is where the bait st This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.