As of October 17, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather in the Keys is pleasant, with air temperatures hovering around the mid-80s and a gentle breeze. Expect partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of scattered showers. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM, making the late morning and early afternoon ideal for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:53 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity in the backcountry and on the reefs. The cooling temperatures have activated the fish, especially in the shallower waters. Anglers reported catching a variety of species, including snook, tarpon, and several types of snappers like yellowtail and mangrove snappers.

### Catch Reports
Captain Antonio Estenoz from Key West reported catching several large lemon sharks, while Captain Chris from Tavernier had a successful day catching mahi, black fin tuna, and kingfish. In Islamorada, Captain Alex targeted bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the backcountry flats.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the inshore and flats fishing, live pilchards and shrimp are proving to be highly effective. For those targeting larger species like tarpon and snook, artificial baits such as jigs and spoons are working well. On the reefs, using live bait like ballyhoo or pinfish can attract grouper and larger predators.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the patch reefs just south of Key West. These areas are teeming with baitfish, which in turn attract a variety of game fish. Another great spot is the backcountry flats of Islamorada, where the shallow waters and mangroves provide perfect habitat for species like bonefish, permit, and snook.

Overall, the Florida Keys are offering excellent fishing conditions this time of year. With the right bait and a bit of local knowledge, you’re set for a memorable fishing trip.

Today, October 17th, 2024, is shaping up to be a great day for fishing in the Florida Keys. Here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Tides
The weather is looking pleasant with highs in the mid-80s and gentle breezes out of the northeast. We had a few rain showers yesterday, but today is expected to be mostly sunny. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, which should provide good conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise was at 7:28 AM, and sunset will be at 6:53 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday was a busy day on the water. In Islamorada, anglers reported catching a variety of fish including dolphin (mahi-mahi), blackfin tuna, king mackerel, and several species of snappers like mangrove, mutton, and yellowtail snappers. The reefs were particularly active, with many boats returning with full fish boxes.

### Best Lures and Bait
For offshore fishing, trolling rigged baits and lures is effective for targeting dolphin and blackfin tuna. Live bait such as pilchards and cigar minnows are also working well, especially for snappers and king mackerel. For inshore fishing, live bait like shrimp and small jigs are great for catching species like snook, redfish, and speckled trout.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reefs off Islamorada, where the snapper action has been consistent. Another good spot is the backcountry waters around Key West, where the fall transition is bringing in large schools of baitfish, attracting predators like tarpon, grouper, and snook.

Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in the Florida Keys. With the mild weather and active fish, you're likely to have a productive and enjoyable day on the water.

As of October 16, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some of the best fall fishing you can ask for. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is mild, with temperatures hovering around the mid-80s and a gentle breeze out of the northeast. Sunrise was at 7:27 AM, and sunset will be at 6:53 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:34 AM and a low tide at 4:17 PM, making the late morning and early afternoon ideal for fishing in the backcountry and flats.

### Fish Activity
The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the Everglades and the Florida Keys. This has attracted a variety of predators, making for some exciting fishing. Yesterday saw a strong showing of tarpon, particularly in the backcountry areas around Islamorada and Key West. Snook and redfish fishing has been stellar, with several large snook in the 12 to 18-pound range and redfish up to 10 pounds caught in the creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Tarpon have been abundant, with big groups showing up for a late-season run. Snook and redfish are plentiful, and there have been reports of larger black drum in the 25-pound range, which is unusual for this time of year. Bonefish on the flats have been active, taking advantage of the higher tides to feed in different parts of the flats and bay. Smaller snook, juvenile goliath grouper, and occasional juvenile tarpon are also common in the protected areas.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, live bait such as mullet or pinfish is highly effective. For snook and redfish, jigs tipped with shrimp or soft plastics work well. Bonefish are best targeted with small jigs or flies. If you're after larger species like black drum, using live or cut bait such as crabs or shrimp can be very productive.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the backcountry around Islamorada, particularly the mangrove channels and inlets of Everglades National Park. The flats around Key West, especially those near the bridges, are also producing multiple bonefish and permit. For deep-sea fishing, the reefs off Key West are filled with schools of baitfish, attracting grouper, snapper, and other deep-water species.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys, with plenty of action and fewer crowds. Enjoy the peaceful fall weather and the vibrant fishing scene that comes with it.

As of October 13, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some of the best fishing conditions of the year. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather in the Keys is mild, with temperatures hovering around the mid-80s and cool breezes marking the onset of fall. Expect some northeasterly winds, which are typical for this time of year. Tides are relatively stable, with high tide around 9 AM and low tide around 3 PM, making the early morning and late afternoon ideal for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset is at 6:54 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

### Fish Activity
The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the area. This attracts a variety of predators, making for excellent fishing. Yesterday saw a lot of activity from tarpon, redfish, and snook. Larger snook in the 12 to 18 lb range and black drum up to 25 lbs were caught, particularly in areas where the bait run is strong.

### Types of Fish
- **Tarpon**: Big groups are present for a late-season showing, especially around the flats and backcountry waters.
- **Redfish**: Fishing for redfish has been stellar, with many catches reported in the protected areas of islands, creeks, and shorelines.
- **Snook**: Larger snook are being found in areas with abundant baitfish.
- **Black Drum**: These powerful fish are being caught in the 25 lb range, often on light tackle.
- **Grouper**: As the water temperatures drop, grouper are moving into the shallows and over the reefs, making them easier to target.

### Best Lures and Bait
For this time of year, live bait such as pilchards is highly effective. Using a nice live well full of fresh pilchards can guarantee a great day of action. For those preferring lures, soft plastics and jigs are working well for snook and redfish. For grouper, using cut bait or chumming can be very productive.

### Hot Spots
- **Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida**: These areas have been producing good catches of smaller snook, redfish, and juvenile goliath grouper.
- **Backcountry waters of Key West**: The flats and backcountry waters are ideal for targeting tarpon, snook, and redfish.
- **Reefs and wrecks**: These areas are great for grouper and other bottom-dwelling species.

Overall, October is a fantastic time to fish in the Florida Keys, with plenty of fish activity and fewer boats on the water. Enjoy your trip

As of October 12, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some of the best fall fishing experiences you can ask for. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather in Key West is mild and pleasant, with air temperatures hovering around 75 degrees. Expect some cool breezes and possibly a few windy days, but overall, the conditions are ideal for fishing. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, making the early morning and late afternoon prime times for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition has sparked increased fish activity, particularly on the reef and in the Flats and Backcountry waters. Yesterday saw a lot of action with grouper, snapper, and tarpon. The cooler water temperatures have moved schools of baitfish into the shallows and over the reefs, attracting predators like grouper and snapper.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday, several charters reported catching significant numbers of gag grouper, mangrove snapper, and even some tarpon. The grouper were particularly active, with some charters landing multiple fish in the 10-20 pound range. Snapper were also plentiful, with many catches of mangrove snapper in the 2-5 pound range.

### Best Lures and Bait
For grouper and snapper, live pilchards are your best bet. These baitfish are abundant this time of year and are irresistible to the larger predators. If you prefer lures, jigs and soft plastics that mimic baitfish are highly effective. For tarpon, using large streamers or spoons can be very productive.

### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the patch reefs just south of Key West and the Backcountry waters around the Flats. The patch reefs are teeming with baitfish, which in turn attract the larger game fish. The Backcountry waters offer a more serene and peaceful fishing experience, with plenty of opportunities to catch tarpon, snapper, and grouper.

Overall, the conditions are perfect for a great day of fishing in the Florida Keys. With the right bait and lures, and by targeting the right spots, you’re set for an unforgettable fishing trip.

As of October 11th, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, making it an ideal time to get out on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is generally pleasant, with air temperatures hovering around the mid-80s and a slight cooling trend as we move into fall. Expect some northeasterly winds, which are typical for this time of year. Tides are higher than normal, which is beneficial for fishing in the flats and backcountry areas.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:45 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the waters.

### Fish Activity
The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish through the Keys and into the Everglades. This migration attracts a variety of predators, making for some exciting fishing. Yesterday saw a lot of activity from tarpon, particularly in the backcountry areas of Islamorada and around the protected islands and shorelines of Flamingo.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Tarpon have been plentiful, with some late-season resident tarpon showing up in good numbers. Snook and redfish have also been active, especially in the creeks, canals, and shorelines. Larger snook in the 12 to 18-pound range and black drum up to 25 pounds have been caught recently. Juvenile goliath grouper and occasional juvenile tarpon are also present in these areas.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, using live bait such as mullet or shrimp is highly effective. For snook and redfish, live shrimp or baitfish work well, especially when cast into the shallow waters of the flats. Popping corks with live shrimp suspended below are great for catching trout in the backcountry. If you're targeting larger species like grouper, using live bait on the bottom in areas around the reef is recommended.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the backcountry of Islamorada, where the higher tides are allowing access to areas that are usually harder to reach. Another great spot is around the creeks and canals of Flamingo, where the bait migration is bringing in a lot of fish activity.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to go around. Just keep an eye on the weather, as tropical systems and cold fronts can affect fishing conditions.

As of October 9, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the transitional fall weather.

### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-80s and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the morning and late afternoon ideal for fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across various spots in the Keys. In the backcountry, particularly around Islamorada, there was a noticeable increase in resident tarpon activity. These fish are more active in the late season, and full-day or 3/4-day trips are recommended to reach the better fishing grounds, which are about an hour's run further back.

Offshore, the yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been excellent, especially at depths of around 60 to 90 feet. You can expect a mix of quality and quantity, with the larger snappers found in the deeper waters. Mangrove snappers are also plentiful in the backcountry, particularly on grass flats using chunks of bait like balao on jig heads.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday's catches included several mahi-mahi in the 20-30 pound range, caught about 18 miles offshore. However, the mahi bite can be inconsistent, so it's crucial to look for signs like birds and organized weed lines. Tarpon fishing is picking up, especially in residential canals where juvenile tarpon are following larger pilchards. Black grouper and mutton snapper were also caught, though in smaller numbers.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, live bait such as pilchards and mullet are highly effective. In the backcountry, using chunks of balao on jig heads is working well for mangrove snappers. Offshore, live pinfish and balao are good choices for yellowtail and mutton snappers. For mahi-mahi, trolling with lures that mimic baitfish can be productive, especially near weed lines and bird activity.

### Hot Spots
- **Backcountry around Islamorada**: Great for tarpon and mangrove snappers.
- **Reef areas near Marathon**: Excellent for yellowtail and mutton snappers.
- **Residential canals**: Good for juvenile tarpon.

Overall, the fall season in the Florida Keys offers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience, with fewer boats on the water and a variety of species to target. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and windy days as the weather transitions.

As of October 8th, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, despite the occasional unpredictable fall weather.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 82 degrees and a low of 75 degrees. We're in the midst of a transitional period, with cold fronts starting to roll in, which can bring strong winds and some rainy days. Today, however, the winds are moderate, coming in from the northeast at about 15 mph. Tides are looking good, with a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity on the reefs and in the backcountry. The cooling temperatures and changing weather patterns are really stirring up the fish. Anglers reported catching a variety of species, including mangrove snappers, mutton snappers, yellowtail snappers, blackfin tuna, and even some king mackerel.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the snappers and groupers, live pilchards and sardines are your best bet. These baitfish are abundant this time of year and are sure to attract some serious attention from the larger predators. If you're targeting the blackfin tuna and king mackerel, using jigs or spoons can be very effective.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reefs just off Key West. The schools of baitfish are moving into the shallows and over the reefs, making it a prime location for catching snappers and groupers. Another great spot is the backcountry waters, particularly around the flats and mangrove areas, where you can find tarpon and a variety of other species.

Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in the Florida Keys. The fall season brings a lot of excitement and unpredictability, but with the right gear and knowledge, you can have a very successful day on the water. So grab your rod, and let's get fishing

As of October 7, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some of the best fishing conditions of the year. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is mild, with air temperatures hovering around the lower 80s, making it ideal for fishing. Expect some cloudy skies and a slight chance of showers, which is typical for this time of year as we transition into the fall season. Tides are moderate, with a high tide expected around 9:00 AM and a low tide around 3:00 PM. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:57 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity across various species. Inshore, snook and tarpon were plentiful, especially around the mangroves and shallow flats. Big cobia have been moving in with the fronts, and there were reports of good catches of snapper, jacks, barracudas, and even some sand sharks.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Anglers reported catching several species, including mutton snappers, mahi-mahi, and king mackerel in the deeper waters. In the backcountry and flats, the action was hot for tarpon, particularly on live crab, pinfish, or mullet. Some charters also caught blacktip sharks nearshore, which provided an exciting fight.

### Best Lures and Bait
For inshore fishing, live bait such as pilchards, mullet, and pinfish are highly effective. Artificial lures like jigs and spoons also worked well for species like snook and jacks. In the deeper waters, trolling with lures that mimic baitfish, such as spoons and plugs, was successful for catching mahi-mahi and king mackerel.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is around Big Pine Key, where the inshore waters are teeming with snook, tarpon, and cobia. Another great spot is the reefs off Key West, where you can find mutton snappers, groupers, and other reef dwellers. The flats and backcountry areas around Key West are also excellent for targeting tarpon and other inshore species.

Overall, the Florida Keys are in prime fishing condition, and with the right bait and lures, you’re set for a memorable day on the water.

As of October 6, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some of the best fishing conditions of the year. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is mild, with air temperatures in the lower 80s and a slight cooling trend as we transition into fall. Expect some northeasterly winds, which are typical for this time of year. Tides are moderate, with a high tide around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM. Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 7:04 PM.

### Fish Activity
October is a prime month for fishing in the Keys, with a variety of species active. The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish down the coasts and into the Everglades and the Keys. This attracts a plethora of predators, making it an exciting time to fish.

### Types of Fish
Yesterday saw a strong showing of snook, particularly around the shorelines and in the backcountry. Snook in the 12 to 18-pound range were common, and some larger ones up to 30 pounds were also caught. Redfish and black drum are also plentiful, with some black drum in the 25-pound range being reported. In the freshwater areas, largemouth bass are feeding aggressively on the surface, preparing for their upcoming spawn.

### Best Lures and Bait
For snook and redfish, live pilchards and shrimp are highly effective. Topwater baits are excellent for largemouth bass, especially on days when it's too rough to venture out into the ocean. For grouper, use live bait on the bottom, starting in areas around 35 feet deep. If you're after wahoo, troll or drift with big baits like Speedos or large lures, ensuring you have a wire leader.

### Hot Spots
The backcountry waters around Flamingo and the mainland of South Florida are producing well, with creeks, canals, and shorelines filled with smaller snook, redfish, and juvenile goliath grouper. The reefs are also active, especially with the cooler water temperatures causing grouper to move a bit deeper. For those targeting wahoo, the full moon on October 17th will be a key period, so start trolling or drifting around that time.

Overall, October is a fantastic time to fish in the Florida Keys, with plenty of action across various species and habitats. Keep an eye on the weather, as cold fronts and tropical systems can significantly impact fishing conditions, but also bring some of the best fishing opportunities just before they hit.