As of October 5, 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 air temperatures hovering around the lower 80s, and a gentle breeze out of the northeast. This time of year, we see increased wind activity, but it's manageable for most fishing trips. Sunrise today is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 7:04 PM. Tides are higher than normal, which is perfect for targeting fish on the flats and in the backcountry.

### Fish Activity
The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the area, and with them, a plethora of predators. Yesterday saw some epic days on the water, particularly for larger snook and black drum. We caught several snook in the 12 to 18-pound range and black drum up to 25 pounds, which is unusually early for these larger fish.

### Types of Fish
Tarpon are still around for a late-season showing, and the fishing for redfish and snook has been stellar all year. Bonefish on the flats are also active, enjoying the higher tides that allow them to reach different parts of the flats and bay. Smaller snook, redfish, juvenile goliath grouper, and the occasional juvenile tarpon are also plentiful in the protected areas of islands, creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland.

### Best Lures and Bait
For targeting these species, live bait such as pilchards and shrimp are highly effective. For snook and redfish, using jigs or soft plastics can also yield great results. If you're after tarpon, fly fishing with accurate casts is a challenge but highly rewarding. Bonefish can be caught using small jigs or flys that mimic the baitfish they're feeding on.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best spots right now include the flats and backcountry waters around Islamorada and Key West. The creeks and canals of Flamingo are also producing a lot of fish. For those looking to target larger species like sailfish or mahi-mahi, the reef lines and wrecks off Hawks Cay and Marathon are excellent choices.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of action to be had. So grab your gear and get out there – it’s going to be a fantastic day of fishing

As of October 4, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, making it an excellent time to get out on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is mild, with air temperatures hovering around the lower 80s, and a gentle breeze out of the northeast. Expect some scattered showers and thunderstorms, which is typical for this time of year. Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 7:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide expected around 10:00 AM and a low tide around 3:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
The fall bait migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the area, which in turn attracts a variety of predators. Yesterday saw a lot of activity from tarpon, particularly in the late season showing that October is known for. Redfish and snook fishing has been stellar, with some larger snook in the 12 to 18 lb range and black drum up to 25 lbs being caught. Bonefish are also active on the flats, taking advantage of the higher tides.

### Types of Fish Caught
Yesterday's catches included several large snook, black drum, and redfish. There were also reports of juvenile goliath grouper and the occasional juvenile tarpon in the protected areas around the islands, creeks, and canals of Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida.

### Best Lures and Bait
For targeting the larger snook and black drum, live bait such as pilchards and mullet has been very effective. For bonefish on the flats, small jigs and shrimp imitations are working well. Redfish are hitting on both live bait and soft plastic lures.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best spots right now include the backcountry waters around Islamorada, where the late season tarpon fishing has been excellent. The creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo are also producing good catches of redfish, snook, and juvenile goliath grouper. For bonefish, the flats around Key West are particularly active due to the higher tides.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys, with fewer crowds and plenty of fish to go around. Enjoy your time on the water

As of October 3rd, 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 mild, with air temperatures hovering around 75 degrees, and the town is peaceful, avoiding the hustle and bustle of peak season. Expect some gentle northeasterly winds, which are typical for this time of year. Tides are higher than normal, which is great for flats and backcountry fishing. Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 7:00 PM.

### Fish Activity
The Fall Bait Migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish through the Everglades and the Florida Keys. This migration attracts a variety of predators, making for some exciting fishing. Yesterday saw a lot of activity from larger snook, black drum, and redfish. There were reports of snook in the 12 to 18 lb range and black drum up to 25 lbs, which is unusually early for these larger fish.

### Types of Fish Caught
In addition to the snook and black drum, there were also catches of redfish, juvenile goliath grouper, and the occasional juvenile tarpon. Tarpon are still present in late season, particularly in the backcountry areas. Sailfish and kingfish are less common this time of year, but sailfish can still be found in some areas until August.

### Best Lures and Bait
For targeting the larger snook and black drum, live or artificial shrimp and crabs work well. For redfish, try using jigs or spoons that mimic the baitfish moving through the area. If you're after tarpon, live mullet or pinfish are excellent choices. A nice live well full of fresh pilchards can also guarantee a great day of action on the reef and in the flats.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is around the protected areas of islands, creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida. The backcountry areas, especially those an hour or so run from the marina, are producing good results for tarpon. Another great spot is the flats, where the higher tides are allowing bonefish to reach different parts of the flats and bay.

Overall, October is a great time to come fishing in the Florida Keys, with plenty of fish to catch and fewer boats on the water, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

As of October 2, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some excellent fishing conditions, especially with the fall season in full swing.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is mild, with air temperatures hovering around the lower 80s. Expect some occasional showers and thunderstorms, which are typical for this time of year. The winds are moderate, coming in from the northeast, which can make the waters a bit choppy but also stirs up the flats and reefs, activating the fish. Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 7:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity in the backcountry and on the reefs. The cooling temperatures and cold fronts moving in have sparked intense fishing action. In the backcountry, tarpon and snook were active, particularly in areas with plenty of mangroves and shallow waters. On the reefs, grouper, snapper, and even some kingfish were caught.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Tarpon fishing has been good in the backcountry, with several catches reported in the 50-80 pound range. Snook are also plentiful, with many anglers catching them in the 10-20 pound range. On the reefs, grouper and snapper were abundant, with some grouper weighing up to 20 pounds and snapper in the 5-10 pound range. Kingfish were also present, with catches in the 10-20 pound range.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon and snook in the backcountry, live bait such as pilchards and mullet are highly effective. For those preferring lures, soft plastic jigs and topwater plugs have been working well. On the reefs, live bait like pilchards and pinfish are excellent for grouper and snapper. Jigs tipped with squid or shrimp also produced good results.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around Islamorada, particularly in the backcountry where the mangroves provide ample cover for tarpon and snook. Another great spot is the reefs just off Key West, where the structure attracts a variety of species including grouper, snapper, and kingfish.

Overall, the fall season in the Florida Keys is shaping up to be an excellent time for fishing, with plenty of action and a variety of species to target. Just be prepared for some variable weather conditions and plan your trips accordingly.

As of October 1st, the Florida Keys are offering some excellent fishing opportunities, especially with the onset of the Fall Bait Migration. Here’s what you can expect:

### Weather and Tides
The weather is transitioning with slight temperature drops and predominantly northeasterly medium to heavier winds, which is typical for this time of year. Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at about 7:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with higher than normal tides reaching further onto the flats and bays, making it ideal for flats fishing.

### Fish Activity
The Fall Bait Migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish down the coasts and into the Everglades and Florida Keys. This has attracted a variety of predators, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and black drum. Yesterday saw some epic days with larger snook and black drum being caught. Snook in the 12 to 18 lb range and black drum up to 25 lbs were reported, along with redfish and the occasional juvenile tarpon.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, using live bait such as mullet or pinfish has been highly effective. For snook and redfish, jigs and soft plastics like DOA shrimp or live shrimp are working well. The larger snook and black drum are also biting on light tackle with live bait or lures that mimic the baitfish.

### Hot Spots
- The backcountry areas around Islamorada are producing good results for tarpon, especially with the hour-long run to the further back areas.
- The protected areas of islands, creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida are great spots for snook, redfish, and juvenile goliath grouper.
- The flats around the Everglades are excellent for bonefish, especially with the higher tides reaching new areas.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish activity. Enjoy the quieter season and the exciting fishing opportunities it brings.

As of September 30, 2024, the fishing scene in the Florida Keys is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies and light winds, making it an ideal day to get out on the water. Tides are expected to be moderate, with the high tide around mid-morning and the low tide in the late afternoon.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at about 7:15 AM, and sunset will be around 7:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity, particularly with Tarpon, which have been biting well since late spring. Snook season just opened on September 1, and these hard-fighting fish are really firing up, especially around the deeper cuts and mangrove islands. Grouper are also plentiful, and with the water temperatures still high, they are active and ready to take your bait.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Anglers reported catching several large Tarpon, many of which were released. Snook catches were abundant, with some fish reaching up to 20 pounds. Grouper, including both black and red grouper, were also common catches. Other species like trout and red fish were also landed in good numbers.

### Best Lures and Bait
For Snook, live bait such as pilchards, mullet, and shrimp are working well. Artificial lures like jigs and spoons are also effective, especially when used around structure. For Grouper, live or frozen baitfish like pinfish or grunts are highly recommended. Tarpon are being caught on a variety of baits, including live crabs and large jigs.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best places to fish right now include the deeper cuts around the mangrove islands, particularly those near Marathon. The bridges and channels connecting the Keys are also hot spots for Snook and Tarpon. For Grouper, try fishing around the reefs and wrecks, where these bottom-dwellers tend to congregate.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day for fishing in the Florida Keys. Make sure to take advantage of the good weather and active fish to make the most of your time on the water.

As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene in the Florida Keys is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is looking great, with clear skies and a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 mph. Water temperatures are still warm, hovering around 84°F. For today, expect a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM, which should provide optimal conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 7:23 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to explore the waters.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a strong bite on the reef, particularly for yellowtail snapper. Anglers reported catching good quantities at depths of around 60 feet, with better quality fish found at depths of 80 to 100 feet. Mutton snappers were also active inside 150 feet around Rex Ledges and sand flats, with live pinfish and balao proving to be effective baits.

Offshore, mahi-mahi were spotted in the 2300-foot range, although the catch was not as plentiful as hoped. However, the presence of blue marlin and sailfish just past the reef is promising for those targeting larger game fish.

Inshore, juvenile tarpon are abundant in the residential canals, and snook are starting to fire up nicely around the deeper cuts and mangrove islands, especially with live bait.

### Best Lures and Bait
For yellowtail snapper, chumming heavily and using live bait such as pinfish or balao is highly effective. For mutton snappers, long leaders with live bait are recommended. Snook are biting well on live bait, particularly around the incoming tide in deeper cuts and mangrove islands.

Offshore, look for organized weed lines and bird activity to locate mahi-mahi. For larger game fish like marlin and sailfish, trolling with appropriate lures and keeping an eye out for bait schools is key.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reef area around Marathon, where the yellowtail snapper bite has been excellent. Another good spot is the area around Rex Ledges and sand flats for mutton snappers. For inshore fishing, the residential canals and deeper cuts around the mangrove islands are great for tarpon and snook.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing in the Florida Keys, with a variety of species active and favorable conditions. Make sure to take advantage of the tides and use the right bait and lures to maximize your catch.

As of September 28, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some exceptional fishing conditions, despite the transitional weather patterns.

### Weather and Tides
The weather in the Keys is characterized by mild temperatures, with highs in the lower 80s and lows in the mid-70s. However, this time of year is known for its unpredictable weather, with cold fronts moving in every few days, bringing strong winds and rainy days. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered thunderstorms. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset is at 7:24 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

### Fish Activity
The fish activity in the Florida Keys is vibrant, especially with the fall transition underway. The cooling temperatures and changing weather patterns are activating the backcountry fishing, particularly in the flats and backcountry waters. Yesterday saw a significant catch of grouper, snapper, and tarpon.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Grouper are plentiful, especially around the reefs and structures. Snapper, both yellowtail and mangrove, are active in the shallower waters. Tarpon are also abundant, particularly in the areas around Boca Grande Pass and the beaches. Other species like kingfish, sailfish, and even some marlin are still present, although their numbers are decreasing as the season winds down.

### Best Lures and Bait
For grouper and snapper, live bait such as pilchards and mullet is highly effective. These baits can be used with a cast net to catch them fresh. For tarpon, fly fishing with large streamers or using live bait like crabs and shrimp can be very successful. When targeting kingfish and sailfish, trolling with spoons or using live bait like ballyhoo is recommended.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around the reefs just off Key West. The changing weather is stirring up the deep water, bringing baitfish and larger game fish to the surface. Another excellent spot is the backcountry waters of the Everglades, where the cooling temperatures are making the fish more active.

Overall, the Florida Keys are offering a fantastic fishing experience this time of year, with a variety of species and exciting fishing conditions. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather, as tropical systems can quickly change the fishing landscape.

As of September 27, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, despite the transitional weather patterns.

### Weather and Tides
The weather in the Keys is feeling like the tail end of summer, with air temperatures hovering around the lower 80s. However, a large storm front that blew through from Wednesday to Friday has left behind some unsettled conditions. Expect mild winds, but be prepared for occasional showers and thunderstorms, which are common this time of year. Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 7:30 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide in the morning and low tide in the late afternoon.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of action in the waters of the Florida Keys. In the backcountry and flats, anglers were catching a good number of red fish, mangrove snapper, and Spanish mackerel. The reef and offshore waters were also productive, with reports of mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish being caught.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Red fish and mangrove snapper were plentiful in the bay areas, with many anglers reporting multiple catches. Offshore, the mahi-mahi were active, particularly in areas with good baitfish activity. Wahoo and sailfish were also spotted, although in smaller numbers compared to the inshore species.

### Best Lures and Bait
For inshore fishing, live bait such as pilchards and shrimp were highly effective. For those using lures, jigs and soft plastics worked well for red fish and snapper. Offshore, trolling with lures that mimic baitfish, such as spoons and plugs, were successful for catching mahi-mahi and wahoo. Live bait like ballyhoo and squid were also effective for the larger offshore species.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the Hawks Cay area, where the marina offers easy access to both inshore and offshore fishing grounds. Another spot is the Key West flats, particularly around the mangrove islands, where the red fish and snapper are abundant.

Overall, the fishing in the Florida Keys is heating up as we transition into fall, with a variety of species available and favorable weather conditions despite the occasional storms. Make sure to check the local forecasts and be prepared for changing weather, but the fishing is definitely worth the effort.

As of September 26, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is looking great with clear skies and a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 miles per hour. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM. Sunrise was at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:24 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of action in both inshore and offshore waters. The yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been excellent, particularly at depths of around 60 to 90 feet. You can expect about one out of five yellowtails to be keepers in the 60-foot range, while the deeper waters yield larger fish but fewer in number.

Mutton snappers are active inside 150 feet around Rex Ledges and sand flats, responding well to long leaders with live bait like balo and pinfish. Mangrove snappers are thriving in the backcountry, taking live pinfish and other live baits.

Tarpon fishing is picking up, with juvenile tarpon showing up in residential canals and following pilchards. Offshore, mahi-mahi were caught in the 2300-foot range, and while the wahoo bite has been slow, it’s expected to improve soon.

### Best Lures and Bait
For yellowtail snappers, heavy chumming is key, especially since there are fewer boats out this time of year. Use live bait like balo and pinfish for mutton and mangrove snappers. For tarpon, live pilchards and other small baitfish are effective.

Offshore, look for birds and organized weed lines when targeting mahi-mahi. For wahoo, high-speed and low-speed trolling can be effective, though the bite has been slow lately.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is around the Marathon Humps, where you can catch golden tilefish, snowy grouper, and even swordfish. The reef areas around 60 to 90 feet deep are great for yellowtail snappers, and the backcountry is ideal for mangrove snappers.

Another spot worth checking out is the residential canals for tarpon, especially where pilchards are abundant. For offshore fishing, areas around 18 miles out in waters over 700 feet deep have shown promise for mahi-mahi.

Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in the Florida Keys, with a variety of species active and plenty of opportunities to land some impressive catches.