As of September 30, 2024, the fishing scene in the Florida Keys and Miami is looking promising, despite being in the peak of hurricane season.

### Weather and Tides
The water temperature is still warm, around 84°F (29°C), which is ideal for many species. However, keep an eye on the weather as tropical waves and potential storms can bring rough seas and heavy rain. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of 88°F and a low of 78°F. Tides are significant, with the new moon phase ending recently; the best fishing times are usually around the tidal changes. For today, the sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and the sunset is at 7:04 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across various areas. In the surf and along the beaches, Spanish mackerel and occasional kingfish were caught. The reef is still producing well, with yellowtail snappers and vermilion snappers biting consistently, especially with chum and current. Mahi-mahi are in their second run, with some being caught in as shallow as 90 to 200 feet, while others are out past 1,000 feet. Wahoo and dolphin (mahi-mahi) are also active, particularly around structures and where bait schools are present.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the reef and offshore fishing, using chum to attract yellowtail snappers is highly effective. Live bait such as mullet, pilchards, and live crabs are excellent for targeting species like snook, permit, and mahi-mahi. When trolling, surface baits and deep lines with planner boards can be effective for kingfish and bonitos. Look for color changes in the water where the greener shoreline water meets the blue ocean water, as this line often holds fish like mahi, kingfish, and wahoo.

### Hot Spots
- **Hawk Channel**: This area is known for its abundant bait schools and bird diving activity, making it a hot spot for mahi-mahi, kingfish, and wahoo.
- **The Mangrove Shorelines**: Fishing along the mangroves can yield snook, mangrove snappers, jacks, and even some groupers. The bait migration down the coastline makes these areas particularly active this time of year.

Overall, September is a great month for fishing in South Florida, with a wide range of species available. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and adjust your fishing plans accordingly.

As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene in the Florida Keys and Miami is looking promising, despite the approaching winter season.

### Weather and Tides
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 84°F and a low of 78°F. The winds will be light and variable, coming in from the southeast at about 5 mph. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:47 AM and a low tide at 3:47 PM. Sunrise is at 7:12 AM, and sunset will be at 7:13 PM.

### Fish Activity
In the Florida Keys, the yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been excellent, particularly at depths of 60 to 90 feet. You can expect to catch more quantity at 60 feet, but the larger, keeper-sized snappers are more likely at 90 feet. Mutton snappers are active around Rex Ledges and sand flats, where using long leaders with live bait like pinfish and balao is effective.

Tarpon fishing has picked up significantly, with juvenile tarpon abundant in residential canals. Offshore, mahi-mahi have been spotted, especially around the 2300-foot range. However, recent trips have been hit-or-miss, with some days yielding no catches despite optimal conditions.

In Miami, dolphin (mahi-mahi) have been seen close to shore, and bonita tuna are plentiful in shallow waters around 50 feet. Kingfish and lane snappers are also active, particularly when trolling the reefs.

### Best Lures and Bait
For yellowtail and mutton snappers, live pinfish and balao are the go-to baits. When targeting tarpon, use live bait or lures that mimic their natural prey. For mahi-mahi, look for organized weed lines and use lures or baits that attract their attention, such as birds and floating debris.

### Hot Spots
In the Florida Keys, head to the reefs around Marathon for excellent snapper fishing. The area near Rex Ledges and sand flats is ideal for mutton snappers. For tarpon, focus on the residential canals and backcountry areas.

In Miami, trolling the reefs for kingfish and bonitos is highly recommended. Offshore, areas around 200-350 feet deep are good for dolphin and blackfin tuna.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water, with a variety of species active and the weather cooperating. Just remember to pick your days wisely, as cold fronts can quiet down the fishing activity.

As we head into the last weekend of September in the Florida Keys and Miami, the fishing scene is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for today, September 28th.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is a mix of sun and clouds, with a high chance of scattered thunderstorms, a common occurrence during this peak hurricane season. Air temperatures are hovering around the lower 80s, with mild breezes that are typical for this time of year. Tides are significant, with the new moon just passing on the 2nd, and now we're approaching the full moon on the 17th. Today, expect high tides around 8:30 AM and 9:00 PM, and low tides at 2:30 PM and 3:00 AM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:24 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of action across various fishing grounds. Offshore, mahi-mahi were plentiful, particularly around the 200-300 foot marks. Captain Joel from Ana Banana Fishing Charters reported catching several mahi in the 200-300 foot range just a few days ago.

Inshore, the yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been excellent, with the best quality catches coming from depths of around 90 feet. Mangrove snappers are also active in the backcountry, responding well to live pinfish and balao.

Tarpon fishing is picking up, especially in residential canals where juvenile tarpon are following schools of pilchards. Bonefish and permit are active in the flats and channels, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon.

### Best Lures and Bait
For offshore fishing, look for birds and organized weed lines to find mahi-mahi and wahoo. Using live bait such as pilchards and pinfish is crucial. When trolling, surface baits at 6 to 8 knots can attract mahi, wahoo, and mackerel. For deeper waters, live bait and chumming can attract tuna and other larger species.

Inshore, live pinfish, balao, and crabs are the go-to baits for mangrove snappers, tarpon, and permit. For bonefish, live crabs skipped along the surface can be very effective.

### Hot Spots
- **Hawk Channel**: This area is known for its abundant bait schools and bird activity, making it a hotspot for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and other offshore species.
- **Rex Ledges and Sand Flats**: These areas are great for catching yellowtail and mangrove snappers. Use long leaders and live bait to attract these species.

Overall, September is a transitional month but offers phenomenal fishing opportunities across the Florida Keys and Miami. Keep an eye on the weather, and you'll be reeling in some great catches.

If you're heading out to fish in the Florida Keys or Miami today, here’s what you need to know:

First off, the weather is looking a bit unpredictable due to the peak hurricane season, so keep an eye on those tropical waves that could bring rain and rough seas. As of now, it's partly cloudy with a high of around 88 degrees and a gentle breeze.

Sunrise today is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:23 PM. Tides are crucial, and today you're looking at a low tide at 9:44 AM and a high tide at 3:34 PM.

Yesterday saw some great action in the waters. In the Florida Keys, anglers were catching a good number of mahi-mahi, especially around the color change where the greener water meets the blue. Kingfish and wahoo were also active, particularly around schools of bait and areas with bird diving activity. In the backcountry, bonefish and permit were feeding actively just off the flats and in the channels, with live crabs being the go-to bait for permit.

In Miami, there were reports of dolphin and blackfin tuna being caught in deeper waters, around 200-350 feet. Closer to shore, bonita tuna were plentiful in shallow waters, and barracudas were biting well.

For lures, using heavy surf rods with live bait is a good strategy, especially along the mangrove shorelines where snook, mangrove snapper, and jacks are abundant. Offshore, trolling with surface baits at 6 to 8 knots can yield mahi-mahi, wahoo, and kingfish. If you're targeting tuna, head out to the humps and use live pilchards.

Hot spots include Hawk Channel, where you can find cobia following big rays and turtles, and the reef areas where you can chase schools of bait. Along the shoreline, focus on areas with mangroves, as these are attracting a lot of predatory fish.

Remember, the new moon was just a few days ago, so the fishing around this time should be excellent, especially from the 1st to the 4th of the month. With the full moon approaching on the 17th, expect very high tides and a lot of current, making the 16th through the 19th great days to fish.

Stay safe, and enjoy your time on the water

As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene in the Florida Keys and Miami is looking promising, despite being in the peak of hurricane season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 88°F and a low of 78°F. There's a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the forecast. Tides are significant today, with the full moon on the 17th still influencing the waters; expect very high tides and strong currents. The sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:23 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of action in various areas. Along the mangrove shorelines, anglers caught a good number of snook, mangrove snapper, and jacks. In the backcountry, bonefish and permit were active, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when the sun was not too high.

Offshore, the reef and deeper waters yielded kingfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The bait migration is in full swing, with millions of mullet moving down the coastline, attracting predatory fish like mahi-mahi, kingfish, and even the occasional blue marlin.

### Best Lures and Bait
For inshore fishing, live crabs are a must for targeting permit. For snook and mangrove snapper, use live bait such as pilchards or shrimp. In the backcountry, fly fishing with small streamers or shrimp patterns can be effective for bonefish.

Offshore, trolling with bait skipping across the surface at about 5 to 6 knots is effective for kingfish and mahi-mahi. Use deep lines with planner boards to target these fish, especially around the color change where the greener water meets the blue water.

### Hot Spots
- **Hawk Channel**: This area is known for its abundant bait schools and bird diving activity, which often indicate the presence of cobia, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
- **The Reef**: Trolling the reefs for kingfish and bonitos is highly recommended. Look for areas with structure like weed patches, grass lines, or driftwood, as these can hold a variety of fish.
- **Mangrove Shorelines**: Fishing along the mangroves, especially around bridges and piers, can yield snook, mangrove snapper, and jacks.

Remember to stay alert for weather changes and enjoy the phenomenal fishing that September has to offer in the Florida Keys and Miami.

As of September 24, 2024, the Florida Keys and Miami are gearing up for an exciting day of fishing, despite being in the peak of hurricane season. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing adventure.

### Weather Conditions
Today, you can expect warm temperatures, with highs in the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Wind speeds will be moderate, around 10-15 mph, which is manageable for most fishing trips. However, keep an eye on the weather as tropical waves can bring sudden rain and rough seas.

### Water Conditions
Water temperatures are still warm, ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, ideal for a variety of fish species. Water clarity is generally good, especially in the reef and offshore areas, although it may vary closer to shore due to potential rain and wind.

### Best Fishing Spots
- **Reef and Offshore:** Look for schools of bait fish, particularly mullet, which are migrating down the coastline. This attracts predatory fish like mahi-mahi, kingfish, wahoo, and tuna. Use your depth finder to locate the color change where the greener water meets the blue, a hotspot for these species.
- **Mangrove Shorelines:** Snook, mangrove snapper, jacks, and even some groupers can be found here. Live bait such as mullet or shrimp works well in these areas.
- **Back Country:** For bonefish and permit, focus on the flats and channels, especially during the rising tide. Live crabs are a favorite among permit.

### Bait and Tackle
- **Offshore:** Use live bait like pilchards or mullet for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. For deeper waters, consider using heavy surf rods with bait suspended at various depths.
- **Reef:** Trolling with planner boards that take the bait about 45 feet down can be effective for kingfish and bonitos. Surface baits skipping at 5-6 knots can also attract these fish.
- **Mangrove Shorelines:** Live bait such as shrimp, mullet, or small jacks work well for snook and mangrove snapper.

### Fish Activity
- **Feeding Habits:** Many fish species are active during the early morning and late afternoon. Snook are particularly active around the deeper cuts and mangrove islands during the incoming tide.
- **Depth:** Kingfish and bonitos are often found at depths of 45 feet or more when trolling the reef. Mahi-mahi and wahoo can be found in the open waters, sometimes near weed patches or driftwood.

### Local Events and Regulations
- **Scallop Season:** Today, September 24, marks the end of scallop season, so if you’re interested in scalloping, this is your last chance.
- **Catch Limits:** Be sure to check the current catch limits and any closures before heading out. Snook season has just begun, and there may be specific regulations to follow.

### Tips from Local Anglers
Captain Carlos Lima of CNC Aqua Adventures advises keeping an eye on the weather and using live bait to maximize your catch. For those fishing along the mangroves, he recommends staying close to structure and deeper water where snook and other species tend to congregate.

### Best Times for Fishing
- **Early Morning:** Ideal for catching species like snook and mangrove snapper as they are most active during the incoming tide.
- **Late Afternoon:** Good for offshore fishing as the sun begins to set, attracting larger predatory fish.
- **Around the New Moon:** The new moon on September 2nd and the full moon on September 17th bring high tides and strong currents, making these periods excellent for fishing.

With these tips and conditions in mind, you’re set for a fantastic day of fishing in the Florida Keys and Miami. Just remember to stay safe and keep an eye on the weather. Happy fishing

As of September 23, 2024, the Florida Keys and Miami are gearing up for another exciting day of fishing, despite the transitional weather patterns of the month.

**Weather Conditions:**
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high temperature of around 88°F (31°C) and a low of 78°F (25°C). Wind speeds will be moderate, ranging from 10 to 15 mph, which is manageable for most fishing trips. However, keep an eye on the weather forecast as September is peak hurricane season, and tropical waves can bring unexpected rain and rough seas.

**Water Conditions:**
The water level is normal, with a temperature of about 84°F (29°C), ideal for a variety of fish species. Water clarity is good, especially in the morning and late evening when the sun's glare is minimal.

**Best Fishing Spots:**
- **Beach and Shoreline:** Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish from the beach. Look for large schools of baitfish like mullet, which attract predators such as sharks, tarpon, big jacks, and bluefish. Use heavy surf rods and live bait for the best results.
- **Mangrove Shorelines:** Snook, mangrove snapper, jacks, and occasionally mahi-mahi can be found here. The bait migration this time of year makes these areas particularly active.
- **Reef and Wrecks:** Fishing on the reefs and wrecks is highly recommended. You can catch groupers, snappers, jacks, cobia, mackerel, barracuda, and even sailfish using live bait, jig fishing, chicken rigs, and kite fishing. Fish in waters ranging from 35 to 400 feet, just minutes from the Miami shoreline.
- **Offshore:** For those venturing further out, dolphin (mahi-mahi), blackfin tuna, and bonita tuna are plentiful. Look for dolphin in 200-350 feet of water and bonita tuna in shallower waters around 50 feet.

**Bait and Tackle:**
- Use live bait such as mullet, shrimp, or small fish to attract the larger predators.
- For reef and wreck fishing, employ a variety of methods including live bait, jigging, and kite fishing.
- Heavy surf rods are a must for beach fishing, while medium to heavy tackle is suitable for offshore and reef fishing.

**Fish Activity:**
- **Feeding Habits:** Fish are highly active during the early morning and late evening when the water is cooler and there is less human activity.
- **Depth:** For offshore fishing, target depths of 200-400 feet for species like dolphin and tuna. For reef and wreck fishing, fish in waters from 35 to 400 feet.

**Local Events and Regulations:**
- Check local regulations for catch limits and any closures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission often updates these guidelines, so it's crucial to stay informed.
- There are no major fishing events scheduled for today, but always check with local charters and fishing communities for any upcoming tournaments or activities.

**Tips from Local Anglers:**
- Captain Carlos Lima of C & C Aqua Adventures advises keeping an eye on the weather and taking advantage of the early morning and late evening fishing windows to avoid beachgoers and swimmers.
- Local guides recommend using a cast net to catch live bait and setting up heavy surf rods with PVC pipes in the sand for beach fishing.

**Best Times for Fishing Today:**
- Early morning: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Late evening: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

With these tips and conditions in mind, you're set for a successful and enjoyable fishing day in the Florida Keys and Miami. Always remember to check the latest weather updates and fishing regulations before you head out. Happy fishing

As of September 23, 2024, the Florida Keys and Miami are gearing up for another exciting day of fishing, with favorable weather and water conditions.

### Weather Conditions
The morning is expected to be partly cloudy with a high temperature of around 88°F (31°C) and a low of 78°F (25°C). Wind speeds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph from the southeast. There is a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms in the late afternoon, but precipitation is expected to be minimal.

### Water Conditions
Water levels are normal, with a gentle tide cycle. The water temperature is warm, hovering around 84°F (29°C), which is ideal for many species. Clarity is good, especially in the morning, making it perfect for sight fishing.

### Best Fishing Spots
In the Florida Keys, focus on the mangrove islands and deeper cuts around Islamorada and Key Largo. For Miami, the inlets and bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) are hotspots, particularly around Haulover Inlet and Government Cut.

### Bait and Tackle
For the Keys, live bait such as shrimp, mullet, and pinfish are excellent for targeting snook, redfish, and tarpon. In Miami, huge tarpon have been feeding on shrimp in the inlets and bridges, so using live or artificial shrimp lures can be very effective. For grouper and snapper, use jigs or live bait like sardines and herring.

### Fish Activity
Snook are highly active in the early morning and late evening, often found in the deeper cuts and around mangrove structures. They are feeding aggressively on live bait, especially during the incoming tide. Tarpon are also active, particularly in the ICW and around bridges, feeding on shrimp and other small crustaceans. Grouper can be found in deeper waters, typically between 20-50 feet, and are attracted to jigs and live bait.

### Local Events and Regulations
Scallop season ends on September 24th, so if you're interested in scalloping, this is your last chance. There are no major local fishing events today, but be aware of catch limits and size restrictions for species like snook, grouper, and tarpon. Always check with local authorities for any closures or specific regulations.

### Tips from Local Anglers
Captain Tim with Seize the Bay Fishing Charters advises customizing your trip to fit your needs, whether it's family-friendly fishing or targeting trophy fish. He recommends throwing lots of live bait for snook and grouper, especially around the mangrove islands and deeper cuts.

### Best Times for Fishing
The best times for fishing today are during the early morning and late evening when the sun is not too high. The incoming tide around these times tends to activate the fish, making them more likely to bite.

With these conditions and tips, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing in the Florida Keys and Miami. Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy the beautiful Florida waters.