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.