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.