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.