As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico along Florida's Gulf Coast is looking promising, despite the recent challenges from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

**Weather and Tides:**
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 75°F and a gentle breeze out of the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are relatively favorable, with a low tide at 6:15 AM and a high tide at 12:15 PM. The tidal range is moderate, which should help in stirring up some fish activity.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 5:23 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

**Fish Activity:**
Yesterday saw a good amount of activity, particularly for Red Snapper, thanks to the recent announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis extending the Gulf Red Snapper recreational season by 17 days. This extension includes several weekends and holidays, making it a great time to get out and fish.

Other species that were active include Kingfish, Bonito, and Spanish Mackerel near the surface, while Grouper and Amberjack were caught on the bottom. Snook and Redfish were also active in the inshore and nearshore waters.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For Red Snapper, using live or frozen bait like shrimp, squid, or pinfish is highly effective. Jigs and spoons can also work well, especially when targeting them on the bottom.

For Kingfish and Bonito, trolling with spoons or plugs is a good strategy. For Snook and Redfish, light tackle with live bait such as shrimp or small fish, or using soft plastics and jigs, can be very productive.

**Hot Spots:**
One of the hot spots right now is the Middle Grounds, about 90 miles offshore from Tampa Bay. This area is known for its diverse fish population, including larger species like Grouper and Snapper.

Another good spot is near Clearwater, where you can target a range of species including Barracuda, Kingfish, and Jack Crevalle using various techniques like trolling, bottom fishing, and drift fishing.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of fish to be caught and favorable conditions to make your day enjoyable.