As of October 31st, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising, especially with the Fall Bait Migration in full swing. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect a slight drop in temperatures with northeasterly winds, which is typical for this time of year. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:30 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide in the late morning and a low tide in the late afternoon, making the early morning and late evening ideal for fishing.

### Fish Activity
The Fall Bait Migration has brought in massive groups of baitfish, attracting a variety of predators. Yesterday saw a good showing of tarpon, particularly in the backcountry areas, where the fish are more active due to the cooler weather. Snook and black drum have also been active, with some 'lunker size' fish in the 15 to 30-pound range being caught. Redfish and juvenile goliath grouper are also plentiful in the protected areas of islands, creeks, and shorelines.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, using live bait such as mullet or pinfish has been highly effective. For snook and redfish, jigs and soft plastics are working well, especially in the mangrove-lined areas. Black drum are responding to shrimp and crab baits. Bonefish on the flats are being caught using small jigs and fly fishing gear.

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots right now is the backcountry of Florida Bay, where the baitfish are abundant and the tarpon are feeding aggressively. Another hot spot is around the islands and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida, where snook, redfish, and black drum are congregating.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in Islamorada, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to go around. Enjoy your time on the water, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local guides for the best fishing experiences.