As of October 9, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

### Conditions
- **Weather:** The temperatures have cooled down slightly, but it's still warm with highs in the 80s. Expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze.
- **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:50 PM.
- **Tides:** The tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM. These conditions are favorable for backcountry and reef fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity. In the backcountry, there were reports of catching small tarpon, particularly on artificial baits. The snook bite has also been strong, especially in the mangrove channels and grass flats of the Everglades National Park.

### Catch Report
- **Tarpon:** Several small tarpon were caught in the backcountry, often a bit further back where it takes about an hour to reach. This late-season tarpon fishing is proving to be quite productive.
- **Snappers:** There were plenty of snappers caught, including mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and yellowtail snappers. These were primarily found on the reefs and wrecks.
- **Other Species:** Blackfin tuna, king mackerel, and even some cobia were also reported. These fish were often found around the humps and reefs.

### Best Lures and Bait
- For tarpon, artificial baits have been working well, but live bait is always a good option.
- For snappers, using sardines and cigar minnows as bait has been highly effective.
- For snook, live bait such as shrimp or small fish in the mangrove areas is recommended.

### Hot Spots
- **Backcountry of the Everglades National Park:** This area is excellent for targeting tarpon, snook, and other backcountry species. The maze of inlets and mangrove channels provides a rich habitat for these fish.
- **Reefs and Wrecks:** The reefs just a few miles from shore are teeming with snappers, blackfin tuna, and other species. The humps and wrecks are particularly productive for these fish.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Islamorada, with a variety of species available and favorable fishing conditions. Enjoy your day on the water