As of October 8th, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, despite the occasional unpredictable fall weather.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 82 degrees and a low of 75 degrees. We're in the midst of a transitional period, with cold fronts starting to roll in, which can bring strong winds and some rainy days. Today, however, the winds are moderate, coming in from the northeast at about 15 mph. Tides are looking good, with a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity on the reefs and in the backcountry. The cooling temperatures and changing weather patterns are really stirring up the fish. Anglers reported catching a variety of species, including mangrove snappers, mutton snappers, yellowtail snappers, blackfin tuna, and even some king mackerel.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the snappers and groupers, live pilchards and sardines are your best bet. These baitfish are abundant this time of year and are sure to attract some serious attention from the larger predators. If you're targeting the blackfin tuna and king mackerel, using jigs or spoons can be very effective.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reefs just off Key West. The schools of baitfish are moving into the shallows and over the reefs, making it a prime location for catching snappers and groupers. Another great spot is the backcountry waters, particularly around the flats and mangrove areas, where you can find tarpon and a variety of other species.

Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in the Florida Keys. The fall season brings a lot of excitement and unpredictability, but with the right gear and knowledge, you can have a very successful day on the water. So grab your rod, and let's get fishing