23 NOV 2024 · November 23rd in the Florida Keys is shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing, with several factors aligning in your favor.
### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures, a welcome change from the recent heat. Water temperatures have cooled down, which is ideal for many species. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:28 PM. Tides are looking favorable, with a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM, providing good movement for both inshore and offshore fishing.
### Fish Activity
The backcountry is alive with activity. Snook and Redfish are biting well, especially in the calmer areas. Snook action is consistent, though it's rated as good to fair, depending on the day and conditions[1][3].
Tarpon, while not as abundant as in the summer months, can still be found, particularly juvenile Tarpon up to about 20 pounds. However, they are sensitive to changing conditions, making them a bit hit or miss[1].
Permit are active on the shallow patch reefs and isolated wrecks, offering a good bite on quality-sized fish. Cobia are also present, often found in small groups of two to five fish. The schools of big Jacks, including Yellow Jacks, are red hot and provide excellent action on light tackle[1].
Offshore, Mahi Mahi are biting well, making it a good time for those looking to venture out into deeper waters[4].
### Best Lures and Bait
For inshore fishing, live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are highly effective for Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon. For Permit, use crabs or shrimp on the bottom. Topwater lures and jigs are great for targeting the aggressive schools of Jacks and Cobia[1][3].
Offshore, lures like spoons and jigs work well for Mahi Mahi, but live bait such as ballyhoo or pilchards can also be very effective[4].
### Hot Spots
One of the best spots to try is the backcountry around the Mangrove Island shorelines. Here, you can find a mix of Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon, along with other species like Mangrove Snapper and Yellow Tail Snapper. The shallow patch reefs and isolated wrecks are also excellent for Permit and Cobia[1].
For offshore fishing, head towards the deeper waters around the reef and wreck areas where Mahi Mahi and other pelagic species are active[4].
Overall, the conditions are ideal for a productive and enjoyable day of fishing in the Florida Keys. Make sure to take advantage of the morning trips for the best results, especially if you're targeting species in the shallower waters.