9 NOV 2024 · As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in. Here’s what you can expect:
### Weather and Tides
The temperatures have finally dropped, with daytime highs in the mid-70s and nighttime lows dipping into the 60s, a welcome change from the recent heat. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze out of the northeast. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM, which should provide good conditions for both backcountry and offshore fishing.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:30 PM, giving you ample daylight to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Fish Activity
The cooler weather has invigorated the fish, making them more active. Yesterday saw a strong bite for snook and redfish in the backcountry. Captains reported catching decent numbers of these species, especially in calmer waters. Tarpon, although less common this time of year, were still spotted around local bridges and channels, particularly for those using artificial baits[1][5].
### Types and Amounts of Fish
Snook and redfish have been the stars of the show lately, with many captains reporting successful days in the backcountry. Some larger spanish mackerel were also caught on bait balls in the gulf, providing exciting action. Bonefish, porgies, snappers, and even some hogfish were caught on the patches[1][5].
### Best Lures and Bait
For snook and redfish, live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, or mullet has been highly effective. Artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics also worked well, especially in areas with some structure. For tarpon, artificial baits and larger live baits like crabs or mullet are recommended[1][5].
### Hot Spots
- **Backcountry**: The mangrove-lined waters and shallow flats of Florida Bay are ideal for snook and redfish. Look for areas with good cover and structure.
- **Local Bridges and Channels**: These are prime spots for tarpon, especially during the changing tides.
- **The Gulf**: For larger spanish mackerel, look for bait balls and use fast-moving lures to mimic the baitfish.
Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in Islamorada, with the cooler weather bringing out the best in the local fish population. Make sure to check the weather forecast and tide times to plan your day accordingly, and don't hesitate to reach out to local captains for the latest intel on the best fishing spots.