As of November 2, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around Florida, is looking promising despite some challenges.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 68 degrees. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:31 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, which should provide good conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing.

### Fish Activity
Following recent storms, water quality has been a concern, but fish activity is still robust. In the coastal gulf, you can expect to find a mix of blues, Spanish mackerel, and pompano, especially on deep grass flats. Larger trout are active in the skinny waters, while redfish are spreading out on shallow grass flats, often around bars, potholes, or near docks. Snook are staging around bars and shallow flats as they move towards their winter areas.

### Red Tide Update
It's important to note that there have been reports of red tide in Southwest Florida, particularly in Pinellas County, which may affect fishing conditions and cause respiratory irritation. However, the East and Northwest coasts of Florida are currently clear of red tide.

### Best Lures and Bait
For redfish, using CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs, or jerk worms, along with gold spoons, should be effective in shallow waters. Fly anglers can score with lightly weighted flies such as Clousers, spoon flies, or the Grassett Flats Minnow fly. For snook, live bait around lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a good bet, especially at night. In the coastal gulf, Spanish mackerel, false albacore, and tripletail can be caught using jigs and spoons.

### Hot Spots
- **Sarasota Bay**: This area is excellent for fishing shallow and deep grass flats, with a variety of fish including reds, trout, and snook.
- **Boca Grande Pass**: Known for its tarpon and kingfish, this pass is a hotspot for inshore game fish, especially during the changing tides.
- **Destin and Panama City**: These areas offer great inshore and nearshore fishing for redfish and tarpon, with the added benefit of offshore fishing in the blue waters of the northern Gulf.

Overall, it's a great time to hit the waters, but be mindful of the red tide conditions and take necessary precautions to protect both yourself and the environment.