As of October 24th, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is buzzing with activity. The weather is mild, with a slight temperature drop and northeasterly winds, signaling the start of the Fall Bait Migration. This period is known for massive groups of baitfish moving down the coasts and into the Everglades and Florida Keys, attracting a plethora of predators.

### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 78°F and a low of 70°F. The winds will be moderate, coming from the northeast at about 10-15 mph. Tides are favorable, with a high tide at 8:51 AM and a low tide at 3:14 PM, providing optimal conditions for fishing in the backcountry and flats.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:33 AM, and sunset will be at 6:44 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

### Fish Activity
The Fall Bait Migration has brought a surge in fish activity. Tarpon, in particular, are making a late-season appearance in significant numbers. Yesterday, anglers reported catching tarpon, especially in the backcountry areas, with some fish weighing up to 100 pounds. Redfish and snook fishing has also been stellar, with catches of snook in the 12-18 lb range and redfish mixed in.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, live bait such as mullet, pinfish, and shrimp are highly effective. For redfish and snook, jigs tipped with shrimp or soft plastics work well. The bait run has made natural bait plentiful, so using live baitfish can be very productive.

### Hot Spots
One of the best areas to fish right now is the backcountry around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida. The creeks, canals, and shorelines are teeming with life. Another hot spot is the flats around Islamorada, where you can target bonefish, tarpon, and permit. The protected areas of islands and the Everglades are also yielding good results.

Overall, October is a great time to fish in Islamorada, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to go around. Enjoy your time on the water