As of October 9, 2024, the Florida Keys are offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the transitional fall weather.

### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-80s and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the morning and late afternoon ideal for fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across various spots in the Keys. In the backcountry, particularly around Islamorada, there was a noticeable increase in resident tarpon activity. These fish are more active in the late season, and full-day or 3/4-day trips are recommended to reach the better fishing grounds, which are about an hour's run further back.

Offshore, the yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been excellent, especially at depths of around 60 to 90 feet. You can expect a mix of quality and quantity, with the larger snappers found in the deeper waters. Mangrove snappers are also plentiful in the backcountry, particularly on grass flats using chunks of bait like balao on jig heads.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday's catches included several mahi-mahi in the 20-30 pound range, caught about 18 miles offshore. However, the mahi bite can be inconsistent, so it's crucial to look for signs like birds and organized weed lines. Tarpon fishing is picking up, especially in residential canals where juvenile tarpon are following larger pilchards. Black grouper and mutton snapper were also caught, though in smaller numbers.

### Best Lures and Bait
For tarpon, live bait such as pilchards and mullet are highly effective. In the backcountry, using chunks of balao on jig heads is working well for mangrove snappers. Offshore, live pinfish and balao are good choices for yellowtail and mutton snappers. For mahi-mahi, trolling with lures that mimic baitfish can be productive, especially near weed lines and bird activity.

### Hot Spots
- **Backcountry around Islamorada**: Great for tarpon and mangrove snappers.
- **Reef areas near Marathon**: Excellent for yellowtail and mutton snappers.
- **Residential canals**: Good for juvenile tarpon.

Overall, the fall season in the Florida Keys offers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience, with fewer boats on the water and a variety of species to target. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and windy days as the weather transitions.