As we wrap up October in the Florida Keys, the fishing scene is transitioning into its winter patterns, and it's an exciting time to be on the water.

### Weather and Tides
Today, October 31st, we're expecting partly cloudy skies with a high of around 78 degrees and a low of 70 degrees. The first cold front of the season has started to influence our weather, bringing northeasterly winds of 25-30 mph. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:00 AM and a low tide at 3:00 PM. Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 6:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
The recent cold front has stirred up the waters, but this has also made the fish very hungry. Offshore, kingfish and mahi-mahi have been active, especially past the color change. Bonito are also plentiful between the reef and deeper waters. On the reef, cero mackerels, snappers, groupers, kingfish, and jacks are feeding aggressively with the baitfish stacking up.

In the backcountry, the waters have cleared up quickly after the last storm, and fishing is getting better by the day. Baby tarpon are still present in their usual spots, and the flats, though a bit cloudy, are hosting bonefish and permit. Redfish and snook fishing has been stellar, with larger snook and black drum starting to appear earlier than usual due to the fall bait migration.

### Best Lures and Bait
For offshore fishing, using ballyhoo and threadfin herring as bait has been very effective. On the reef, chumming profusely has helped in attracting a strong yellowtail bite. In the backcountry, artificial lures such as jigs and spoons are working well for catching a variety of species, including trout as the mullet muds start.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the patch reefs, where you can find grouper, snapper, and other tasty filets despite the northerly winds. The outer reef is also exciting with larger sea conditions exciting the bite. For inshore fishing, the protected areas around the islands, creeks, canals, and shorelines of Flamingo and the mainland are producing good catches of smaller snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon.

Overall, October fishing in the Florida Keys is a treat, with light crowds and pleasant weather making it an ideal time to get out on the water. Just be prepared for the winds and changing conditions as the winter season sets in.