As of October 7, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Conditions
- **Tidal Report**: Expect a moderate tide with highs around 9:30 AM and 10:00 PM, and lows at 3:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
- **Weather**: The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-80s, which is typical for this time of year. However, be prepared for potential rough weather as it has been turning rough lately.
- **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset is at 6:54 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good amount of fish activity, particularly in the backcountry and on the reefs. Here are some highlights:
- **Tarpon**: There were reports of catching tarpon in the backcountry, especially behind residential areas. Full-day or 3/4-day trips are recommended as the better fishing spots are about an hour's run further back.
- **Dolphin and Blackfin Tuna**: These species were active on the humps, with plenty of bait such as sardines and cigar minnows available.
- **Snappers**: Mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and yellowtail snappers were plentiful on the reefs. Anglers had a successful day catching these species despite the rough weather.
- **Other Species**: There were also catches of king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and even some cobia and sailfish.

### Best Lures and Bait
- **Bait**: Live bait such as sardines and cigar minnows have been working well for dolphin and blackfin tuna. For tarpon, using live bait or lures that mimic baitfish can be effective.
- **Lures**: For species like snappers and king mackerel, using jigs or lures that imitate small fish can be productive. Trolling rigged baits and lures is also effective for dolphin and other offshore species.

### Hot Spots
- **Backcountry**: The backcountry areas, particularly behind residential zones, have been good for tarpon fishing. The endless maze of inlets and mangrove channels in Everglades National Park is also a great spot for species like snook, redfish, and speckled trout.
- **Reefs**: The reefs off Islamorada have been producing a variety of snappers, including mutton, mangrove, and yellowtail snappers. These areas are also good for catching king mackerel and blackfin tuna.

Overall, it’s a great time to be fishing in Islamorada, with a variety of species active and plenty of opportunities to catch some trophy fish. Just keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for any changes.