As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada is looking promising, especially for those who enjoy the tranquility of late-season fishing. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the sun rose over Islamorada at 7:21 AM and will set at 6:54 PM, giving us a good 11 hours and 32 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is high, indicating significant tidal movements and strong currents, which can be beneficial for certain species. The first low tide was at 5:10 AM, and the next will be at 5:24 PM, with high tides at 10:30 AM and 10:20 PM.

The weather has been relatively stable, although there have been some rough days recently. As of now, it's a beautiful day with temperatures still in the 80s, which is typical for this time of year.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a variety of fish being caught in the waters around Islamorada. Anglers reported catching blackfin tuna, king mackerel, and a mix of snappers including mutton, mangrove, and yellowtail snappers. Tarpon are also still active in the backcountry, particularly in the late season, making for some exciting catches.

### Best Lures and Bait
For the species mentioned, using live bait such as sardines and cigar minnows has been highly effective. For tarpon, especially in the backcountry, using larger live baits or lures that mimic baitfish can be very productive. When targeting snappers and mackerel, jigs and spoons can also yield good results.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reefs just a few miles offshore, where you can find a plethora of snappers and other species. The humps have also been producing good catches of dolphin and blackfin tuna. For those looking to catch tarpon, the backcountry areas behind the islands and in Florida Bay are your best bets.

In summary, today is a great day to get out on the water in Islamorada. With the right bait and lures, and an understanding of the tidal movements, you're set for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip. Just keep an eye on the weather, as it can change quickly this time of year.