As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida is looking quite promising, despite the recent cold front that moved through the area.

### Weather and Tides
The cold front has brought cooler temperatures, with daytime highs in the mid-70s and nighttime lows dipping into the 60s. This temperature drop has invigorated the fish, making them more active. Tides are moderate, with a high tide around 9:30 AM and a low tide around 3:30 PM, which is ideal for reef and backcountry fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:23 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw excellent action on the reefs and in the backcountry. Anglers reported catching a variety of species, including blackfin tuna, snappers, jacks, and king mackerel. The reef edge has been particularly productive, with big yellowtail snappers, mutton snappers, and king mackerel being common catches[2][4].

### Best Lures and Bait
For reef fishing, using live bait such as pilchards or pinfish has been highly effective. Jigs and spoons are also working well for king mackerel and snappers. In the backcountry, soft plastics and jigs are great for snook and redfish, while live shrimp or mullet can attract larger predators like tarpon and snook[2][5].

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reef edge, where the transition from deeper to shallower waters is attracting a lot of fish activity. Another productive area is the backcountry, particularly around the local bridges and channels, where snook, redfish, and even some tarpon are still present[2][5].

### Additional Tips
Given the cooler weather, it's advisable to be patient and wait for the sun to warm up the waters a bit before the fish become more active. Fishing in more protected areas during windy conditions can also yield good results. With the cold front stimulating the fish, now is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy some excellent fishing in Islamorada.