As of October 8th, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-80s, which is typical for this time of year. The tidal report shows a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, making the early morning and late afternoon ideal times for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 6:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity. Anglers reported catching dolphin (mahi-mahi), blackfin tuna, king mackerel, and various snapper species such as mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and yellowtail snappers. Tarpon were also spotted in the backcountry, particularly in the late morning hours.

### Best Lures and Bait
For dolphin and blackfin tuna, trolling rigged baits and lures has been effective. Using sardines and cigar minnows as bait has yielded good results on the humps and reefs. For snappers, live or cut bait such as shrimp or small fish works well. If you're targeting tarpon, artificial baits or live bait like mullet or pinfish are recommended.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the reefs just off the coast of Islamorada, where you can find a variety of snapper species and occasional king mackerel. The humps, particularly the West Humps, are also productive for dolphin and blackfin tuna. For those interested in backcountry fishing, the mangrove channels and inlets of Everglades National Park are great for catching tarpon, snook, and redfish.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day for fishing in Islamorada, with plenty of fish to go around and favorable weather conditions. Make sure to check the local fishing reports for any last-minute updates and enjoy your time on the water.