The hot days of August are almost over and while September will remain warm for the first few weeks it will usher in some cooler weather and hopefully more consistent fishing as fall approaches. 
The lobster mini season is over and also gone are the masses that invaded the Keys for the first two weeks of the regular lobster season. There are very few boats out on the water now as most people are home with the beginning of school. The fish are coming out of hiding and on the days when there is some wind good catches of Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon can be had.
The water temperatures are between 86 degrees and 93 degrees depending on cloud cover and rain. I was out early yesterday with Angler Richard Wolfe from Washington D.C. and we jumped 11 Tarpon and caught 5 between 10 and 25lbs. We looked for Permit in the middle of the day but the clouds wiped us out. Fortunately, the cloudy weather caused the water temperature to drop and we hooked 5 bonefish in the afternoon and caught three.
September will start a round of tournaments in the Keys, first and foremost is the 50th Annual Marathon International Bonefish Tournament with registration on the 17th and fishing September 18, 19, and 20. 
As the water cools in the end of September and into October fishing will become more consistent throughout the day. With the cooler weather will come the 10 to 15 knot winds which should make the Permit more approachable especially to the fly fishermen. October also starts a bait migration through the Keys and if you know where to look the big Tarpon, although in much smaller numbers than in May and June, will make another short appearance before the winter cool off.
All in all it has been a very good summer for fishing as the Hurricanes have steered away from the Keys so far and not affected our fishing. As summer fades out the outlook for fishing up and down the Keys especially on the Flats is very good. While the economy is still in a slump right now there are deals to be had as far as accommodations are concerned in the Florida Keys. Good fishing and tight lines.
