FLORIDA KEYS PERMIT FISHING CHARTERS

MARATHON, FLORIDA KEYS

Permit fishing charters marathon florida keys

FLORIDA KEYS PERMIT FISHING

bruce witha nice permit

Known as the trophy of the flats, Permit are pound for pound one of the strongest fish in the world. Their primary diet consists of mainly crabs but are known to eat shrimp and other small fish. Also found on shallow water flats and deep channel edges, Permit are also fast runners and when hooked can easily take 150 yards of line on their first run and use their wide bodies to bulldog you to no end. Average size fish are between 10 - 20 lbs although fish to 30 lbs are not uncommon. It's rare that a Permit will refuse a well presented tasty live silver dollar sized blue crab but one of my best days this year we (Me and Bruce Garland) went 8 for 14 on Permit and each and every one of them except one was caught on shrimp. Some days that's just the way it goes. It's just best to be prepared for all circumstances.


Permit fishing is a revered pursuit in saltwater angling, renowned for the challenge it presents. These elusive and wary fish, often found in tropical flats, demand a combination of skill, patience, and strategic presentation. Permit are notorious for their selective feeding habits, making them a formidable target for fly fishermen. The hunt for a permit involves stalking shallow waters, casting precise flies that imitate their preferred prey. Successfully hooking and landing a permit is a gratifying accomplishment, earning the respect of anglers who appreciate the intricacies of this challenging pursuit.


Permit fishing is a revered pursuit in saltwater angling, renowned for the challenge it presents. These elusive and wary fish, often found in tropical flats, demand a combination of skill, patience, and strategic presentation. Permit are notorious for their selective feeding habits, making them a formidable target for fly fishermen. The hunt for a permit involves stalking shallow waters, casting precise flies that imitate their preferred prey. Successfully hooking and landing a permit is a gratifying accomplishment, earning the respect of anglers who appreciate the intricacies of this challenging pursuit.

FLY FISHING FOR PERMIT IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Fly Fishing for Permit Florida Keys

Catching a permit on a fly is a pinnacle achievement in saltwater fly fishing, and the challenge elevates the pursuit to an art form. Renowned for their wariness and selective feeding habits, permit are often referred to as the "holy grail" of flats fishing. Anglers meticulously present carefully chosen flies, mimicking the crab or shrimp that permit favor. The hunt unfolds in the shallow, gin-clear waters of tropical flats, demanding stealth and precision. A successful hookup requires finesse, as permit are renowned for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Landing one on a fly rod is a triumph, marking an indelible moment in the angler's journey.

PRIME TIME PERMIT TIMES


Although you can catch Permit all year 'round, Feb, March and early April is when the Permit are pre-spawning and invade the flats before they spawn on the offshore reefs and wrecks. Strong tide bring better fishing and calm days bring Permit to the surface for the ultimate challenge. Permit are by far my favorite fish to catch bar none. With little traffic on the water and many calm days, the summer months are also a great time to catch Permit. All of the fish are back from spawning and can be found in large schools on the flats and channel edges. This is a great time to catch a Permit on the fly! 

BEST PERMIT FLIES


THE GOOMBA SHRIMP

Goomba srimp

THE GOOMBA CRAB

Goomba crab

FLY FISHING EQUIPMENT FOR PERMIT


RODS: THOMAS AND THOMAS EXOCETT / SEXTANT FLY RODS


 BEST LINE WEIGHTS: 9, 10 WEIGHT FLY RODS


 FLY LINES: WULFF TRIANGULAR TAPER WEIGHT FORWARD LINES


 FLY HOOK SIZE: SIZE #2, #1 Gamakatsu


 LEADER MATERIAL: 15-20LB. SEAGUAR FLOUROCARBON

Thomas and thomas fly rods