Permit

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Permit are highly sought-after game fish found in the coastal waters of Florida. They inhabit both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, offering anglers diverse opportunities to target them.
Florida: Permit can be found along the entire coastline of Florida, from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle. They are commonly found near reefs, wrecks, channels, flats, and inshore waters. Popular areas for targeting permit include the Florida Keys, Miami, Biscayne Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Tampa Bay area.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Permit are often found in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, wrecks, channels, flats, and nearshore waters. They are known for their impressive size, strength, and challenging fighting abilities. Permit are typically bottom feeders, foraging for crustaceans, shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish.
Look for permit near structures with good water movement, such as reef edges, drop-offs, and channels. They are often found in depths ranging from 10 to 60 feet, depending on the location and time of year. Permit are known to gather in schools or small groups and can be found in both shallow and deeper waters.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, permit begin their annual migration and can be found in nearshore and inshore waters of Florida. They are commonly encountered near flats, channels, and shallow reefs. Look for them in areas with clear water and moderate tidal flow. Sight fishing with live or artificial crabs, shrimp imitations, or small baitfish can be effective during this season.

SUMMER

In the summer, permit can be found in a variety of habitats, including reefs, wrecks, and channels. They may move to deeper waters or seek cooler areas during the hottest parts of the day. Look for them near structures with good water movement and ample food sources. Sight fishing with live or artificial crabs, shrimp imitations, or small baitfish can yield success during this season.

FALL

As fall arrives, permit continue their presence in Florida waters. They may transition to different habitats, such as flats, wrecks, or channels, depending on baitfish movements and water temperatures. Look for them near structures with good water movement and areas with concentrations of prey. Sight fishing with live or artificial crabs, shrimp imitations, or small baitfish can be productive during this season.

WINTER

Winter can be a challenging time to target permit in Florida as they may become less active in colder water temperatures. However, they can still be encountered near deeper reefs, wrecks, and channels. Look for them in areas with moderate water movement and concentrations of prey. Sight fishing with live or artificial crabs, shrimp imitations, or small baitfish can increase your chances of success.

Permit are known for their selective feeding habits, often requiring precise presentations to entice a strike. Live or artificial crabs, such as blue crabs, fiddler crabs, or small crab imitations, are popular bait choices. Shrimp imitations, small baitfish imitations, and bonefish flies can also be effective. It is essential to match the hatch and present your bait or lure in a natural manner to entice a permit's interest.

Sight Fishing

How: Sight fishing is the most popular and effective method for targeting permit. Look for them on shallow flats, sandy bottoms, or near structures such as reefs or wrecks. Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting these elusive fish. Once you spot a permit, make accurate casts in front of their path and present your fly or lure in a natural and enticing manner.
Gear: Rods: 8-10 wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large-arbor reels with a strong drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate fly lines. Leaders: 9-12ft fluorocarbon leaders with a tippet strength of 10-20lb. Flies: Crab patterns, shrimp imitations, and baitfish patterns.

Live Bait

How: Permit can be enticed with live bait, such as crabs or small fish. Anchor your boat near permit-holding areas, and present the live bait on a bottom rig or under a float. Allow the bait to drift naturally with the current or give it occasional twitches to grab the attention of permit.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 10-20lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 live bait hooks.

Jigging

How: Jigging can be effective when targeting permit in deeper water or around structures such as reefs or wrecks. Use vertical jigs or bucktail jigs with a quick up-and-down motion to imitate the movement of baitfish. Vary the jigging speed and depth to entice strikes.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or casting rods. Reels: Spinning or casting reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-30lb test braided line. Leaders: 20-40lb test fluorocarbon leaders with a length of 2-4 feet. Lures: Vertical jigs, bucktail jigs.

Fly Fishing

How: Fly fishing for permit requires accurate casts and precise presentations. Use crab or shrimp imitations that closely resemble their natural prey. Look for tailing or cruising permit in shallow water flats or near structures. Make long and accurate casts ahead of the fish and strip the fly to imitate natural movement.
Gear: Rods: 9-11 wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large-arbor reels with a strong drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate fly lines. Leaders: 9-12ft fluorocarbon leaders with a tippet strength of 12-20lb. Flies: Crab patterns, shrimp imitations, and baitfish patterns.