Permit are widespread throughout our waters in and around Florida. They can be found on the clear flats in the Florida Keys and around our islands in Southwest Florida to the deeper structures in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The size-to-power ratio on this fish is off the charts with that round, thick, powerful muscular build. From fly fishing to spinning tackle, it’s a tackle tester at any size.
For many, the Permit is the Holy Grail of the light tackle world and its wary, cautious nature can be frustrating to the fisherman. So, for this writing, I tapped into a captain that I’ve mentioned in the past and have fished with recreationally and in tournaments — Captain Rene Martinez, owner of Fishing Freak Charters. He has diverse fishing abilities, extensive local knowledge and is solidly dialed into these fish. Rene has been extremely successful in putting clients on them, so thank you for this content, buddy.
Tackle recommendations
Tackle recommendations may seem very basic and simple, as it usually is seen. But… as Rene emphasizes, proper presentation is critical for success. He made sure to mention several times that the Permit is the smartest and most wary species he targets, and those huge, forward-facing eyes leave zero margin for error in leader, hook and bait selection.
- RODS: Rene uses are the 7’ to 7’5” lengths in mainly medium heavy to heavy with a fast tip. The fast tip has the necessary flex to be able to effectively handle the bait and cast the distance required to not spook the fish.
- REELS: Rene’s reel choice will vary from the 3000 series to 5000. The reel choice is dictated by structure, or lack thereof. If fishing open flats, the 3000 or 4000 will be totally adequate with 15lb or 20lb braid. Where it becomes a battle is when fishing deeper water over structure such as an artificial reef or wreck. You will need added drag of that 5000 series reel filled with 20lb or 30lb braid to keep the Permit from wrapping you up and breaking off on the structure. One thing Rene noted is that this fish tends to prefer tall vertical structures, like the mast or bridge of a sunken boat or the top of the structure piles. The permit will be at midwater literally circling that structure as they seek feeding opportunities. That is why stout tackle helps the battle.
- BAITS: Baits will be generally crabs, with shrimp a close second. Rene makes that decision mainly based on water quality. In clean water, a 20lb or 30lb flouro will do; in dirty water or over a structure, bumping up to a 40lb or even 50lb flouro will be the rule. To further impart stealth, the leaders need to be longer than usual with 6 feet or so being the norm.
Generally, Permit can be sight fished. They can be seen “finning” on the surface on a calm day or can be seen underwater as they circle structure. Now, as mentioned, presentation is critical. Rene likes to approach up-current and shut down at least 30 or 40 yards from the fish. He will use his trolling motor to that position and shut down everything. Remember: stealth is crucial and it’s critical that all tackle and the fisherman be ready well in advance. Once in position, you need to be ready to make the presentation. The bait is presented in such a manner that it floats as natural as possible towards the permit. His instruction to clients is to cast well ahead of the fish, in many cases 10 to 20 feet ahead. He will let the boat drift into position and allow that natural drift and bait presentation. In that manner, it’s the Permit that makes the choice to eat. Rene’s choice for primary baits will be blue crab, pass crab or fiddler crab, or large shrimp if crab are scarce or the fish are being finicky or shy. The crabs should range in size from 1 to 3 inches so they are easy takes and don’t overpower the hook. Oh, as far as hook size, Rene recommends light wire 2/0 or 3/0 circle hooks. If artificials are your thing, like for me, simple white or white and chartreuse bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp can work. Rene added that he’s also had success with pink and yellow banana jigs, much like those used for the Permit’s cousin, the Pompano… go figure (LOL).
If all that planning, approach and delivery comes together, and the Permit takes the bait, now it’s on. Fast, hard runs are a guarantee with reel drag screaming and line running out as much as 200 yards. The power these fish possess is something that needs to be witnessed and experienced. Permit may be found year-round in Florida, though there are times that are better. In the fall and early winter mainly, juvenile Permit can be found. The studs, those garbage can lid sized fish, will migrate to this area in May and June, but some success can be experienced later in the summer. Schools of several dozen fish can be seen on those wrecks… talk about heart pounding!!! Quiet, calm early mornings are what Rene prefers so that the “finning” fish on the surface can be spotted.
Well, I promised Captain Rene that other than tackle and techniques, I wouldn’t divulge his secret spots, so I’ll leave that for y’all to sort out! So, you see no crazy tackle, no non-conventional techniques are needed here, just good ole’ find them, feed them and hook them stuff. And, oh yeah, tons of LUCK.
Check out Rene’s website at FishingFreakCharters.com. To arrange a charter, you can reach him by telephone at 239-249-1410 or email at Renemartinez616@gmail.com.
Tight lines, stay hydrated and be safe folks. ‘Til next month…
SEE MORE: Fishing with Sunshine
About the Author
Joe Garcia is the Brand Fishing Ambassador at Sunshine Ace Hardware.
Contact Joe for information on the hottest new fishing gear in stock, local fishing tips and more: JGarcia@SunshineAce.com.