Permit

General Info: Permit are one of the most prized species in all of fly-fishing. They are challenging to hook, they fight like the dickens, and they look gorgeous! Permit are known as one of the four species in a saltwater grand slam. The others being tarpon, bonefish and snook. Of the four, the permit may require the most skill from beginning to end. These notoriously picky fish mostly eat crabs, and can be downright snobs when it comes to their favorite crab snack. The most popular, productive area for permit fishing is Belize, although quality permit fishing can be found in many spots around the world. Southern Belize in particular is mecca to permit fishing, and is where most anglers go if they want to exclusively target these fish.

While permit are known as being picky towards crab patterns, a prepared angler will have some select mantis shrimp patterns on hand as well. Permit do eat shrimp and will take a shrimp pattern when everything lines up perfectly. We have included some selected shrimp patterns known to be effective on permit.

Preferred Gear

Rods: 8-10wt rods are preferred. Most permit anglers use a 9wt. rod. Heavy duty, saltwater, built for distance casting in the wind with good accuracy.

Favorites: Beulah Opal G2, Orvis Helios 3D, Echo EPR,

Reels: Large arbor, saltwater-worthy, sealed drag, heavy-duty,

Favorites: Big Y General, Lamson Centerfire, Orvis Mirage, Redington Grande,

Lines: Weight forward floating, specialty saltwater flats lines.

Favorites: RIO Elite Permit, RIO Elite Flats Pro, Scientific Anglers Grand Slam

**Photo used with permission. Chris Hildman with a nice tailing permit on the last cast of the day, Ambergis Caye, BZE. Courtesy of Josh Jablow, Driggs, ID.