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Front Runner Charters
Capt. Rob Mims
305.304.4410 Phone
Florida Keys
Dolphin Marina
28530 Overseas Hwy.
Little Torch Key, FL 33042
Everglades
Naples Marina
475 North Road
Naples Florida 34104
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Permit are one of the 3 prime flats fishing target species of the Florida Keys and are easily found on the near-shore wrecks of Southwest Florida waters. Although Permit are much larger than bonefish, they are just as fast and easily spooked. An amount of stealth and cunning is necessary just to approach these fish close enough to cast. Seeing one of these wonderful fish is incredible, but when you finally hook one you may just have the fight of your life. Permit have a reputation of never giving up and usually put up a long and powerful battle with numerous strong runs. A powerful fight once hooked with steady fast runs and many quick changes of direction, pound for pound, their fight is as good as it gets.
Permit are "hunted" similarly to bonefish except in slightly deeper water (usually between 2-4 feet in depth). Stalking one is best accomplished poling around in a shallow water skiff. These fish are usually found on the deeper edges of channels and flats, but at certain times of the year they inhabit rock piles and wrecks.
Permit fishing in the Keys hits its prime in the months of March and April, and then in July and August, after they spawn, although they can be caught through November. The average weight Permit is between 15-20 pounds with fish up to 30 pounds not uncommon. If you are patient and luck is on your side, fish as large as 40 pounds can be found in the area. You can choose to target these powerful fish on light tackle or fly equipment. When guiding an angler to one of these silver wonders on fly, I recommend an 8 or 10 wt. rod. The most commonly used baits are either small, silver dollar sized crabs or crab mimic fly patterns. The dream fish of flats fishing enthusiast are found in abundance in the water of The Florida Keys. These allusive fish will tempt you toward your fate as an angler. If you want to see a Permit, stalk a Permit, and catch a Permit, let me show you the way. With these fish as with others on the flats, the more fish you spot, the better your odds at catching one.
Light-tackle
8 to 12 lb. spinning rigs
Favorites include: Quarter to silver dollar sized blue-crabs and various jigs
Fly Gear
Number 7 to 10 weight fly rod and complimentary reel loaded with plenty of backing. Floating, weight forward, taper line and fluorocarbon leader system. We use the double haul cast and beginners always welcome.
Fly Patterns
Crazy Charlies, Borski Shrimp, and the Merkin Crab
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