There are areas where they are relatively abundant but, in general they are scarce. The best Permit areas are the shallow flats of Content Key and Key West in the Florida Keys, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and the Flats off the Barrier Reef of Belize in Central America.
The colorization of a permit is silver over all with a blush-gray back. The fins are a dusty color and the ventral and anal fins are a tan tinged with orange. A yellow triangular patch just prior to the anal fin exist in Permit over 10 pounds.
This round-like strongly built fish is regarded as the most difficult tropical Flats species to catch on a fly rod. They exist on crabs, shrimp and baitfish but, have a remarkable disdain for the artificial fly.
This is a fish for the skilled fly-fisher, hooking and landing this fish will require every known skill related to fly-fishing. This would be the time to be in the company of an experienced guide. You won't forget a fight with an average size permit. What with their broad muscled flat sides they have strength endurance and are faster than bonefish.
You will find permits near wrecks, deep channels, the passes and onshore flats.
|