Florida Permit Fishing: Complete Spinning Tackle Guide

Permit are widely considered the most difficult inshore gamefish to catch consistently, combining incredible wariness with devastating power. These chrome-sided beauties can grow to massive proportions—with fish over 40 pounds regularly caught in Florida waters—yet they demand delicate presentations and expert technique. From the emerging giant permit grounds near Stuart to the legendary flats of the Florida Keys, these fish continue to humble even the most experienced anglers.

Captain Scott Fawcett, who has guided anglers to countless permit over two decades, explains the allure simply: "Permit fishing separates good anglers from great ones. Everything has to be perfect—your approach, your presentation, your equipment, and your fighting technique. Make one mistake, and that fish of a lifetime disappears forever."

This comprehensive guide will transform your understanding of permit fishing techniques, covering everything from selecting the perfect spinning tackle setup to mastering the art of sight fishing these incredible gamefish. Whether you're planning your first permit expedition or looking to upgrade your success rate, the strategies outlined here will give you the edge needed to consistently target these light tackle legends.

Understanding Permit Fish Behavior and Characteristics

Permit fish represent one of nature's most perfectly evolved predators, with physical and behavioral adaptations that make them supremely challenging quarry. These deep-bodied members of the jack family display distinctive diamond-shaped profiles and brilliant silver coloration that provides perfect camouflage over sandy bottoms. Adult permit commonly range from 20 to 40 pounds, though true giants exceeding 50 pounds are caught annually in Florida waters.

The fish's remarkable wariness stems from their exceptional sensory capabilities. Permit possess incredibly sensitive lateral line systems that detect the slightest water disturbances, allowing them to sense approaching predators—or anglers—from remarkable distances. Their eyesight rivals that of any gamefish, capable of detecting leader material, unnatural bait movements, or even the shadow of a fishing rod.

Understanding permit feeding behavior is crucial for consistent success. These fish are predominantly crab eaters, with blue crabs forming the cornerstone of their diet. During optimal feeding periods, permit methodically work sandy flats, turtle grass beds, and reef edges, using their powerful jaws to crush crustaceans hiding in the substrate. Key environmental factors that trigger active feeding include:

Water temperatures between 72-82°F for peak activity levels
Incoming tides that push fresh baitfish and crabs onto feeding areas
Moderate wind conditions that create enough surface disturbance to mask angler presence
Barometric stability as dropping pressure often shuts down feeding activity

Prime permit habitat in Florida encompasses diverse environments, each requiring specific approaches. Stuart, Florida has emerged as a premier destination for trophy permit, with fish regularly exceeding 40 pounds caught around offshore reefs and nearshore structures. The area's unique combination of Gulf Stream proximity and expansive flats creates ideal conditions for hosting massive permit populations year-round.

Traditional Florida Keys strongholds like Islamorada and Key West continue producing consistent action, though fishing pressure has made these fish increasingly sophisticated. The middle Keys offer excellent opportunities for anglers willing to explore less pressured areas, while the Everglades backcountry provides unique sight fishing opportunities in shallow, crystal-clear waters.

Essential Spinning Tackle Setup for Giant Permit

Selecting proper spinning tackle for permit fishing requires balancing delicate presentation capabilities with the backbone needed to subdue powerful fish. The equipment choices outlined here represent decades of refinement by expert guides and tournament anglers who regularly target trophy permit in Florida waters.

Rod Selection for Maximum Performance

For targeting large permit in varying conditions, rod selection becomes critical to success. In windy conditions commonly encountered around Stuart's offshore reefs, a 7-foot medium action spinning rod rated for 8-17 lb or 12-20 lb line provides the ideal combination of casting accuracy and fish-fighting power. This setup offers sufficient backbone to handle fish over 30 pounds while maintaining the tip sensitivity necessary for detecting subtle bites and achieving precise bait presentations.

When conditions allow for more delicate approaches—particularly during calm morning sessions or when targeting extremely wary fish—a 7.5-foot medium action spinning rod rated for 6-12 lb line becomes the weapon of choice. The additional length dramatically improves casting distance, while the lighter tip section enables incredibly natural bait presentations that can fool even the most sophisticated permit.

Premium rod options that consistently perform in permit fishing scenarios include:

Blackfin Carbon Elite Full Grip Inshore Rod designed specifically for sensitivity and power balance
Fin Legacy Spinning Rod featuring advanced carbon construction for optimal responsiveness
Custom parabolic actions that provide maximum shock absorption during explosive runs

The key lies in matching rod action to specific fishing conditions. Fast action tips excel for quick hook sets when sight fishing, while moderate actions provide better shock absorption during extended fights with giant permit.

Reel Requirements for Serious Permit Fishing

Reel selection for permit fishing demands unwavering attention to drag performance and line capacity. Choose a 4000 series spinning reel capable of holding 230-300 yards of 20-30 lb braid or 12-15 lb monofilament. This size provides the perfect balance of line capacity and manageable weight for the extended battles that characterize giant permit fights.

Critical reel specifications include robust front drag systems delivering at least 15-20 lbs of smooth, reliable pressure. The drag must operate consistently under extreme heat generated during long battles, with ceramic or carbon fiber components preferred for their heat dissipation properties. Permit fishing often requires dramatic adjustments from light settings during presentations to maximum pressure when stopping powerful runs near structure.

Top-performing reel models for giant permit include the Shimano Twin Power 4000 FE, widely regarded as the gold standard for big inshore species with its 24-lb max drag and sealed saltwater construction. The Daiwa BG 4000 offers proven saltwater reliability at excellent value, while the Penn Clash II 4000 features sealed bearings and robust drag designed specifically for harsh saltwater environments. The Shimano Stradic FL 4000 provides buttery-smooth operation and lightweight design, making it ideal for long fishing days.

Corrosion resistance ranks equally important, as saltwater exposure rapidly degrades inferior components. Quality reels feature 6-10 ball bearings for silky-smooth operation, sealed to prevent salt intrusion. Modern reels designed for saltwater applications incorporate advanced sealing technologies that dramatically extend component life in demanding environments.

Essential reel features for permit fishing include:

Smooth, powerful drag systems rated for minimum 15 lbs with consistent pressure throughout range
Sealed bearing construction preventing saltwater intrusion and ensuring long-term reliability
Instant anti-reverse systems eliminating handle back-play during critical hook sets
Large arbor designs maximizing line retrieval rates when fighting fast-moving permit
Lightweight construction reducing angler fatigue during extended battles with trophy fish

Seaguar blue label fluorocarbon leader for permit fishing

Line and Leader Systems That Work

Modern permit fishing relies on sophisticated line and leader combinations that balance strength, sensitivity, and invisibility. Start with 15-20 lb braided mainline, which provides exceptional sensitivity for detecting subtle bites while offering minimal stretch for solid hook sets at distance. Quality braided lines also feature smaller diameters than equivalent monofilament, enabling longer casts and more natural bait presentations.

Leader construction represents perhaps the most critical component of permit fishing success. Premium fluorocarbon leaders from manufacturers like Seaguar and Ande provide the perfect combination of low visibility and abrasion resistance essential for fooling wary permit. Seaguar's fluorocarbon leaders offer excellent stealth characteristics and exceptional abrasion resistance, making them favorites among professional guides. Ande's fluorocarbon and monofilament options provide reliable knot strength and consistent performance in demanding saltwater conditions.

Leader specifications must match fishing conditions and target fish behavior. For spinning tackle applications, use 9-12 foot leaders as the standard length, providing adequate separation between visible mainline and terminal tackle. In crystal-clear conditions typical of Florida Keys flats, these longer leaders become essential for approaching extremely wary permit.

Strength selection requires careful consideration of environmental factors:

10-12 lb fluorocarbon for calm, clear conditions when targeting very wary fish
12-16 lb fluorocarbon or copolymer as the standard choice balancing stealth and strength
16-20 lb fluorocarbon for windy conditions, heavy structure, or when using larger baits for giant permit

Connection methods between mainline and leader significantly impact both casting performance and fighting reliability. The double uni knot provides excellent strength retention and remains relatively compact for smooth casting, while the FG knot offers superior strength but requires more tying expertise. Practice these connections until they become second nature, as retying leaders quickly often determines success when fish are actively feeding.

Key leader characteristics for permit fishing success include near-invisibility in clear water, exceptional abrasion resistance for contact with coral and structure, and reliable knot strength under extreme pressure. Quality fluorocarbon leaders maintain these properties while providing the shock absorption needed during explosive permit runs.

Terminal Tackle Essentials

Proper terminal tackle selection directly impacts presentation quality and hook-up success when targeting permit. The right combination of hooks, weights, and hardware ensures natural bait movement while providing reliable connections during powerful fights.

Hook selection represents the most critical terminal tackle decision for giant permit success. Circle hooks prove superior for permit fishing, particularly when using live or natural baits like crabs. They dramatically increase corner-of-mouth hook-ups, improving both landing rates and fish survival during catch-and-release scenarios.

Recommended hook sizes depend on bait dimensions and target fish:

3/0 circle hooks serve as the ideal all-around choice for giant permit, especially with standard-sized live crabs, balancing strength with optimal hook-up ratios
4/0 circle hooks work best with larger crabs or when specifically targeting the biggest permit exceeding 40 pounds
2/0 circle hooks suit smaller crabs or extremely wary fish, though 3/0 remains the standard for trophy permit

Premium hook brands that consistently perform in demanding permit fishing include Gamakatsu Nautilus Light Circle Hooks for their strong, light wire construction and exceptional penetration. Owner Mutu Light Circle Hooks offer renowned sharpness and strength, while Mustad Big Game and Tarpon Circle Hooks provide reliable performance with wide availability. Worldwide Sportsman short shank circle hooks are favored by experienced guides for their natural presentation characteristics.

Short shank designs prove less likely to spook permit while presenting baits more naturally. Always match hook size to bait dimensions—oversized hooks relative to crab size create unnatural presentations that alert wary permit, while undersized hooks may fail to penetrate properly or hold during fights.

Weight systems must maintain bottom contact without inhibiting natural bait movement. Egg sinkers ranging from 1/4-1 oz provide optimal performance across varying current conditions, with lighter weights preferred in shallow, calm areas and heavier options necessary around structure or in moving water. The egg sinker's streamlined shape reduces hang-ups while allowing crabs to move naturally.

Connection hardware prevents equipment failures during critical moments. High-quality barrel swivels eliminate line twist during extended fights while providing reliable connection points between leader and mainline. Choose corrosion-resistant models rated well above your line strength to ensure they won't fail when battling trophy permit.

Bait Selection and Presentation Mastery

Success in permit fishing hinges largely on bait selection and presentation techniques that trigger feeding responses from notoriously selective fish. Understanding when and how to use various bait options can dramatically increase your success rate, particularly when targeting the trophy-class permit found in Florida waters.

Live Bait Strategies for Consistent Results

Blue crabs represent the gold standard for permit fishing, closely matching the natural prey that comprises the majority of their diet. Select crabs ranging from 2-4 inches across the shell, with slightly smaller specimens often producing better results when targeting extremely wary fish. Remove the crab's claws and back fins to prevent escape while maintaining natural movement that attracts permit attention.

Rigging techniques vary based on fishing scenarios. For sight fishing applications, hook the crab through the corner of the shell using a 1/0-2/0 circle hook, allowing maximum mobility while ensuring solid hook penetration. When blind fishing around structure, consider hooking crabs through the rear section to reduce tangles while maintaining natural presentation.

Alternative crab species expand your bait options throughout different seasons. Green crabs work exceptionally well during cooler months when blue crabs become scarce, while sand crabs often trigger strikes from permit that have grown wary of standard presentations. Match crab size to target fish, with larger specimens often preferred for trophy permit exceeding 30 pounds.

Shrimp presentations provide excellent backup options when crabs prove difficult to obtain or when permit display selective feeding patterns. Large live shrimp, particularly those measuring 4-6 inches, can trigger explosive strikes from hungry permit. Hook shrimp through the horn section to maintain natural swimming action while preventing quick death that reduces effectiveness.

Artificial Lure Techniques

Modern artificial lures have revolutionized permit fishing, particularly for anglers seeking to cover water efficiently or when live bait becomes unavailable. Crab imitation lures represent the most effective artificial options, with realistic models featuring articulated legs and authentic coloration patterns producing consistent results.

Top-performing crab imitations include:

DOA CAL series lures in pink and tan color combinations that closely match natural blue crabs
Merkin-style flies adapted for spinning tackle featuring rabbit fur and rubber legs for incredible realism
Custom jig heads paired with crab-pattern soft plastics for versatile presentations

Jig presentations require careful attention to retrieve techniques and weight selection. Use just enough weight to maintain bottom contact while allowing natural movement that simulates feeding crabs. Vary retrieval speeds based on permit behavior, with slow, methodical movements often outperforming aggressive actions that spook wary fish.

Spoon fishing provides exciting opportunities when permit display aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around schools of baitfish. Small gold and silver spoons create flash patterns that trigger reaction strikes, though this technique requires precise timing and aggressive hook sets due to permit's tendency to strike and immediately expel artificial offerings.

Presentation Techniques for Maximum Effectiveness

Sight fishing represents the pinnacle of permit angling, requiring precise timing and flawless execution. When approaching visible permit, position your boat to allow comfortable casting while accounting for wind drift and fish movement patterns. Cast well ahead of moving fish, placing bait in their projected path rather than directly at them.

The key to successful sight fishing lies in reading permit body language. Actively feeding fish display head-down postures while systematically working across bottom structure. These fish often accept well-presented baits, unlike cruising permit that typically prove much more difficult to entice.

Blind fishing techniques become essential when permit aren't visible or during periods of reduced water clarity. Focus on productive structure including:

Drop-offs and channel edges where permit ambush prey swept by current
Coral heads and rocky structure that harbor crabs and small baitfish
Grass flat edges where permit patrol for fleeing prey
Sand holes and depressions that concentrate feeding opportunities
Warm water discharges from public utilities

Drift fishing allows covering extensive areas while maintaining natural bait presentations. Use wind and current to your advantage, positioning your boat upcurrent from productive areas and allowing natural drift to present baits across multiple zones. This technique proves particularly effective around Stuart's offshore reef systems where giant permit patrol expansive areas.

Advanced Permit Fishing Techniques for Consistent Success

Mastering advanced permit fishing techniques separates occasional success from consistent trophy catches. These refined approaches, developed through thousands of hours on the water by expert guides, can dramatically improve your success rate when targeting Florida's most challenging gamefish.

Sight Fishing Mastery

Successful sight fishing begins long before making your first cast, starting with developing the ability to distinguish permit from other species at distance. Permit display distinctive characteristics including their diamond-shaped profile, slightly darker dorsal coloration, and characteristic swimming patterns that differ markedly from similar species like large jack crevalle or pompano.

Learning to read water conditions becomes equally critical for sight fishing success. Permit prefer specific environmental conditions, with slight surface ripples providing ideal visibility while maintaining enough disturbance to mask angler presence. Completely calm conditions often make permit extremely wary, while excessive wind creates visibility challenges that frustrate sight fishing efforts.

Approach strategies require careful boat positioning and movement coordination with your captain or fishing partner. Maintain distance from feeding permit while maneuvering into optimal casting positions, accounting for wind direction and fish movement patterns. Successful guides employ electric trolling motors or push poles to achieve silent positioning that avoids spooking sophisticated fish.

The actual casting sequence demands precision timing and flawless execution. Lead moving permit by 10-15 feet, placing your bait in their anticipated path rather than casting directly at them. Allow sufficient time for bait to settle naturally before permit arrive, as these fish instantly detect anything that appears unnatural or threatening.

Fighting Strategies for Giant Permit

Once hooked, giant permit transform into incredibly powerful adversaries that test every aspect of your tackle and technique. The initial moments following hook-up often determine the fight's outcome, as permit immediately attempt to reach nearby structure where they can break off or tangle lines.

Initial drag settings should start relatively light—approximately 25-30% of your line's breaking strength—allowing the fish to make its first run without breaking the leader. As the fight progresses and the permit tires, gradually increase drag pressure to maintain control and prevent the fish from reaching sanctuary in coral heads or other structure.

Boat handling becomes crucial during extended fights with large permit. Work with your captain to maintain optimal positioning that prevents the fish from gaining leverage against structure while avoiding situations that put excessive side pressure on tackle. Proper boat positioning allows you to apply steady pressure while the fish tires naturally.

Successful permit fights require understanding the fish's behavioral patterns during different fight phases:

Initial runs feature blistering speed and power requiring maximum line capacity
Middle fight periods often involve repeated attempts to reach structure demanding constant pressure adjustments
Final stages require patience as tired permit make desperate runs toward safety

Landing and Release Techniques

Proper landing techniques ensure both angler safety and fish survival during the critical final moments. Large permit possess incredibly powerful tails capable of inflicting serious injury, while their size and strength can easily damage equipment during clumsy landing attempts.

Net landing provides the safest option for both angler and fish when properly executed. Use large nets with fine mesh that won't tangle hooks or damage permit fins. Guide the tired fish headfirst into the net, supporting its weight immediately to prevent injury from thrashing.

Hand landing requires significantly more skill but often proves necessary when fishing from smaller boats or when large nets aren't available. Grasp the fish firmly behind the head with one hand while supporting its weight with the other, maintaining control while avoiding the powerful tail section.

Revival procedures become critical for ensuring permit survival, particularly after extended fights in warm water. Support the fish in an upright position while moving it gently forward to force water through its gills. Large permit may require several minutes of revival before showing sufficient strength for release.

Photography considerations balance capturing memories with fish welfare. Work quickly but carefully, supporting the fish's weight properly while avoiding excessive handling. Consider underwater photography for unique shots that reduce air exposure time and stress on released permit.

Location-Specific Strategies for Florida Permit Fishing

Florida's diverse permit fishing opportunities require location-specific strategies that account for varying conditions, fish behavior patterns, and seasonal movements. Understanding these regional differences can dramatically improve your success rate regardless of where you choose to target these incredible gamefish.

Stuart, Florida - The Emerging Giant Permit Capital

Stuart's reputation as a premier permit destination continues growing as more anglers discover the area's exceptional potential for trophy-class fish. The region's unique geographic position provides access to both nearshore reef systems and expansive flats, creating diverse fishing opportunities that accommodate varying conditions and angler preferences.

The area's most productive permit grounds lie along the offshore reef system extending north and south of St. Lucie Inlet. These coral formations in 20-40 feet of water provide ideal habitat for the large blue crabs that attract trophy permit. Focus fishing efforts around prominent coral heads and sand holes where permit systematically hunt for prey.

Seasonal patterns in Stuart waters follow predictable trends that guide timing decisions. Peak permit activity occurs from March through June when water temperatures reach optimal ranges and baitfish movements trigger aggressive feeding. During this period, giant permit exceeding 40 pounds are caught regularly by anglers employing proper techniques and equipment.

Local guide recommendations include captains who specialize in permit fishing and understand the area's unique characteristics:

Experienced guides familiar with specific reef locations and seasonal patterns
Specialized permit fishing services offering tackle and techniques optimized for local conditions
Weather flexibility allowing trips to be adjusted based on optimal conditions

Tide considerations play crucial roles in Stuart permit fishing success. Incoming tides generally produce better results as fresh water pushes baitfish and crabs toward feeding areas. Plan fishing trips around morning incoming tides when possible, as permit often feed most actively during these periods.

Traditional Florida Keys Strongholds

The Florida Keys maintain their legendary status for permit fishing, though increased fishing pressure has made these fish increasingly sophisticated. Islamorada continues offering some of the most consistent permit opportunities, with its diverse flats and reef systems providing year-round fishing potential.

Islamorada's advantages include extensive shallow water habitat, numerous experienced guides, and well-developed fishing infrastructure. The area's flats fishing allows sight fishing opportunities during optimal conditions, while deeper channels and basins provide alternatives when flats fishing proves challenging.

Key West's diverse fishing environments encompass everything from shallow backcountry flats to deep-water wrecks where permit gather seasonally. The area's year-round fishing seasons provide consistent opportunities, though success requires adapting techniques to seasonal fish movements and behavior changes.

Middle Keys destinations offer excellent opportunities for anglers seeking less pressured fishing environments. Areas around Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge region feature extensive flats systems with reduced boat traffic that often translates to less wary permit populations.

Seasonal and Tidal Considerations

Understanding seasonal permit movements helps optimize trip timing for maximum success potential. Spring months generally provide peak fishing as permit move into shallow feeding areas following winter's deeper water residence. Water temperature increases trigger increased activity levels and more predictable feeding patterns.

Summer fishing requires early morning and late afternoon efforts to avoid excessive heat that drives permit into deeper, cooler waters. Focus efforts around structure that provides thermal relief while maintaining access to feeding opportunities.

Fall months often produce excellent fishing as permit feed heavily before winter's arrival. Cooler water temperatures extend optimal fishing periods throughout the day, while reduced boat traffic improves fishing conditions in popular areas.

Optimal tide phases vary by location but generally follow predictable patterns:

Incoming tides typically produce better results by concentrating baitfish and crabs
Moving water periods create feeding opportunities as prey becomes vulnerable
Slack tide phases often prove challenging as permit become less active
Moon phase influences affect feeding intensity with new and full moons often producing peak activity

Weather window selection becomes critical for permit fishing success. Moderate wind conditions provide ideal surface disturbance for approaching wary fish, while excessive wind creates presentation challenges and reduces sight fishing opportunities. Barometric stability generally correlates with better feeding activity, while rapidly changing pressure systems often shut down permit feeding.

Expert Insights from Captain Scott Fawcett

Captain Scott Fawcett's two decades of permit fishing experience in Florida waters provides invaluable insights that can dramatically improve any angler's success rate. His techniques, refined through thousands of hours pursuing these challenging gamefish, represent the cutting edge of permit fishing strategy and execution.

"The biggest mistake I see anglers make is overthinking the approach," Fawcett explains. "Permit fishing requires confidence and commitment. When you see a fish, you need to make your cast count because you rarely get second chances with these incredibly smart fish."

Fawcett's equipment modifications include subtle adjustments that provide significant advantages. He advocates for slightly heavier leaders than many anglers prefer—typically 25-30 lb fluorocarbon—arguing that the additional security outweighs minimal visibility increases. "I'd rather have a permit see my leader and refuse the bait than break off a fish of a lifetime on light tackle," he notes.

Reading permit behavior represents perhaps Fawcett's greatest expertise. He's developed the ability to distinguish feeding fish from simply cruising permit through subtle body language cues that most anglers miss. "Feeding permit show purposeful movement patterns and head-down postures. These fish will eat if you present bait properly. Cruising permit are just traveling and rarely take offerings regardless of presentation quality."

His seasonal insights reveal patterns that consistently produce results. "March through June represents peak permit season around Stuart, with April typically providing the most consistent action. Water temperatures reach optimal ranges while baitfish movements trigger aggressive feeding. During this period, we regularly encounter permit exceeding 40 pounds."

Fawcett emphasizes the importance of persistence and proper mindset. "Permit fishing isn't about catching large numbers of fish. It's about being prepared when opportunity presents itself. Some days you might see dozens of permit without getting a bite, then suddenly everything comes together and you hook the fish of a lifetime. The key is maintaining focus and executing perfectly when it matters."

His fighting techniques focus on maintaining steady pressure while avoiding common mistakes that lose fish. "Once you hook a large permit, the fight becomes a chess match. You need to prevent the fish from reaching structure while applying enough pressure to tire it out. Most lost fish result from anglers getting excited and applying excessive pressure too early in the fight."

Conservation and the Future of Permit Fishing

Permit populations in Florida waters remain stable overall, though these slow-growing fish require careful stewardship to ensure sustainable fishing opportunities. Their complex life cycle and vulnerability to overfishing make responsible angling practices essential for maintaining healthy populations.

Proper catch and release techniques prove critical for permit conservation. Support the fish's weight properly during landing and photography, minimize air exposure time, and ensure complete revival before release. Large permit may require several minutes of careful revival, particularly after extended fights in warm water.

Current Florida regulations include size and bag limits designed to protect permit populations. Stay informed about regulations as they may change based on population assessments. Support conservation efforts by practicing catch and release, protecting essential habitats like seagrass beds and coral reefs, and educating other anglers about responsible fishing practices. See Permit regulations for Florida: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/permit/

The future of permit fishing depends on maintaining the balance between fishing opportunity and conservation necessity. Climate change, coastal development, and water quality issues pose ongoing challenges requiring angler support for conservation initiatives.

Permit fishing represents the pinnacle of light tackle angling, combining technical expertise with the excitement of battling one of the ocean's most powerful fish. Success requires dedication, proper equipment, refined techniques, and persistence to capitalize on fleeting opportunities when these legendary gamefish cooperate.

The strategies outlined in this guide provide the foundation for permit fishing success, from selecting optimal spinning tackle to executing advanced fighting techniques. Whether targeting the giant permit of Stuart, Florida, or exploring the legendary flats of the Florida Keys, these proven methods will dramatically improve your success rate while enhancing your appreciation for these incredible gamefish.

Remember that permit fishing is ultimately about the experience rather than just the catch. Every encounter with these magnificent fish provides learning opportunities that make you a better angler, while the challenges they present create lasting memories that extend far beyond the fishing itself.

Slade In The Spread, Author