How to catch Permit

Trachinotus falcatus

Permit are the ultimate flats challenge, a spooky, crab-eating gamefish that completes the flats 'grand slam' with bonefish and tarpon.

Where to find them

Flats, channels, wrecks, and reefs

Season

Year-round; best on calm, sunny days

Best baits & lures for Permit

live crabscrab flies

Present a crab ahead of a tailing or cruising fish. Permit are notoriously selective, so a precise, subtle presentation is everything.

Timing matters as much as tackle. Baitful reads the tide stage, pressure trend, solunar windows and weather at your spot and scores the bite, so you fish Permit when conditions line up.

Where to catch Permit

Catching Permit: FAQ

What's the best bait for Permit?

Proven options include live crabs, crab flies. Present a crab ahead of a tailing or cruising fish. Permit are notoriously selective, so a precise, subtle presentation is everything.

When is the best time to catch Permit?

Year-round; best on calm, sunny days. Day to day, moving water and low-light periods around dawn and dusk usually fish best.

Where do you find Permit?

Look for Flats, channels, wrecks, and reefs. Anglers target them at spots like the Florida Keys, Belize.

Time your next Permit trip

Free live conditions, Bite Score, and what's biting now.

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