South Florida Fishing Charters
                                                             Ft. Lauderdale, Miami & Biscayne Bay

About South Florida Inshore & Flats Permit Fishing

About Permit Fishing

Sight fishing for permit is the ideal method of permit fishing. To maximize the thrill of catching this prized fish you want to cast your crab or fly and watch the permit eat. The three main elements of permit fishing are the same as bonefish; stalking, presentation and catching. As with any sight fishing, seeing your prey is important for increasing your success. Making the proper presentation with your crab is the most difficult hurdle. If all goes well, catching this hard fighting silver disk will give you one of the best light tackle fights possible.

Permit fishing is confined to the tropics. South Florida is one the most popular permit destinations because of its proximity to a large metropolitan area. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach provide easy access to flats fishing and fly fishing for permit in the Florida Keys chain of islands from Key Biscayne to Key West. Local residents and visitors from around the world enjoy flats fishing for permit in this pristine shallow water paradise. A 45 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key Biscayne/Miami makes Biscayne Bay the most convenient flats fishing in South Florida.

Permit can be caught year-round in the local waters of Key Biscayne and on the flats of Biscayne Bay, around Stiltsville and into Biscayne National park. With a moderate winter and the proximity of the Gulf Stream, South Florida flats fishing for permit remains consistent all year. Permit fishing in Miami is most productive however, during the summer months. Although permit can be found on the flats any time of the year, February through November are the best months, with May through September being the prime time. Permit like the warmer water and the higher summer sun will make spotting them much easier. Spawning occurs primarily in May and June in the near-shore waters of the Florida Keys. Then they return to the flats and channels in larger numbers during the peak summer months from July to November. February though June would be my second choice, if you can drag yourself away from the tarpon.

Permit are generally caught using live bait such as shrimp and crabs. However, for those anglers desiring a greater challenge and are skilled at casting a fly rod, fly fishing for permit is the ultimate test of skill. Weather bait or fly fishing for permit accuracy of the cast is crucial. Fly fishing for permit in Miami is best from June through September.

South Florida Backcountry & Inshore Charter Fishing