Jacks
Permit Fishing in Florida
The hardest flats fish to catch on a fly, cruising Keys flats and wrecks. Permit love crabs.
- Waters
- 2
- State
- Florida
- Water
- Saltwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Best Months in Florida: Mar to Jun
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Florida fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionPlan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Permit
1 picks for October.
Live Crabs Silver dollar size
BaitLive Bait
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Rod & Reel
Permit Setup
Fly
9 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, floating tropical line, 16 to 20 lb leader, crab patterns.
Spin / Cast
7 ft medium spinning rod, 4000 reel, 20 lb braid, live crab on a 2/0 hook.
Florida
Where to Catch Permit
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Coupon Bight
A shallow Atlantic-side aquatic preserve just south of Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys, home to bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook.
Bonefish · Permit · Tarpon
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Florida Keys
Flats for bonefish, permit, and tarpon; reef and offshore for snapper, grouper, and mahi.
Tarpon · Bonefish · Permit
Florida
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Permit
Flies
Bonefish Fly Assortment
Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and shrimp patterns for the flats.
Check PriceFly Rods
Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 10 wt Fly Rod
Backbone for big flies, heavy wind, and fish that run into the backing.
Check PriceSunglasses
Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.
Check Price