Permit 101 // How to Fly Fish for Permit

[@poems35]

Excellent instruction. I am 82 and just got back from a DIY trip. I hooked and played a nice Permit for about 20 minutes before having it throw the hook near me. I had a barbless fly and let up on the pressure when the fish was close. My excuse. Never say never. If one gets to know an area where they hangs out you can get Permit. In some ways casting to a Permit while wading is better. No need to worry about the boat movement and less chance of being seen. I would not complain about any methods used to catch these wonderful fish. Yeah, I also got a 9lb Bonefish on this trip. I found that catching this fish is not much different than catching smaller Bonefish except for the battle. Yes you do need to be in good condition. That can keep you fishing into your 80s like me.

[@tjdevel07]

Heading to Antigua for Christmas and hoping to sneak out for a few hours here and there. This has been invaluable, thank you!

[@redsflyshop]

I have not, but sounds amazing. So many places out there...

[@skorflyfishing]

My first thought was how does a guy that lives in the PNW near a trout stream have enough time in to teach us about permit fishing? Then I watched the video. Once again, super teaching. Best I have seen, and 100% spot on. I saved this one to my library. Thank you!

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Skor, really appreciate the nice words. Permit are a cool species, just don't get hooked. You'll miss out on a lot of good Bonefish fishing!

[@skorflyfishing]

@@redsflyshop Too late! I'm toast.😵‍💫

[@t-jh4236]

I've been fly fishing since 1992 mostly in Alaska. Kenia River, Russian River, Anchor River, Kasilof River, Naknek River. Recently moved to Texas and started fly fishing for saltwater species. Never stop learning. No one knows it all. Great video. Very informative. Thank you. I also rock an 8 wt T&T Sextant, but prefer a Hardy Zane reel.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks for the props, appreciate it. Hope you are enjoying the weather in Texas! Sounds nice. Freezing here in the PNW (by our standards not AK:)

[@adriangadd6888]

First class presentation there! This is worthy of all anglers to watch....

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you Adrian, super appreciated!

[@jmichaelwatt4069]

Well done Joe! Amazing fishing sequence at the start and then great advice. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@mattpardy2826]

Bucket list fish! Also enjoying the more frequent uploads

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Matt, got some help with other tasks here am able to put a bit more time into the video stuff.

[@willblair1077]

I agree if the Permit races towards your fly. Stops or tips that fly is in its mouth. I believe many times people only feel the take when the fly is leaving the fishes mouth. Set the hook. Nice presentation Joe.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Will! Hope you are well sir. These are the things you learn after you blow lot of ops right?!!! ahahah. I wish I could have back some of the shots I've missed.

[@keng9064]

Another great video. Love the T&T rod. You can’t go wrong with the Tibor.

[@tomt5176]

Hey Joe, where you going with that rod in your hand? I just rewatched your permit video upon returning home from Belize. You hit the nail on the head with this video and I had a couple laughs too. Took me and my buddy about 3-4 days just to see them whether you get a shot at them or not. The sixth and last day brought redemption and a permit to each of us right at the buzzer! Small lightly weighted crab patterns stripped long and super slowly or shrimp patterns lightly weighted stripped steadily in short smooth pulses just as a real one would swim. Excellent job with the instructions. BTW I commented on your Patagonia trip recently. Thanks for all the good stuff you’re sharing with us.

[@redsflyshop]

Congrats on the Permit that is awesome! Way to go and thanks for the views and the kind words.

[@kevingeary1472]

Awesome video! Can't wait to catch one myself. Just got back from practice casting in the park dreaming of the fork tail devil ripping accross the flat.

[@Dressagevids]

Suggesting breaking a bonefish off so you can get a shot at a Permit pretty much sums it up!

[@interestedfollower4207]

Great video. Very useful information on catching permit. Thanks for sharing your tips

[@redsflyshop]

You bet thanks for watching, really appreciate it!

[@timtollett8513]

Personally, I have found extra large bonefish (over 10 lbs.) in the same class as permit. They eat in the same manner. Your comment about permit being more difficult than bonefish is well put, except when dealing with very large bones. Great content!

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Tim, yes, big ol' 10+ year old Bones are finicky.

[@rainnants]

Those west side bones...

[@BlueLinerMedia]

I was the 101 view for permit 101!

[@redsflyshop]

I see a Permit in your immediate future. Good mojo!

[@BlueLinerMedia]

@@redsflyshop I receive that! Haha love your stuff! Tight lines!

[@domj345]

Great Video with awesome advise! What sunglasses are you using?

[@gregg5303]

Joe, Thanks for the great vid! Please explain the knots you use for adding tippet and attaching the fly. Will be heading to Cuba soon for the experience. Thanks Gregg

[@redsflyshop]

Good questions Gregg, for tippet that is essentially the same diameter I go Triple Surgeon's Knot, for a change in diameter I like a Double Uni Knot (or a Blood Knot). By that point however, I am usually putting on a new leader altogether. For tying my fly on, I like a "Non Slip Mono Loop Knot".

[@redsflyshop]

Here is a link to that knot kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJjakmVjodSXlbc

[@gregg5303]

@@redsflyshop Many thanks for "Excellence" of your presentations!

[@markgreer3560]

VERY insightful and helpful. Thanks. I did not know that you need to do a 'check' mini strip when the Permit dips down (tails) toward the crab pattern. I thought that you just kept stripping until you felt the weight of the fish once it was hooked? GREAT instruction. I have a 7-weight Scott Tidal with a Rio tropical line that I've used for Bonefish. It works quite well for Bonefish and moderate wind. Not sure whether it's well suited for heavy wind? Thought about moving up to a 9 or 10-weight Scott Wave or another rod to help going up against the wind. Thanks, Joe. - Mark

[@redsflyshop]

Hi Mark, thanks for the nice words. I would consider a heavier rod for Permit, the #9 seems to cast the heavy fly more accurately without having to "stand on the throttle" allowing you to actually make a softer shot even though the rod itself might be heavier. Good luck on your next outing!

[@timknebel9730]

Great video as always Joe. I could have used this information last week! Take care,

[@redsflyshop]

Where were you Tim?

[@timknebel9730]

@@redsflyshop Joe, we were in Belize. Caught a couple Bone Fish, but Permit remain above my pay grade!

[@redsflyshop]

@@timknebel9730 Just add time and money. hahaha = Permit landed.

[@howler_bros]

This is super bueno. Good insights amigo ⚡⚡⚡

[@doughirsch9930]

Great video!

[@TheMiamiWood]

Hi Joe, how many permit have you got with your fly rod?

[@kylewebster3482]

Nice vid! How have you been liking the sextant? Is it your new 8 weight, or just fishing it for the trip?

[@redsflyshop]

Very nice rod. I wouldn't run out and replace anything with it ( I have Winston AIR Salts, NRX+ S's) and a few others but if I was starting fresh - no top end 8/9/10 - then it would be a strong consideration. Problem is getting them. T and T is in so much demand it can be impossible to find them. We have them on order but it's going to be a while so if you are shopping be prepared to pre-order.

[@kylewebster3482]

@@redsflyshop Thanks Joe! Have been thinking about getting another 8 as a backup, also get into situations where I would like to have two 8 weights rigged at once. I've been considering the nrx plus and sextant.

[@redsflyshop]

@@kylewebster3482 Both excellent rods. I like all of these rods, we sell all of them so I don't have a dog in the fight. Pre-order the SEXTANT right away. It's a long waiting list!

[@Nrussell11]

Do you have any familiarity with the Echo Prime?

[@redsflyshop]

I have only cast it in the lawn, never a real "field test", I thought the rod was a fine caster.

[@poems35]

@@redsflyshop I just got back from a trip. I used and fought a Permit on the Echo Boost Blue 9 ft 8wt and a RIO Saltwater WF line. Only a short cast was needed. The rod seemed like a lot of work to cast compared to my 7wt Winston Boron. Do I need a different line? I am 82, maybe the 8wt is too much for me now?

[@bssaassin1900]

When I 1st heard of the term permit fishing I thought wait you need a permit to fly fish in some areas? Then realized oh permit is a species of fish lol

[@davescheer5038]

🌴what’s your favorite crab or shrimp pattern , ? I’ve never specifically went fishing for permit , are they in Tampa bay waters that you know of , and if so what areas , 🤔

[@redsflyshop]

If I had to choose one Permit Crab, it would be the Casa Blanca Raghead in Tan. I am familiar with Tampa Bay at all, but have never heard of Permit there. I think you'll need to be in the Keys. redsflyfishing.com/products/rainys-casa-blanca-raghead-crab?variant=31249965547593

[@anthonyhenderson8866]

Just spent 5 hours sighting, casting and having follows and NO takes. Most frustrating, adrenaline sucking fish i have chased - Day 1 Permit 1 - Hendo 0. Watched your video - let get a 1 - 1

[@redsflyshop]

Hey good luck! That sounds familiar. Damn they are picky right? Hang in there and embrace the struggle. It is exhausting, well put on the adrenaline suck. I once went 6 consecutive trips without a Permit landed, that is like 30 days. Not all dedicated to Permit, but at least half were. Then it seems like you show up, happy Permit, one cast... boom. Fish on.

[@Arvydas_M]

Born in the wrong country... In the wrong part of the world... I wonder do anglers realise how lucky they are to have a back door Permit fishing, or Permit fishing in their home country, or at least short distance travel to Permit fishing areas... The dream is all what is left for others.

[@aaronberndt9343]

Not tryna be a hater because I love your content. But your comment about not being a distraction I get it, at the same time it’s like you play thousands of dollars to potentially not catch a fish. I feel like you should be able to have fun while your out there.