Fly Fishing For Permit In The Florida Keys

• Posted on 4 March 2025
• By Florida Keys Outfitters

Florida Keys Outfitters' Introduction to Permit Fishing in the Florida Keys

Permit fishing in the Florida Keys is really the pinnacle of fly fishing challenges. These elusive fish are known for their sharp eyesight, skittish nature, and incredible power, making them a prize for any angler looking to test their skills on the flats. While landing a permit on the fly can be done in many saltwater destinations, catching a Keys’ Permit on the flats is the end of the road in terms of fly angling achievements for most.

The Florida Keys, especially areas like Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West, are renowned for having some of the best permit fishing in the world. These waters offer a unique combination of shallow flats, coral reefs, and wrecks, all prime environments for permit. For the seasoned angler, targeting permit in the Florida Keys is an experience like no other.

At Florida Keys Outfitters, we pride ourselves on decades of experience guiding anglers to success int this endeavor. Our team of guides understands the intricacies of permit fishing in these waters, from knowing the best spots to using the right tactics to entice an eat. This information will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your next permit fishing trip, including the best times to fish, the gear you’ll need, and techniques that may work.

Why Target Permit in the Florida Keys?

Permit are often considered the most challenging species to catch on a fly rod, earning them a spot in the “Big Three” of saltwater fly fishing, along with tarpon and bonefish. But what makes permit so special, and why do anglers flock to the Florida Keys to target them?

First, permit are incredibly wary fish. With excellent eyesight and a tendency to spook easily, even the slightest misstep in the skiff can cause them to blow out of the flat. Literally the light refraction from your leader extending in the air will spook these fish and ruin an encounter. They are known for their sharp lateral movements and unpredictable behavior, which makes getting them to take a fly difficult.

The Florida Keys provide the perfect habitat for permit. Shallow flats with turtle grass, coral reefs, and off-shore wrecks offer the ideal conditions for permit to feed and thrive. The waters around Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West are particularly productive, with permit often seen tailing on the flats during calm weather, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and other small marine life.

Permit in the Keys can grow quite large, with some fish exceeding 30 pounds. Their powerful runs and refusal to give up make every encounter a great battle if you are able to get hooked up. For many anglers, landing a permit is the culmination of years of fly fishing experience and growth, and doing so in the  Florida Keys only adds to the allure and comes with an added level of achievement vs catching a permit in the Yucatan or other places in the Caribbean. The Keys Permit are as difficult as they come.

Whether you're sight-fishing for permit on the flats or targeting them around deeper edges and channels (we don't target them off-shore), the challenge and reward of catching these fish is unmatched.

Best Time of Year to Fish for Permit

The best time to target permit in the Florida Keys varies slightly depending on the season, but these fish are available year-round in different environments. Check out our fishing calendar for more specifics, but understanding when and where to fish for permit is essential to increasing your chances of success.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to catch permit on the flats. As the water warms up, permit begin to move onto the flats in greater numbers, feeding actively and forming small schools. During this time, sight-fishing becomes highly productive, and anglers can often spot permit tailing in shallow waters, especially around Islamorada and Marathon. The clear water and calm winds of spring make it the ideal time for fly anglers to present small crab or shrimp patterns to hungry permit.

Summer (June to September)

Summer is prime permit season in the Florida Keys. With calm weather and predictable conditions, anglers can target large schools of permit on the flats and nearshore waters. The warm water temperatures during the summer months often bring the biggest permit to the flats, where they feed aggressively. Key West and the surrounding flats are particularly productive in the summer, with large numbers of permit tailing in shallow waters during early mornings and late afternoons. Sight-fishing opportunities are plentiful, and anglers can expect exciting encounters with these elusive fish.

Fall and Winter (October to February)

While permit fishing on the flats slows down during the fall and winter, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch permit around deeper edges and channels. During the cooler months, permit tend to move off the flats and into deeper waters, where they congregate around structure.

Whether you're targeting permit on the flats during the spring and summer or around deeper channels in the fall and winter, the Florida Keys offer year-round opportunities to catch these challenging fish.

Fly Fishing for Permit – Gear and Techniques

Having the right gear and techniques is crucial for success. Every aspect of your setup—from rod and reel to fly selection and presentation—needs to be dialed in.

Fly Rods

When targeting permit, a 9-10 weight fly rod is ideal. This weight class provides the strength and accuracy needed to cast larger flies, especially in windy conditions, while still offering enough backbone to handle the long runs permit are known for. Rods such as the Hardy Marksman Z, Orvis Helios 4, and G Loomis NRX+ S are perfect for the job and the top picks for our guides and customers, as they deliver the performance necessary for accurate casting and powerful casts in all types of conditions.

Fly Reels

A good fly reel with a smooth, powerful drag system is essential for fighting permit. Permit are known for making fast, powerful runs, so your reel needs to hold at least 150-300 yards of backing. Tibors and Hardys are excellent choices, and some of our favorites offering smooth drag systems that help control the fish during long battles.

Fly Lines, Leaders, and Flies

A good tropical floating fly line is the go-to choice for permit fishing in the Keys, especially when fishing the flats. The warm water can affect line performance, and a tropical line is designed to maintain its stiffness and durability in these conditions. New lines are always hitting the market, but some of our favorites are those that have a clear tip section or are clear at the entire length of the line. This can help with difficult shots where your angle of delivery has to be within the permit’s field of vision.

For leaders, we prefer custom tied leaders, as most tapered leaders on the market aren’t going to fit our needs. For permit fishing, we want a full fluorocarbon leader terminating with anywhere from 12-20lb tippet, depending on conditions. We hand-tie all our custom leaders in the shop.

When it comes to fly selection, crab and shrimp patterns are the most effective for permit. Flies like the Merkin Crab, Avalon Shrimp, and Raghead Crab are all popular choices. These flies should be tied in natural colors like tan, olive, and brown to match the forage that permit feed on. However, sometimes bright colors can be the ticket as seen in the photo below. Presentation is everything when fly fishing for permit, and being able to place the fly softly in front of a feeding fish without spooking it is key. If you’re looking for permit flies specific to the keys, check out our premade assortments of patterns proven to work here in Islamorada and the Keys.

Techniques for Success:

Stealth is essential when approaching permit. Anglers should make long, accurate casts and use subtle presentations to avoid spooking the fish. When a permit takes the fly, it's crucial to use a strip-set rather than raising the rod tip (trout set), as this ensures a solid hookset in the permit’s mouth and will avoid frustration from you and your guide. If you're in the zone but not getting an eat, its important to try and read the body language of the fish and make adjustments accordingly.

Because permit are unpredictable and may reject a fly at the last moment, patience and persistence are necessary to succeed. Being able to quickly adjust your casting distance, fly selection, or retrieve speed can often be the difference between landing a permit and watching one swim away.

Best Permit Fishing Zones in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer a variety of productive locations for permit fishing, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re stalking the flats or targeting permit around deeper edges, knowing where to fish is key to your success.

Islamorada:

Often referred to as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is home to some of the best flats fishing in the Keys. The shallow waters surrounding the islands provide ideal conditions for sight-fishing permit. Permit here are known to tail on the flats during low tide, making Islamorada a hotspot for anglers looking to target them with a fly.

Marathon:

Marathon is known for its diverse fishing environments, from open flats to seagrass beds and nearshore structure. Offering a mix of flats and channels, it is a productive area for permit fishing throughout the year. During the summer months, permit can be found tailing on the flats, while in the cooler months, anglers can target them around deeper channels. Marathon’s relatively calm waters make it an excellent destination for both novice and experienced anglers.

Key West:

As one of the most popular fishing destinations in the Florida Keys, Key West offers prime opportunities for permit fishing, particularly in the summer. The flats surrounding the island are known for holding large schools of permit, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when the water is calm. This area provides some of the best sight-fishing opportunities for permit in the entire Keys. The shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for spotting permit tailing on the flats​.

The Lower Keys:

The Lower Keys offer more remote and less crowded fishing spots for permit. The quiet flats of the Lower Keys provide excellent opportunities for sight-fishing permit, particularly during the summer months when the water is warm and the winds are calm. In addition to flats fishing, the deep channels in the Lower Keys are productive for permit during the fall and winter, when cooler temperatures push the fish into deeper waters​.

Whether you’re fly fishing the flats in Islamorada or targeting permit around the Lower Keys, the Florida Keys provide year-round opportunities to land fish.

DIY Permit Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys

For anglers looking to take on the challenge of permit fishing on their own, the Florida Keys offer some accessible flats. While hiring a professional guide increases your chances of success tenfold, many anglers find satisfaction in targeting permit solo. However, DIY permit fly fishing requires careful planning, the right equipment, and the understanding that it may take dozens of outings to get shots when restricted to wading flats connected to public roads and access.

Best DIY Locations for Permit Fishing

For DIY anglers, some of the best locations include the flats around the Middle Keys and the Marathon - 7 Mile Bridge area. These areas offer accessible shore-based fishing or opportunities for wading the flats.

Challenges of DIY Permit Fishing

While very unlikely, it’s possible to catch permit on your own, but there are several challenges to be aware of:

• Navigating Tides: Permit are highly sensitive to tides, and knowing how tides impact their feeding patterns is crucial. Fishing during the wrong tide can make it almost impossible to find or catch permit. Not to mention being at the wrong place during the wrong tidal push can be a problem for the wade or small craft angler.
• Finding Permit: Unlike with guided trips, where the captain takes you directly to the fish, DIY anglers must rely on their own knowledge and experience to locate permit. This can be particularly difficult given the fish’s nature, limited DIY flats, and expansiveness of the Florida Keys
• Casting Precision: Permit are notorious for rejecting flies, even when presented perfectly. DIY anglers need to be prepared for long days of looking, adjusting, and walking to get a shot, and even then, everything has to line up perfectly.
• Not Having A Vessel: This is the biggest challenge of finding DIY permit. If you can get your hands on a personal watercraft like a kayak or paddleboard, you will increase your chances of spotting Permit greatly. Please be careful in small crafts during heavy tidal flows and inclement weather. 

While DIY permit fishing in the Florida Keys is a rewarding challenge, it requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the local waters. For those new to permit fishing, hiring a guide for the first few trips can help you learn the best techniques and locations before venturing out on your own.

Conservation and Sustainable Permit Fishing

Permit are a vital part of the Florida Keys’ ecosystem, and their importance goes beyond their value as a sought-after sportfish. At Florida Keys Outfitters, we are committed to sustainable fishing practices that ensure permit populations remain healthy for future generations of anglers to enjoy. Conservation is key to maintaining the vibrant fishing culture in the Keys, and every angler plays a part in preserving this unique resource.

Catch-and-Release Best Practices

Permit are primarily catch-and-release fish in Florida, and it’s important to handle these fish carefully to minimize stress and injury. Proper catch-and-release practices not only protect the fish but also help maintain the overall health of the local ecosystem. Here are a few key tips to ensure the safe release of permit:

• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible: Lifting a permit out of the water can cause unnecessary stress. Take any photos with the fish as quick as possible and get them back in the water. This is a relatively new practice and certainly was not commonplace through the late 90s and early 2000s, but it is almost universal now. 
• Minimize handling time: Permit are strong, but handling them for extended periods weakens them and increases their recovery time. Always aim to release the fish as quickly as possible. This also will help prevent the permit from falling victim to predation minutes or even hours after release.
• Avoid Shark Predation: Shark predation has become a significant issue in the Florida Keys, especially for permit populations being fished on wrecks. This sparked the BeTT initiative to close key spawning sites like Western Dry Rocks. While sometime predation is unavoidable, please do your best to be aware of sharks in your fishing area and do you best to prevent your trophy from becoming a lunch time snack. 

At FKO, our guides are trained in proper catch-and-release techniques and will help ensure that each fish is returned to the water safely. By following these best practices, anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching permit while contributing to the long-term health of the species.

Why Conservation Matters

Permit play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Permit fishing is a significant part of the Florida Keys economy, attracting anglers from around the world. Protecting this resource through sustainable fishing practices ensures that the Florida Keys remain a top destination for anglers.

FKO is proud to work alongside organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to promote sustainable fishing and habitat conservation. These efforts help protect not only permit but also other important species that contribute to the unique biodiversity of the Florida Keys.

Preparing for Your Permit Fishing Trip

Whether you’re planning a guided trip or a DIY adventure, being properly prepared is essential to making the most of your time on the water. The Florida Keys are known for their unpredictable weather and tidal changes, and having the right gear and knowledge can make all the difference.

What to Pack for a Permit Fishing Trip

Packing the right gear will ensure you’re ready for the diverse conditions you may face while targeting permit. Here’s a checklist of essential items:

• Rods and Reels: As mentioned earlier, a 9-10 weight fly rod is best for permit. Make sure your reel has a strong drag system and can hold at least 200-300 yards of backing.
• Fly Lines: Bring several lines with you for a multitude of conditions, especially if you have a limited arsenal of rods. It also never hurts to have some spares in the event you break a line or loose it. 
• Flies: Make sure to bring a variety of crab and shrimp patterns in natural colors like tan, brown, and olive. The flies we mentioned earlier are a great place to start.
• Protective Clothing: The Florida sun can be intense, so bring lightweight, UV-protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, hat, and polarized sunglasses to reduce glare while spotting fish. Polarized glasses are a must for any flats angler. 
• Rain Gear: Afternoon rain showers are common in the Keys, particularly during the summer. A lightweight, breathable rain jacket will keep you dry without causing overheating. Don’t leave the dock without it!
• Food and Water: Whether you’re on a half-day or full-day trip, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized. Most guides in the Florida Keys don’t provide food and drink. In fact, it is a great practice to offer to bring your guide lunch as they will be working hard poling the boat to get you into position to catch a permit. 

Understanding the Weather and Tides

The weather in the Florida Keys can change quickly, and the tides play a significant role in determining when and where to find permit. Here are some tips on how to navigate the conditions:

• Wind: The wind in the Florida Keys can be a major factor, especially in the afternoons. Calm mornings offer the best conditions for sight-fishing, while stronger afternoon winds can make casting more challenging. Plan your trip around early mornings or late afternoons when possible.
• Tides: Permit are highly sensitive to tidal movements. Incoming tides bring baitfish, shrimp, and crabs onto the flats, making this an ideal time to target permit. Conversely, outgoing tides often push permit off the flats and into deeper waters, where they can be targeted around channels and deep edges as they look for an escape from the flats.
• Rain: Summer is the rainy season in the Florida Keys, so be prepared for sudden showers. While rain may temporarily disrupt fishing, it often cools the air and water, leading to better fishing conditions on the flats once it passes. We also preach not leaving the dock without your rain gear, it just doesn’t make sense to leave it!

By packing the right gear and understanding the local weather patterns, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy a successful trip in the Florida Keys.

Need help preparing for your trip? Contact us with questions and check out our online store for all the gear you’ll need.

FAQs about Permit Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys

Planning a permit fly fishing trip to the Florida Keys comes with a few common questions. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear at the shop.

What is the best time of year for permit fly fishing in the Florida Keys?
The best time for permit fishing on the flats is from March through September, when the water is warm and permit are actively feeding in the shallows. However, permit can be found year-round, particularly around deeper structure and channels during the fall and winter. If planning a winter permit fishing trip, it’s best to look for warming trends in the forecast, this can help get more permit up onto the flats.

What gear do I need for permit fly fishing?
A 9-10 weight fly rod, a saltwater reel with a strong drag system, and at least 200-300 yards of backing are essential. You'll also need a good saltwater fly line and a thorough selection of crab and shrimp fly patterns, like a Merkin Crab and Avalon Shrimp.

Where are the best places to catch permit in the Florida Keys?
The best spots for permit fishing include the flats around Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, and the Lower Keys. These areas offer productive flats where permit can be found tailing, especially during the warmer months. For deeper water fishing, the deep edges and channels off the coast of the Lower Keys are excellent options in the cooler months.

Can I fly fish for permit on my own in the Florida Keys?
Yes, it is possible to DIY permit fly fish, but it can be challenging without the local knowledge of a guide and a skiff. Some flats around Key West and the Lower Keys are accessible for shore-based anglers or those with small boats. However, permit are notoriously difficult to locate and catch, so hiring a professional guide significantly increases your chances of success.

What is the best technique for catching permit on the fly?
Permit are skittish fish with sharp eyesight, so stealth and casting accuracy are critical. Use a strip-set when a permit takes the fly, and avoid raising the rod tip too early. Flies should be presented delicately, and patience is key, as permit are known for rejecting flies even after showing interest.

Permit fly fishing in the Florida Keys is a unique challenge that offers both frustration and immense satisfaction. These fish are known for their intelligence, strength, and ability to test even the most experienced anglers. However, the reward of landing a permit makes every moment of effort worth it.

At Florida Keys Outfitters, we can help you get it done. Give us a call or book online and we will see you on the water!