Bonefish & Permit Flies

Choosing the Right Flies for Bonefish & Permit

Both bonefish and permit feed in similar areas and often overlap on the flats, but their behavior and fly preferences can differ. The key is having a box of flies that covers different water depths, light conditions, and fish behavior. We carry proven bonefish and permit fly patterns that have produced time and time again here in the Florida Keys.

What Are the Best Flies for Bonefish and Permit?

There’s no single best fly, but a handful of patterns consistently produce. Here’s how we break it down:

Bonefish Flies - These fish love small, natural-looking shrimp & crustacean imitations. The #4 OG Merkin Crab in tan & cream is our favorite all-around pattern. It has the right size, color, and weight options to work in a variety of situations, from skinny water tailers to cruising fish in slightly deeper muds. Other effective options include shrimp patterns like the EP Spawning Shrimp and the classic Gotcha fly.

Permit Flies - Permit are notoriously finicky, but there are a few patterns we always have in our box. The Strong Arm Merkin is the go-to crab fly right now in the Keys. It lands soft, has great movement, and gets results. For permit that key in on shrimp, the EP Coyote Shrimp is deadly. Color and movement are important, but so is weight. Too heavy and you’ll spook the fish, too light and it won’t get down in time.

Matching Fly Weight to Water Depth

In the Keys, water depth can change by the minute. Tides flood flats quickly, and having flies with a range of sink rates makes all the difference.

• Lightly Weighted – For skinny water, especially when tailing bonefish are on hard-bottom flats.
• Medium Weight – Good all-around option for 1–2 ft depths where both bonefish and permit feed regularly.
• Heavier Flies – Needed when fishing in slightly deeper muds or around edges and channels, especially for permit.

Our curated bonefish & permit fly selection for the Keys & Bahamas includes a range of bonefish and permit flies in different weights so you can match conditions and tides as they change throughout the day.

Fly Colors That Work in the Keys

Keep it natural. In clear water, we tend to favor tan, cream, white, olive, and light pink. These colors blend with the flats bottom and match local forage.

• Tan and Cream – Classic Keys combo, ideal for crab and shrimp patterns.
• White or Olive – Great for clear water or fish in shallow light sand areas.
• Pink Accents – Adds subtle contrast that can trigger bites from both species.

Top Bonefish and Permit Fly Patterns

• OG Merkin Crab (#4) – Our favorite Keys bonefish fly. Tan/cream gets it done.
• Strong Arm Merkin – A must-have permit crab with movement and a soft landing.
• EP Coyote Shrimp – A top shrimp pattern that’s effective for permit and bonefish.
• Gotcha Variants – A staple bonefish shrimp pattern, especially in white or pearl.
• Spawning Shrimp – Great movement and realistic profile. Effective on both species.

Why Buy Bonefish and Permit Flies from Florida Keys Outfitters?

We don’t just sell flies: we guide, fish, and live for this fishery. Our fly selection is curated based on real-time feedback from Keys guides and anglers. When you order from FKO, you’re getting:

• Flies proven to work in Florida Keys conditions
• Options for different tides, water depths, and fish behavior
• Support from our expert staff if you need help selecting
• Fast shipping anywhere in the U.S.

Need help picking flies? Give us a call or drop by the shop. We’ll make sure you’ve got what you need for your next trip.

Tailing fish don’t wait. Make sure your fly box is ready!