Permit
Trachinotus falcatus
Least Concern
The holy grail of flats fishing. Permit are the wariest, most challenging fish on the shallow flats of the Florida Keys, completing the legendary 'Grand Slam' with tarpon and bonefish. Catching a permit on fly is considered one of angling's greatest achievements.
Behavior
Highly cautious and spooky on the flats. Tails while feeding on crabs in shallow water — their sickle-shaped black tail waving above the surface is the classic sight-fishing signal. Schools on deeper wrecks and reefs but becomes solitary or paired on the flats.
⚠️ Safety
Strong fish that can cut hands with gill plates during release. Use heavy tippet/leader — permit have abrasive mouths.
Fun Facts
- Part of the legendary Keys 'Grand Slam' with tarpon and bonefish
- Catching one on fly is considered the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing
- Can weigh over 60 pounds — the world record is 60 lbs from Fort Lauderdale
- Their sickle-shaped black tail fin gives them away when feeding in skinny water
Where to See
Florida Keys
coastal120-mile chain of tropical islands. World-class snorkeling, diving, and saltwater fishing. The only ...
Mosquito Lagoon
coastalThe Redfish Capital of the World. Shallow brackish lagoon within Canaveral National Seashore. Legend...
Biscayne National Park
coastal95% underwater park protecting coral reefs, mangrove shoreline, and the northern Florida Keys. Incre...
Dry Tortugas National Park
coastalRemote island fortress 70 miles west of Key West. Pristine snorkeling and diving among coral reefs a...
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Permit from similar species.
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