The Elusive Permit
Another year, another Belize grand slam adventure that unfortunately did not result in any grand slams. While we all had a great time, the elusive grand slam continued to evade us. We managed to catch numerous tarpon ranging from 8 to 35 pounds, both in the rivers and on the flats. The thrilling jumps and powerful runs of these silver kings made for an unforgettable experience. In addition, we also hooked into some snook and bonefish, adding even more variety to our catches. However, as always, the permit proved to be stubborn and uncooperative, refusing to eat our flys. Despite this setback, we still had an amazing time exploring the beautiful waters of Belize and chasing after these prized game fish.
We spent a week at the rustic and quaint Belize River Lodge, nestled in close proximity to bustling Belize City. Despite its humble appearance, this lodge offered an array of fishing opportunities for us to explore. We ventured out to the Sabun River and its numerous tributaries, each one teeming with life. This was a true blessing, as the jungle had unleashed its wrath with a heavy downpour the day after our arrival. Undeterred by the deluge, we found ourselves in the midst of fantastic fishing, hooking several tarpon weighing up to 35 pounds. The relentless rain pelted down on us as we reeled in these powerful creatures.
In the days that followed, our options were limited to the smaller tributaries as the main river swelled and turned a murky chocolate brown. But this only added to the excitement, as we discovered that the tarpon were concentrated at the mouth of these tributaries. With just about every cast, we hooked into another tarpon, feeling the exhilaration as we fought against their strength and agility. And in between catching tarpon, we also managed to reel in some snook scattered throughout the system.
After days of heavy rain, the well known blackwater system was now a murky, turbulent Chocolate mess. Disappointed but undeterred, we turned our attention to the flats located about 10 miles off shore. The endless expanse of shallow water stretched out before us, inviting us to explore its depths. Polling our way through the still waters, searching for any sign of life, was a serene and captivating experience in itself.
But today, our goal was not just to catch any fish - it was to target all four species of the grand slam. This meant we had to be even more vigilant, constantly scanning the surface for any movement or glimmer that could lead us to our prize. And of course, the most elusive and difficult to catch under these conditions was the permit. These silver-scaled creatures were true masters at hiding in plain sight, making one false cast or wrong move enough for them to vanish into the blue abyss.
But despite their challenges and reputation as "The Ghosts of the Flats," we were determined to succeed in catching this elusive gamefish. Many have been left heartbroken by their cunning nature and stealthy ways, but as an aspiring Grand Slam enthusiast myself, I couldn't resist the thrill and challenge they presented.
The permit, also known as Trachinotus falcatus, is a highly sought-after game fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the Carangidae family and primarily feeds on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish.
Taxonomically, the permit was originally classified as Labrus falcatus but has since been placed in its own genus, Trachinotus. In fact, it is the type species for this genus.
Its genus name, Trachinotus, comes from the fusion of two Greek words: trachys meaning "rough" and noton meaning "back." This name likely refers to the rough texture of its dorsal fin. The species name, falcatus, is a Latin adjective that means "armed with scythes," a nod to the distinctive shape of its dorsal fin when surfaced feeding.
The common name, permit, may have come from the Spanish word palometa or from a Doric variant of the ancient Greek word pēlamús meaning "young tuna."
In terms of anatomy and morphology, permit can be identified by their elongated dorsal and anal fins. Their tails are deeply forked and their bodies are laterally compressed. They typically have six or seven dorsal spines and 18 to 21 soft rays. The anal fin has two or three spines and 16 to 18 soft rays. Both fins have dark anterior lobes. Permit lack scutes and have an orange-yellow patch on their abdomens in front of their anal fins. Their pectoral fins are also dark in color.
These fish can reach lengths up to 122 cm and weigh up to 36 kg according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Permit are commonly found in shallow tropical waters near mudflats, channels, and muddy bottoms. While they may be found close to shore and in some brackish areas, they typically spawn offshore. Young permit can be found feeding on small invertebrates in the surf zone. They are distributed throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil and including most Caribbean islands.
The honor of the permit fish has been recognized through two submarines of the United States Navy named USS Permit, following the theme of "denizens of the deep" for submarine names before 1971.
Catching a Permit on the fly requires a significant investment of time and money, as well as mastery of your casting technique. being accurate and delicate is crucial to success. These elusive fish are a prized catch in shallow waters, with their distinctive black tail announcing their presence as they search for food along the bottom. However, they are also incredibly selective and easily spooked. If you don't have proper manners when offering them a meal, they will turn and swim away without hesitation. That's why many anglers pursue Permit while on trips for the Grand Slam trio of Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. With good conditions and tides, you may get a few chances to hook one.
When targeting Permit, you will typically be in a flat-bottomed boat or Panga, with your guide navigating the waters in search of schools of fish. This position provides the best vantage point for scanning the expansive ocean. Unlike Bonefish, Permit are not commonly found in large groups, so it's necessary to cover a larger area to locate them. They are usually found at depths between 2-5 feet, though there may be exceptions such as "blue holes," although these are rare occurrences. The ocean floor where Permit reside can vary from white sandy bottoms to turtle grass, coral, and mud. Sometimes, they can be seen trailing behind Sting Rays, feeding on small crabs that are stirred up by their movement. On rare occasions, they may also follow other species like Jacks or Bonefish. For fishing in shallow waters, anglers prefer spotting the fish and approaching on foot rather than casting from the boat. Popular destinations for catching Permit include Belize, Mexico, Florida Keys, and Cuba; however.
Crabs make up the majority of their diet. These creatures have an innate sense for hunting down small crabs that hide in the ocean floor. In certain regions, Permit fish may also hunt shrimp, making a large shrimp lure a successful choice for fishing. However, I decide to take my guide's suggestion and use a shrimp lure due to its greater precision and ability to stay connected with the fish when reeling it in. Nevertheless, crabs are still the preferred meal for Permit fish. Although they may occasionally eat minnows, most guides do not recommend using them as bait.
Selecting the right fly for Permit fishing can be a challenging task. What works for one person may not work for another, and even experienced guides may have different opinions on what makes the perfect fly. To be prepared, it's important to have a variety of high-quality crab patterns in different weights and colors. Our shop has curated a collection of what we believe are the best Permit flies available. Keep in mind that crab patterns should match their surroundings, so having a range of colors is essential. Depending on the day, a guide may prefer tan or green crabs, depending on the habitat. Be flexible and know how to change your own flies and tie your own knots. The guide may suggest using heavier or lighter flies based on factors like currents, water depth, and wind. The key is to make sure your crab lands gently near the fish's head and has enough weight to mimic a swimming crab heading towards the bottom. However, this process is not as simple as it appears!
When it comes to choosing the best leader material for fishing, most people agree that 16# Fluorocarbon is the top choice. Personally, I prefer using a 9' leader of the same strength, specifically designed for saltwater and bonefish. It has proven effective for me thus far, and I always make sure to have extra leaders on hand in case my tippet becomes damaged or tangled. However, if we're fishing in calm, shallow waters with lightweight flies, my guide may recommend adding an additional 2-3' of 12-16# Fluorocarbon tippet. Although this may slightly compromise accuracy, it could potentially be beneficial. Ultimately, I trust my guide's expertise and follow their advice, knowing it will also boost morale on the boat.
As you set out on your quest to catch a Permit, it’s important to enjoy yourself, but also be prepared for the challenges that await. You’ll need to have thick skin and not feel discouraged if luck isn’t on your side. Even experienced fishermen have days where they don’t catch anything. However, there are ways to improve your chances of success - do your homework and ensure you have the appropriate equipment. When out on the water, be prepared for any situation and understand what is required of you.
Don't fret if you miss a chance while permit fishing - your guide will always have valuable tips to share. Accept them with gratitude and use the experience to enhance your abilities for future tries. Even though permit fishing can bring excitement and pure happiness, there may also be moments where you doubt your sanity. Spending endless days without a catch may seem insane, yet it's not uncommon for anglers to already be planning their next trip before the current one has concluded.
If you are new to Permit fishing, it may be helpful to schedule dedicated days during your week-long trip solely for this challenging species. However, don't let your pride interfere - there are many other worthwhile fish to catch such as Bonefish, Snook, or Baby Tarpon. Don't miss out on these opportunities in the pursuit of crossing off a checkmark on your fishing bucket list.
Despite not achieving any Grand Slams, this year's Belize Grand Slam Adventure was a memorable experience filled with exciting encounters and breathtaking scenery. Alongside my close friends, we fully immersed ourselves in the vibrant Belizean culture and had an incredible time. Despite facing obstacles, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip while exploring the diverse fishing opportunities in this stunning country.
Until our next Grand Slam Adventure in 2025, where we will have the opportunity to stay at two fantastic lodges and take full advantage of their offerings, we will continue to dream of finally achieving "The Grand Slam".
