March Permit Fishing in Key West
The flats Fishing for permit with my anglers was ok with some decent shots and catches when I was on the flats but the last bit of the month was chronic with wind. Fishing in the wind is not that big of a problem for me in March especially when the winds are consistent, this year they were not.. NorthWest then SouthEast and then South.. The shifts are problematic as the water, the fish and the shallows have to adjust. It can really alter the behavior of permit in their daily routine.
The fish showcased here was a tailer we saw on the flat I was working in my Yellowfin 24 Carbon Elite bay boat.. He was spotted working the last of a falling tide up in the skinny water. This fish was hanging out with a few buddies. Using my Power Pole Move trolling motor I was able to quietly get up nice and shallow to get Chris a shot. The winds made the cast really tough as the permit kept working into the current looking for a last minute snack before the tide was too low for them.
After a few shots that resulted in the fish juking us. Chris then pulled it off with a nice “Air Bender” crab toss. I am certain it was a 65ft long cast – Cross Wind!!! Bam!! right in front of the four fish. Once the permit ate the crab it was BURN Time on the drag as he peeled through the grass looking for an escape. Chris kept the tip up and we were able to land him after about 15 minutes of fight. Very fun fish and he certainly checked all the boxes of why we go flats fishing for permit.
Pro Tips
After the full moon this week I suspect that will be the last of the larger permit on the flats until May. April is the time of the year the permit go out to the reef to spawn here in Key West. They will be stacked up on some reef spots and on the wrecks looking for love.. Out there they will eat crabs or a good looking well placed jig.
I get asked allot about how I rig my DAIWA gear for the different species I target with my anglers. When I am flats fishing for permit I use 10lb Samurai braid on a DAIWA Exist Reel with a DAIWA back bay rod.. FG’d to a pretty good length of 12lb SAIKO fluoro carbon that is snelled to an Owner 2/0 SSW hook. It’s been my goto for years. Cuts the wind and goes a country mile.. I like the crab to be about 1.25″ – 1.75″ across from horn to horn. Remember, DO NOT push the hook through the horn of the crab – drill it though working back and forth into the shell. There are two reasons for this. 1… It dulls your hook to push it. 2. You might break the horn off and have to make more holes with will ultimately kill your crab. Crabs are not cheap..
I have two boats that I use to take my anglers flats fishing for permit. In March because of the more challenging conditions I use a custom built Yellowfin 24 bay boat instead of my technical flats fishing skiff. My Yellowfin 24 is what I call the “Critter” Version due to the nice critter well up front that not only keeps my crabs and shrimp in a easy to get to well, but also keeps them cool in the summer as it is right next to my cooler. Equipped with dual power poles and the Power pole Move trolling motor. I can get super skinny to chase bonefish and permit on the flats. Powered by a Mercury Racing 500 R my Yellowfin bay boat is pretty bad assed.
Permit Fishing Charters
I love to fish for permit. In Fact.. If I could just do that every day my life would be even better. Fly fishing or spin fishing I don’t Care. I personally will not fish any more than two persons on my boat. Fishing for permit can be a game of patience. Often my anglers ask if we can do one with crab and one with a barracuda lure. This will work and fill in the gaps for the less patient anglers. OR.. in the summer we can be set up for bonefish as well. 4 hour, 6 hour or even my all in wonder 8 hour fishing charter are all good ways to get your shot. Check out my Key West fishing calendar for the best months to target permit.
For More Information
Call My Office 1-305-292-7212 Speak To Gennifer
Text Me 1-305-304-0497 I will respond after I’m done
Email Me Steven@fishingkeywest.com
Text My Office 1-786-847-3808
