Often our customers ask us what we recommend for gear for permit fishing. There are many different ways to set up your fly rod for permit. Here is how we like to rig a rod for permit.
Fly Rods for Permit fishing
The most common rod weight used for permit is a 10 wt. Preferably a rod with a fast action (stiff). The faster the action the better it will cast in the wind and the more accurately it will deliver a heavy, lead eyed fly. We don't suggest using a fly rod over 9 feet in length. The 9.5' and 10' rods are best used while fishing on rivers, where mending and line control is paramount for success. A 9 foot 10 wt., fast action rod is the best option.
In some cases an 8 or 9 wt. will do the trick. If you are not expecting to see fish over 10 pounds, an 8 wt. rod will get the job done. A 9 wt. rod is the perfect bland between a bonefish and permit rod. If you can only have one fly rod for both bonefish and permit, then a 9 wt. rod is the only choice.
Fly Reels
Admittedly, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of reel manufacturers on the market today. While a quality, sealed drag system is a must when fly fishing for permit, you shouldn't need a second mortgage to get a reel with this feature. Reels come in many sizes, colors, and even shapes and as long as the drag system is sealed, it will work just fine.
You will want to consider the size of the arbor. The larger the arbor, the fast the line is reeled in. The faster the line can be reeled in, the less likely it is for a permit to create slack in the line during the fight.
Hatch Reels are a favorite of many saltwater anglers today. You certainly get what you pay for. These are extremely high quality reels and they are one of our favorites. Ross and Orvis also make quality reels at a range of price points, and will serve your permit fishing needs. (NOTE: if you plan to use your saltwater reels for other species, Giant Trevally in particular, you will need a tested drag system. Abel, Tibor, Hatch, and the Orvis Mirage are all great choices).
Fly Line
99.9% of your permit fishing will be done with a floating fly line. There are a few locations that a full sinking line or heavy sink tip line is required. The Elbow on the southern tip of Turneffe Atoll is one of them.
Matching your line weight to the rod weight is the standard, and for an experienced caster it is the best option. For a less experienced caster, lining your rod with one weight higher, will help load the rod quicker and at shorter distances. For example, put an eleven weight line on a ten weight rod. Another way to accomplish this same type of quick loading is with a shooting head style line, such as the RIO Outbound.
Fly Leaders and tippet
When it comes to fishing for permit, it is more important to be accurate than to be able to cast the entire fly line. Distance always helps, especially when combined with accuracy. To help the accuracy, a stiff 'butt' section on a leader will help. In Belize, some of our favorite guides have developed a leader with this in mind. The butt section on their leader is 3 feet of 40 pound hard mono filament (hard mason). Blood knotted to that is 2 feet of 30 pound hard mono filament, then blood knotted again to that is 1.5 feet of 25 pound hard mono, and then 1.5 feet of 20 pound. Lastly, 2 feet of 16 pound flourocarbon is blood knotted on. This recipe turns over big lead eyed crabs with ease, accuracy, and touch.
Knotless tapered leaders from any manufacturer can also be effective. Typically, we'll use flourocarbon leaders from Orvis - tapered to 20 pounds. Then we tie 18 inches of 16 pound flourocarbon tippet to the leader. This set up seemed to perform best with slightly lighter weighted flies.
Flourocarbon tippet is a must. A permit's vision is keen and can see mono-filament much easier than flouro. We suggest tippet size of not less than 12 pounds. If you find the permit seem leader shy, then 10 pound may be necessary. Our standard set up is armed with 16 pound tippet.
Knots for Permit
For tying custom leaders, a blood knot between sections is the strongest option. Same is true for adding tippet to a knotless tapered leader. But don't worry, if you are needing to make a quick adjustment on the fly, while your guide moves you into position for the shot, then use the faster knot - the triple surgeons knot will hold just fine.
There are two theories about attaching the fly to the tippet. One, is to never, ever, ever use a loop knot, because the permit may see the knot and the extra line of the loop. The other theory is to use a loop knot. The loop knot gives the fly a more natural looking movement under the water. We've caught fish using both methods. More frequently we use a non-slip loop knot and find plenty of permit willing to eat our flies.
If you have more specific questions about knots and/or rigging for permit, feel free to give us a call. We're happy to discuss the finer points of being properly prepared for a successful permit fishing trip.
Call The Permit People at 541-390-6697 or send us an email: info@thepermitpeople.com
