INDO-PACIFIC PERMIT (Trachinotus blochii)
Permit: The Holy Grail of the Flats
image credit: www.bluebonefishbelize.com
There’s a reason Permit are often called the “fish of a thousand casts.” One moment, they ghost across the flats like silver phantoms—nervous, elusive, infuriatingly picky. The next, they tail on a crab pattern with a twitch of their fins and that unmistakable shimmer in shallow water. When they finally commit, the hit is sudden, the run blistering, and the chaos unforgettable. It’s the kind of challenge that turns seasoned fly anglers into obsessed flat-stalkers.
Permit (also known in Australasia as Snubnose Dart or Trachinotus blochii) are one of the most sought-after sportfish in tropical and subtropical waters. Their wariness, power, and habitat make them a bucket-list species—especially on fly.
All Tackle World Record
14.15kg (31lb 3oz) caught in Puerto Rico by Jose Chemás on 27 May 1997.
Biology & Identification
Physical Features
Body Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed, built for short bursts of speed and agility in shallow water.
Head & Mouth: Rounded "snub-nose" with a small mouth perfectly suited for crushing crustaceans.
Fins: Long sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fins give them a distinctive silhouette.
Coloration: Shimmering silver with golden hues along the flanks and belly. Faint dark bars may appear across the back when stressed or excited.
Size: Most Permit caught on the flats range from 2–10kg, but they can grow up to 20kg in deeper water.
Feeding Habits
Permit are bottom feeders with a diet that consists mainly of:
Crabs (especially small sand and mangrove crabs)
Shrimp
Small molluscs
Occasionally baitfish
Their eyesight is exceptional, and they often inspect a fly or bait multiple times before committing. Presentation and subtlety are everything.
Where to Find Them
Habitat:
Tropical & Subtropical Flats: Coral-fringed lagoons, mangrove estuaries, sand flats, and seagrass beds.
Depth: Usually in water less than 1 metre deep, especially when feeding (tailing). Larger specimens may be found near reef drop-offs or inshore wrecks.
Distribution:
Australia: Common along the northern coast, including the Kimberley region, Cape York, and the Great Barrier Reef.
New Zealand: Rare visitors to the far north in unusually warm seasons.
South Pacific & Indian Ocean: Found throughout Indo-Pacific waters, including Fiji, the Seychelles, and Indonesia.
Fishing Seasons
Best Months: Spring through early autumn when water temperatures are warm and visibility on the flats is good.
Tide Influence: Permit often feed best on a rising or falling tide, when crabs and shrimp are on the move.
Fishing Methods for Permit
1. Fly Fishing (The Purist’s Method)
Permit on fly is widely regarded as one of the ultimate achievements in saltwater angling.
Flies: Merkin crab, Avalon shrimp, EP crab, and Alphlexo patterns.
Gear: 9–10wt rods with floating or intermediate lines, fluorocarbon leaders (12–20lb).
Presentation: Accuracy and stealth are critical. Strip slowly and watch for the subtle take.
2. Sight Casting with Bait
Traditional but effective.
Best Baits: Live or fresh crabs, peeled prawns, or sand worms.
Rigs: Light fluorocarbon leader and small circle hooks; keep weight minimal for a natural presentation.
Technique: Cast ahead of cruising Permit and let the bait sit naturally. Wait for a deliberate pick-up.
3. Lure Fishing (Hard, but Possible)
Some anglers have success using soft plastics or small jigs, especially in slightly deeper water or cloudy flats.
image credit: www.tridentflyfishing.com
Why They’re Worth the Effort
Sport Fishing Challenge
Permit are notorious for their wariness. You’ll need patience, stealth, and a bit of luck. When you finally hook one, expect powerful runs, directional changes, and a dogged fight.
Fly Angler’s Trophy
For saltwater fly fishers, Permit rank alongside tarpon and bonefish as part of the "big three." But many consider Permit the toughest of them all—earning each catch with every cast.
Table Quality
While edible, most Permit are released due to their rarity and sporting value. Their flesh is firm and mild, but conservation-minded anglers often choose to let them go.
Conservation Status
Threats: Habitat loss (especially seagrass flats), coastal development, and overfishing in some regions.
Catch & Release Ethics: Use barbless hooks, handle with care, and release quickly to maximise survival rates.
Local Restrictions: Some areas (like Queensland) enforce size and bag limits—always check local rules.
Final Thoughts
Permit aren’t just fish—they’re a quest. Whether you’re stalking them on a glassy flat or waiting anxiously for that tail to break the surface, the moment they eat is unforgettable. It’s not about how many you catch. It’s about the challenge, the chase, and that magical instant when one finally turns on your fly.
So if you’re heading to the tropics, leave room in your kit for a few crab patterns—and a lot of patience. You’re going to need both.
