Caught a Trophy Permit Inshore in Key Largo

The Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the Carangidae family of the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish feature a tall, flat body with elongated dorsal and anal fins and a deeply forked tail. Their silvery coloration and dark markings on their dorsal fins (earning them the nickname "Rough Back") make them instantly recognizable to experienced anglers in Key Largo waters.

Permit Overview

Permit are considered one of the premier inshore gamefish in tropical and subtropical waters, prized for both their challenging nature and powerful fighting ability. These fish are notoriously selective feeders, making them a worthy adversary that tests an angler's patience, presentation skills, and tackle.

Permit Habitat and Distribution

Permit inhabit a variety of environments including inshore flats, offshore reefs, and jetties. In Key Largo, they're commonly found around structure including wrecks, reefs, and channel edges. Adult permit often venture into deeper waters around reefs and wrecks, while juveniles typically remain in protected inshore waters. During summer months in Key Largo, permit frequently congregate around specific structure and flats areas where tidal movement concentrates their preferred foods.

Permit Size and Weight

These impressive fish typically measure between 24 and 48 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 9 to 60 pounds. Trophy permit in the 30-40 pound range are considered exceptional catches in Florida waters, though most inshore catches average 10-20 pounds. The current world record stands at over 60 pounds, giving anglers something to dream about when pursuing these silver giants.

Permit Diet and Behavior

Permit primarily feed on crustaceans including crabs, shrimp, and small marine invertebrates. They use their specialized mouths to crush shells and extract the meat inside. When feeding on flats, permit can often be spotted by their tails breaking the water's surface as they root through bottom sediment. They're most active during moving tides when currents help concentrate their food sources and create optimal feeding opportunities.

Permit Spawning Season

In Florida waters, permit typically spawn during late spring and summer months when water temperatures reach their peak. During these periods, they often form larger aggregations around offshore structures and reefs. August in Key Largo represents a time when permit have typically completed their peak spawning activity but remain active in both inshore and nearshore environments, making them accessible to various fishing approaches.

Permit Fishing Techniques

Several effective techniques exist for targeting permit in Key Largo waters. Live crabs are considered the premium bait, with small blue crabs being particularly effective when drifted near structure or across flats. For artificial presentations, crab-imitating jigs worked slowly along the bottom can produce strikes. Fly anglers typically employ crab or shrimp patterns presented with a gentle landing to avoid spooking these wary fish. In August, Key Largo anglers often find permit holding around deeper structure during the heat of the day, while they may move to shallower water during cooler morning hours.

Permit Is It Good to Eat?

While permit are legal to harvest (within regulations), most anglers practice catch and release with these prized gamefish. Their flesh is considered good table fare with a mild flavor and firm texture similar to other members of the jack family. However, their sporting value and relatively slow growth rate make them more valuable as a recreational resource than as a food source. Those who do keep permit typically prepare them grilled, baked, or in fish tacos.

Permit Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for permit?

A: Live crabs are the gold standard for permit fishing, with small blue crabs being particularly effective. Fresh pieces of shrimp or specially designed crab-pattern jigs can also work well when presented properly in Key Largo waters.

Q: Where can I find permit near Key Largo?

A: Permit in Key Largo can be found in several environments including shallow flats (particularly during high tides), around bridge pilings, near offshore wrecks, and along reef edges. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers excellent permit habitat with its mix of flats and structure.

Q: Is permit good to eat?

A: Permit have white, firm flesh with a mild flavor that's considered good eating by those who harvest them. However, most anglers practice catch and release due to their high value as a sportfish and their relatively slow growth rate.

Q: When is the best time to catch permit in Key Largo?

A: Spring through fall offers the best permit fishing in Key Largo, with summer months like August providing consistent action. The best times are typically during moving tides, particularly the first few hours of an incoming tide when permit move onto flats to feed.

Q: How hard do permit fight?

A: Permit are renowned for their powerful, determined fights. Once hooked, they typically make several strong runs that can test both tackle and angler. Their broad, flat body gives them tremendous leverage in the water, and they're known for using structure to break off anglers.

Q: What tackle should I use for permit fishing?

A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle with 15-20 pound test line is standard for permit fishing in Key Largo. Fly anglers typically use 9-10 weight rods with floating or intermediate lines. Leaders should be fluorocarbon in the 15-20 pound range to remain invisible to these wary fish.