Permit have long held a reputation as one of the most challenging fish to target on a fly. A reputation that is entirely justified. Many anglers have spent countless hours chasing these fork tailed devils, some with success, others less so. The separation between elation and heartbreak is barely distinguishable, and it is for that reason this fish has amassed its own following of anglers.
Picking the right destination is key when permit fly fishing, and will depend on whether you prefer chasing them on foot or up front on a skiff looking for any areas of nervous water. With this in mind we have singled out seven of our favourite permit destinations around the world.
Mexico, Mayazul Lodge
Anglers visiting Mayazul Lodge, which opened in April 2024, have had considerable success catching permit with plenty landed to date. Ranging in size from two to 20lb, these beautiful fish have been caught in various situations with plenty of opportunities presented to both experienced and first-time anglers. Mayazul offers access to Ascension Bay, whose waters are protected by the Sian Ka’an Reserve, in the heart of Mexico’s permit alley. With miles of coastline, shallow flats and lagoon systems, the fishing opportunities here are endless, with some of the best permit fishing in the world. The guides regard these enigmatic fish not only as a job, but a passion. Many spend their days off scouting for new locations, and as a team they make sure their guests have the best opportunity to be a successful permit angler. The season is long, with eight months of prime weather and alongside permit, anglers can target bonefish, tarpon and snook.
Set on the water’s edge the lodge offers single rooms and single guides and a laser focus on getting anglers as many shots at permit as possible.
Oman, Ocean Active Fly, Salalah
Salalah is the Omani crown jewel when it comes to fly fishing and the only destination on the planet where anglers can consistently target the Africanus permit. During the season, which runs from October through to April, anglers are likely to have daily shots at these fish. The Africanus is the ultimate fighter of the permit family, living in shallow rocky areas and feeding on the mussel beds. Hard to target and then even harder to land once hooked. All in swell and current up close to huge cliffs dropping in to the ocean. Their power in the shallows and around the rocks puts them in the category of a GT – there’s a strong chance you will be broken off on the reef. It’s quite an experience! Then there are the finnicky Indo Pacific permit that patrol the beaches – very difficult to tempt but hold on tight if you do manage to hook one.
Fishing is from custom made boats, each accommodating two anglers and one crew. They are light enough to be trailered to where the fish are biting and manoeuvrable enough to be effective in the shallows. Salalah is a wonderful destination for experienced fishermen looking for a proper challenge.
Australia, Exmouth
In Australia’s remote far north-west, some 1,300km from Perth, lies a small township called Exmouth. The fishery here is huge, a proper saltwater playground, and can broken down into three principal areas; bluewater, the Ningaloo reef system and the gulf fishery. The gulf fishery consists of enriched estuary systems leading into gulf waters already scattered with island reef structures, flats, and rock bars. This huge area is a perfect environment to target giant trevally, permit, golden trevally, queenfish, coral trout, mangrove jack, barramundi, giant herring, tuna and emperors. With an immeasurable food supply the gulf is a rich sanctuary with regular feeding blueprints. Prime season is typically from October to December, with January to March also offering great opportunities. It’s during these months that the chances of targeting tailing permit are high.
With daily flights from Perth and plenty of non-fishing activities on offer, the Exmouth area is a good destination for non-fishing companions too.
Cuba, Cayo Largo
They cays of Cayo Largo, in the south central region of the Cuban Archipelago, offer one of the last virtually untouched eco-systems left on the planet. The cays are uninhabited and apart from those fishing with you, the only other human life you are likely to see are a few lobster fishermen. Comprising a series of cays, mangrove lagoons and flats that run for some 50km, Cayo Largo is an ideal habitat for permit, bonefish and tarpon. Permit fishing is consistent here year round and the area is known as the permit capital of Cuba. These tricky to catch fish are present in Cayo Largo in good numbers so provide an exciting opportunity for anglers to try for a grand slam. Smaller permit here tend to travel in schools for around ten or more while the bigger fish, which have been recorded up to 45lb are found solo or in pairs.
Anglers stay on a comfortable liveaboard vessel and most days will have the option of fishing from either a skiff or wading. There are some areas that have still not seen a fisherman or fly and part of the fun of visiting Cayo Largo is funding new, productive areas.
Belize, Blue Horizon Lodge
In 1997, Lincoln Westby and his wife Perline decided to build a fishing lodge in southern Belize, located in one of the world’s most productive permit fisheries. Coined ‘permit alley’, the fishing grounds are known for expansive pancake flats that teem with marine life and if you are keen to target tailing permit in shallow water, there are few better places. This unique lodge merges Lincoln’s original “fish camp” feel with all the modern amenities a travelling angler wants.
There are no long boat rides to get to the flats. Blue Horizon’s professional guide team will have you casting to permit (or bonefish or tarpon) within minutes of leaving the lodge. The proximity to the flats allows you to maximize your time on the water during the most productive moments of each tide cycle. They will have you fishing the tides, not the clock. The entire fishing programme is determined by the tide cycle, not the time of the day or when a meal is served.
While most anglers who stay at Blue Horizon Lodge are focused on fishing for permit, there is an abundant population of tarpon nearby. And don’t forget about bonefish! Bonefish can be targeted and caught any day of the year, making this fishery a great place to target a Grand Slam in Belize.
Seychelles, Alphonse Island
The Indo Pacific permit that cruise the flats around Alphonse and St Francois are superbly camouflaged against the backdrop of white sand, turtle grass and coral flats. With their silver bodies they are almost invisible to the untrained eye. Happily for the fly fisherman, permit like to frequent the same particular areas and the Alphonse guides have figured out the best spots to locate them in this prolific fishery. It’s still far from easy to catch one though, as each of the different areas has its own unique style and approach when targeting permit. Rays tend to act as magnets on the flats, with many permit targeted and caught off them. A subtle, and deadly accurate, presentation is paramount to these skittish fish and even when hooked the battle is not won as permit fight hard right up to the net. Basically, everything has to be in perfect order to land a permit! Alphonse has some fantastic permit wades, both by the main island on the St Francois atoll.
Once you have caught your well earned permit you can target the many other species here such as giant trevally, bluefin trevally, triggerfish and milkfish. Accommodation at Alphonse is top-notch and there is plenty to offer non-fishing companions. If you are interested in permit fishing on some of the other outer islands this blog on Astove and Cosmoledo might be of interest.
Bahamas, Soul Fly Lodge
Anglers at Soul Fly lodge can expect a beautiful fishery with great opportunities to target permit along with bonefish, triggerfish, mutton snapper, barracuda and more. Short runs combined with options to fish from the boat or focus on wading ensure that your days can be tailored exactly as you please. The Berry Islands fishery offers dynamic fishing with everything from wadeable white sand flats, lush turtle grass and ocean edges, to thick mangroves and back country creeks. The guides have been chasing permit for years and are well prepared to put anglers into the best positions to catch one of these challenging but rewarding fish. A custom permit medallion and wooden sculpture await any successful permit angler back at the lodge.
The comfortable lodge overlooks the ocean from its position nestled into the east side of Great Harbour Cay. Eight anglers are accommodated in six guest rooms and when not fishing can enjoy the freshwater pool and wonderful meals from the Bahamian chef.
For more information about these and the various other permit destinations we offer, or for a specific itinerary and quote please contact us or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.