Permit

Can run as high as 40 or 50 pounds, with 20-30- pounders fairly common. World record 60 pounds; Florida record 56 pounds, 2 ounces.

Round Pompano, Great Pompano

All Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean. Permit are found in the surf, inlets and passes of both coasts, but are more numerous in the southern half of the state. In warm weather, they roam South Atlantic reefs and many Gulf wrecks.“Classic” Permit stalking on the flats is largely confined to Dade County and the Florida Keys, as well as the Bahamas and Caribbean. Adults frequently in channels or holes, over sandy flats, around reefs, and at times over mud bottoms; usually solitary or in small schools; smaller fish tolerate brackish water. Spawn offshore. During the summer, juveniles are found in large schools especially in the surf zone along sandy beaches. Adults feed on mollusks, crabs, shrimps, and small fishes; juveniles on benthic invertebrates. Excellent food fish. Highly esteemed game fish caught on light tackle

Permit is a fish with an identity crisis. Because it appears strikingly similar to the Florida pompano, many anglers mistake it for that more popular, commercially marketed fish. Even scientists have gathered little in-depth information on permit. However, among those in the know, the species has carved out a niche as a popular sport fish and prime table fare. To distinguish adult permit from pompano, one need only remember the saying "Size matters." Permit can grow to more than double the length of pompano and several times the weight. A 15- to 20-pound permit is a common sight, and the fish can easily exceed 3 feet in length. At smaller sizes, the distinction between the two species might not be as obvious. However, a good rule of thumb is a simple color check: Small permit have orange patches on their chins, fins, or bellies; pompano have yellow coloring in those areas. Permit can live long lives. In a study of specimens from Tampa Bay and the Florida Keys, a 3-foot permit was aged at 23 years. Because this species can grow about an additional foot, researchers believe its life span may be even longer. For a permit in Florida, life typically begins in spring or summer, though spawning in the Keys may occur year-round. Permit are multiple-batch spawners, meaning one fish can produce and shed eggs more than once a season. Reproduction typically takes place offshore over reefs 33 to 100 feet deep. Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-21; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 16 - 18. Dorsal and anal fins have very long, dark anterior lobes (Ref. 26938). No scutes; a broad patch of orange-yellow on abdomen in front of anal fin; pectoral fins blackish

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA to southeastern Brazil, including Bahamas and many of the West Indies.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

	Kite Fishing (Rig) A Kite Fishing Rig is....
	Kite Fishing (Trolling) Kite Fishing Trolling is when you are....
	Trawling Trawling is when....

Although offshore Permit are large enough to provide sport with light and medium saltwater tackle, the epitome of Permit fishing is to stalk them by sight on shallow flats, and cast directly to them. Light spinning, baitcasting and fly tackle can be used in the shallows provided the angler has a good supply of line and a means (a guide with a pushpole, preferably) of chasing the fish. Best natural bait is any sort of small live crab. Dead pieces of crab and lobster also work well. Live shrimp are often accepted, especially if skittered across the surface, and then allowed to sink. If using small skimmer (Bonefish-style) jigs, try to get the Permit to follow the lure then stop it dead and let it sink into the grass or mud. Best flies are those with weighted or epoxy heads that will sink in the manner of a leadhead jig.

Available Sizes: Please call for info Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye Product Options: Wood Plaque, Custom Base, 360°