Top 20 Permit Flies

Borski Bonefish Bitter

Permit are picky. But this fly has a cool trick. It works for bonefish and permit. This makes the Borski Bonefish Bitter a great choice. It’s a good one to have if you’re going after both. This fly is especially helpful if you’re on a flats fishing trip.

Bob Borski created this fly. He designed it with bonefish in mind. But permit seem to love it too. It’s like a little snack they can’t resist. The Borski Bonefish Bitter has a simple design. This helps it look like a natural food source.

This fly uses a combination of materials. It often includes craft fur and rubber legs. These materials give the fly lifelike movement in the water. The materials also help attract permit. The fly’s colors can vary. But they usually imitate small crabs or shrimp. These are common prey for permit.

When fishing this fly, a slow retrieve is often best. Short strips can also be effective. This mimics the movement of a small crab or shrimp. This can trigger a permit strike. It’s important to present the fly naturally. You also want to make sure it lands softly. Permit are easily spooked. A clumsy presentation can ruin your chances.

The Borski Bonefish Bitter is a versatile fly. It’s a good choice for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned permit fisherman or a beginner, this fly is worth a try. It’s especially helpful for those targeting both bonefish and permit. This can simplify your fly selection.

Golden Mantis Shrimp

This fly mimics a mantis shrimp. Permit love to munch on these little critters. So, it makes sense to use a fly that looks just like them. This fly is especially good in shallow, clear water where permit can easily spot it.

Although the Golden Mantis Shrimp is a bit more complex to tie than some other permit flies, it’s worth the effort. The segmented body and realistic legs give it a lifelike action in the water. This fly can also be effective for bonefish, so it’s a good one to have in your box if you’re targeting both species. The Golden Mantis Shrimp is often tied with a weed guard. This helps keep it from getting snagged on the bottom in grassy areas. This is where permit like to hang out.

The Golden Mantis Shrimp is a great choice if you are fishing in areas with lots of turtle grass. It is designed to push through the grass without hanging up. The coloration and flash are often just enough to get a permit’s attention.

If you are looking for an alternative to crab patterns, this is a great option. The Golden Mantis Shrimp has enough weight to get down in the water column. This makes it an excellent choice for those slightly deeper flats. It is designed to be fished slowly. This allows permit to get a good look at it and decide it is something they want to eat. But you can also add some quick strips. This mimics the shrimp’s fleeing action, which can trigger an aggressive strike.

Ghost Shrimp

Permit love to eat crabs. But sometimes, they like a little variety in their meals. That’s where the Ghost Shrimp fly comes in. This fly mimics a small, translucent shrimp. It’s often tied on a jig hook so it rides hook point up. This helps it avoid getting snagged on the bottom. Plus, it makes it look like a real shrimp scooting along the sandy flats.

The Ghost Shrimp is usually tied with a mix of natural and synthetic materials. This gives it a lifelike look that permit find hard to resist. It is a great pattern for when permit are being picky. Sometimes they will completely ignore crab patterns. But, they often can’t turn down a tasty Ghost Shrimp.

One of the keys to fishing a Ghost Shrimp is the retrieve. Short, quick strips work best. This imitates the darting movement of a real shrimp trying to escape. Remember, permit are smart fish. A realistic presentation is important. This will increase your chances of hooking up.

So, next time you’re chasing permit, don’t forget the Ghost Shrimp. This simple but effective fly might just be the ticket to your next trophy fish. It’s a great addition to any saltwater fly box.

Bahamas Shrimp

Permit love shrimp. This is especially true in the Bahamas. The flats are crawling with all kinds of tasty crustaceans. These make a great meal for a hungry permit. So a shrimp fly is often the best way to catch this fish. But there are lots of shrimp patterns out there. Which ones should you have in your fly box?

One great option is the Merkin Crab. Although it has “crab” in the name, it works well for permit. It also works for bonefish and tarpon. This makes it a versatile fly to have. Another good choice is the Schmitters Crab. This is an old standby. It has been catching permit for decades. It still works today.

If you want something a bit different, try the Golden Mantis Shrimp. This fly looks like a mantis shrimp. Permit love to eat mantis shrimp. This fly can be very effective. Another option is the Snapping Shrimp. This fly imitates a snapping shrimp. These are common prey for permit. The Fleeing Shrimp is also a good bet. It imitates a shrimp trying to get away. This can trigger a permit’s predatory instincts.

Some shrimp patterns are more specialized. The Simpson’s Crab is one example. This fly has a proven track record for catching permit. Another is Fazon’s Crab. This fly has been tweaked and tuned for maximum effectiveness. The Slipstream Crab is a fast-sinking fly. This helps it get down to the permit quickly.

A few shrimp flies imitate other creatures. The Bite-Me Baitfish looks like a wounded baitfish. This can be irresistible to permit. The Megalops imitates a small fish. The Permit Pupil also looks like a small fish. But it has a pupil-like eye that can attract permit.

Don’t forget about the classics. The Raghead Crab is a staple in many saltwater fly boxes. The Del Brown Permit Fly is named after a legendary permit fisherman. Del Brown knows how to catch permit! His fly is a proven winner. The Del’s Homemaker is similar. But it has a few tweaks.

Finally, there’s the Surf Candy. This fly has a sweet taste. Permit can’t resist it. This fly can be very effective in the right conditions. The Kung Fu Crab is another interesting choice. It combines the best features of the Raghead and Merkin crabs. The Copperhead mixes copper and crab. This creates a deadly combination for permit.

Having the right fly is only part of the battle. You also need to present it the right way. And you need to be fishing at the right time. But with a good selection of shrimp flies, you’ll be well on your way to catching a permit. Good luck!

Arculeo’s Claws-Up Crab

Permit fishing is tough. But it can be rewarding. The right permit fly is key. Arculeo’s Claws-Up Crab is a good choice. This fly mimics a crab in distress. This is important because permit love to eat crabs.

This fly has some great features. First, the claws are tied “up.” This position suggests the crab is defending itself. Permit find this irresistible. The fly also pushes a lot of water. This makes it easy for permit to find. The fly’s design helps it sink slowly. This keeps it in the permit’s strike zone.

The Claws-Up Crab is a versatile fly. You can fish it in shallow or deeper flats. It works well with different retrieves. A slow, steady retrieve often works. But sometimes a quick, erratic retrieve can trigger a strike. This fly is a good choice for all levels of fly fishermen.

Consider the color of your Claws-Up Crab. Natural colors, like tan or olive, often work well. But brighter colors, like orange or chartreuse, can be effective too. This is especially true in murky water. Remember to match the size of your fly to the local crabs.

Many fly fishermen use the Claws-Up Crab. It’s a favorite among guides and anglers. This fly has caught many permit over the years. So next time you are targeting permit, give this fly a try. It just might be the key to landing your next trophy fish. Remember to pack a few different sizes and colors. You’ll be ready for any fishing situation. Good luck out there!

Permit Pupil

The Permit Pupil is a cool fly that tricks permit. It looks like a small fish, which permit love to eat. But it’s the eye that makes this fly special. The eye is designed to look like a pupil. This catches the permit’s attention. It triggers their predatory instincts. This makes them more likely to strike.

This fly is especially effective in clear water. The pupil stands out. This makes the fly more visible to permit. But it works in murky water too. Because even in low visibility, the shape of the pupil is still noticeable. This gives the fly an edge over other patterns.

A lot of anglers have had success with the Permit Pupil. It’s a good fly to have in your box. This is especially true if you’re targeting permit. But this fly can also be used for bonefish and other saltwater species. It’s versatile. It’s effective. It’s a great all-around fly.

When fishing the Permit Pupil, use a slow retrieve. This imitates a wounded baitfish. This can really entice a permit. A short, jerky retrieve can also be effective. This makes the fly look like a fleeing shrimp. This can trigger a reaction strike from a hungry permit.

Although this fly is great on its own, sometimes you need a little extra something. Adding a small trailer can help. A small piece of shrimp or crab can make the fly even more appealing to permit. This small addition can sometimes make all the difference.

So, next time you’re out on the flats, give the Permit Pupil a try. It might just be the fly you need to fool that next big permit.

Bauer Crab

The Bauer Crab is a popular permit fly. Many anglers swear it’s the best. This fly has some cool features that make it stand out. It has a realistic crab-like profile. This helps it fool even picky permit. The Bauer Crab also pushes water well. This makes it look alive, even when retrieved slowly.

This fly is great in shallow water. But it also works in deeper areas. This makes it useful in different fishing situations. It comes in several colors. This lets you match the local crabs and conditions. Common colors include tan, olive, and brown. You can also find variations with orange or yellow accents.

The Bauer Crab is tied with durable materials. This means it can take the abuse of saltwater fishing. It can withstand several permit encounters before needing replacement. This is good because permit can be tough fighters. They’ll test the strength of your fly. A strong fly like the Bauer Crab is important.

Although the Bauer Crab is effective on its own, some anglers customize it. Some add rubber legs for extra action. Others add a weed guard. This helps it from getting snagged on the bottom. These tweaks can improve the fly’s performance.

This fly is often used with a slow retrieve. Short strips and pauses work well. This mimics a real crab’s movement along the seafloor. This slow retrieve is key to attracting permit. They like to take their time inspecting their prey.

Whether you’re a seasoned permit angler or a beginner, the Bauer Crab is a great choice. Its realistic profile, durable construction, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any saltwater fly box. So, next time you’re chasing permit, give the Bauer Crab a try.

Shrimp and AVA

This fly is interesting because it mixes two great patterns. It uses a shrimp pattern and an AVA pattern. AVA stands for Aberdeen, Vinik, and Accardo. These are all types of hooks. This combination makes the Shrimp and AVA deadly for permit.

The shrimp part of the fly looks like, you guessed it, a shrimp. Permit love to eat shrimp. The AVA hook makes the fly move in the water in a way that looks just like a real shrimp. It’s like a little shrimp dance that permit can’t resist. This fly is especially good in shallow water where permit like to hunt for shrimp.

Although there are many good permit flies, the Shrimp and AVA is one you should try. It’s a good choice if you are going after permit. But it’s also good for bonefish and tarpon. This makes it a very versatile fly. It is a must-have in any saltwater fly box.

This fly is best used with a floating line. You want it to stay near the surface where permit can see it. A slow retrieve with short strips works well. This makes the fly look like a shrimp swimming along. It also makes it look like an easy meal for a hungry permit.

If you are new to permit fishing, give the Shrimp and AVA a shot. It’s easy to use and catches fish. This makes it great for new and expert fly fishermen.

Snapping Shrimp

Permit love to eat snapping shrimp. This makes the Snapping Shrimp fly a great choice. It’s a simple fly to tie, but it’s really effective. This fly imitates a real snapping shrimp. It has a segmented body, realistic legs, and prominent claws.

Its design pushes water. This action attracts permit. The fly also sinks quickly. This helps it get down to where the permit are feeding. The clicking sound a real snapping shrimp makes is a big part of its appeal. The Snapping Shrimp fly can’t actually click. But, its design and movement still draw attention. This makes it stand out among other bait.

You can tie this fly in different colors. Olive and tan are popular options. But, you can also use brighter colors. Pink and chartreuse can work well in murky water. Remember, matching the local shrimp color is usually best. This can give you an advantage when permit fishing. Ask your guide for advice. They know what works in the area.

Presenting this fly is simple. A quick strip-and-pause retrieve often does the trick. This imitates a fleeing shrimp. The flash and movement trigger a reaction strike. The Snapping Shrimp is an excellent fly for permit fishing. It’s also a good choice for bonefish and other saltwater species.

Fleeing Shrimp

The Fleeing Shrimp fly is a real winner for permit. This fly does a great job of imitating a shrimp trying to escape. That’s something permit can’t resist. Its lifelike design and movement in the water make it super attractive to these picky fish. This fly is especially good in shallow, clear flats where permit hunt for crustaceans. Its fleeing action triggers their predatory instincts.

But this fly isn’t just for permit. It also works well for bonefish and other saltwater species that feed on shrimp. It’s a versatile fly to have in your box. The Fleeing Shrimp is tied with natural materials. This helps it look and move like a real shrimp. It usually has a weighted body to help it sink and get down to where the permit are feeding.

This fly is tied on a strong hook. This is important because permit are powerful fish. You want a hook that can handle the fight. This fly comes in different sizes and colors. You’ll want to choose the size and color based on the conditions you are fishing in. Consider water clarity and the size of the shrimp in the area.

The way you present the Fleeing Shrimp is key to its success. A quick, erratic retrieve will often trigger a strike. You want to make the fly look like a shrimp trying to get away from a hungry permit. Short strips with pauses can also be effective. This mimics a shrimp pausing to rest before darting off again.

The Fleeing Shrimp is a popular pattern among experienced permit fishermen. It has a proven track record. Many anglers swear by it. It’s a great fly to have in your saltwater fly box. So next time you’re going after permit, give the Fleeing Shrimp a try. You might be surprised at how effective it is. Remember, having the right fly is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to present it correctly. And of course, a bit of luck always helps in saltwater fly fishing.

Slipstream Crab

This fly dives deep. It’s meant for those permit cruising the bottom. The Slipstream Crab is like the Michael Phelps of the fly world—built for speed and efficiency. Its weighted design helps it sink quickly. This gets it down to where the permit are feeding, no matter how deep they are. It’s great when you are targeting permit on the flats, especially when those flats are quite deep. But this fly isn’t just about getting down fast. It also has a lifelike profile.

The Slipstream Crab comes in different colors and sizes. This lets you match the local crabs and the conditions you are facing. The materials used to tie this fly create a realistic look and feel. This makes it hard for permit to resist. Its legs wiggle and pulse in the current, mimicking a live crab.

This fly is especially useful in areas with strong currents. A lighter fly would just get swept away. The Slipstream Crab’s design lets it stay down in the strike zone. It can handle fast currents without getting pushed around. The weighted body also gives the fly a natural jigging action as you strip it in. This can trigger aggressive strikes from even the most finicky permit.

Many fly fishermen swear by the Slipstream Crab. They have found it to be highly effective. Because the Slipstream Crab looks so realistic, you will also attract other species. This includes bonefish, tarpon, and other saltwater fish. So, even if the permit aren’t biting, you still have a good chance of hooking something else. If you are serious about permit fishing, this fly deserves a spot in your fly box. This fly is tied to get you more hookups.