Permit - The Uncatchable Quarry?

[David Churbuck]

Jack Samson is the author of Fly Fishing for Permit (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0881505803/reeltimetheint00). Published by Countryman Press.

It's a great treatise on one of the most challenging tropical gamefish known, a wary, hard fighter that for years was considered a "freak" catch, with the numbers landed on the flyrod so low that those who did were considered members of a special elite.

All that has changed.

So, to kick off the discussion, I'd like to ask Jack why the permit had the reputation of being such a tough fish to catch, and what has changed -- in terms of technique, tackle, or flies -- to make them actually accessible to the ordinary angler.

Everybody else, feel free to jump in at any time with questions of your own.

[Quicksilver]

Thank you David, what an amazing opportunity! I leave for Tranquillity Hill Lodge on Andros Island in a week. I understand I may see Permit. I have only seen the species two times. First time was while fishing out of the Belize River Lodge, a brief look. The second time was while we were targeting Tarpon a mile off Islamorada on the ocean side, (doesn't really count). My understanding is that you wait till they nose the bottom before you cast, and that the presentation should be 1'-3' from the mouth of the fish. I have two questions. I understand in the Keys the Merkin is a great fly pattern, is there a pattern that has proved successfull on Andros for Permit? (The fly that will be tied on to the leader most often will probably be a #4 or #2 tan and tan bonefish clouser with a pink body and black dumbell eyes). After the cast any movement with the fly, or just let it sit? Thanks in advance for your reply, this website is soooo awesome. --127-3-

[David Churbuck]

Jack's working a few technical gremlins out, but should be jumping in soon. So, stay tuned please.
dc

Thank you David, what an amazing opportunity! I leave for Tranquillity Hill Lodge on Andros Island in a week. I understand I may see Permit. I have only seen the species two times. First time was while fishing out of the Belize River Lodge, a brief look. The second time was while we were targeting Tarpon a mile off Islamorada on the ocean side, (doesn't really count). My understanding is that you wait till they nose the bottom before you cast, and that the presentation should be 1'-3' from the mouth of the fish. I have two questions. I understand in the Keys the Merkin is a great fly pattern, is there a pattern that has proved successfull on Andros for Permit? (The fly that will be tied on to the leader most often will probably be a #4 or #2 tan and tan bonefish clouser with a pink body and black dumbell eyes). After the cast any movement with the fly, or just let it sit? Thanks in advance for your reply, this website is soooo awesome. --127-3-

[Jack Samson]

Jack's working a few technical gremlins out, but should be jumping in soon. So, stay tuned please.
dc

To whom it may cncern:

The permit is so difficult to catch on a fly for several reasons: it is very cautious about taking artifical flies because--in addition to acute eyesight, it has a well-developed sense of smell. A crab fly doesn't smell right to it. However, if one casts a live crab on a spinning rod, the permit will take it instantly. Also, letting the crab fly sit on the bottom may, or may not attract a permit. It sometimes helps to twitch it a little when the permit seem
s to be ignoring it.

Jack Samson

[Quicksilver]

Most of the time I consider myself a sportsman. I live up here in New England and get to fish the southern climes at most once a year. If there was a magical scent to use as a marinade for yarn crabs what would it be? (Bust up some crabs, or a commerial product)?

[Smcdermott]

Most of the time I consider myself a sportsman. I live up here in New England and get to fish the southern climes at most once a year. If there was a magical scent to use as a marinade for yarn crabs what would it be? (Bust up some crabs, or a commerial product)?

Sounds like you should check out the Article by Tosh Brown in the latest issue of FFSW. You may be just the guinea pig I mean candidate he is looking for! ;)

Sean

[Jack Samson]

Most of the time I consider myself a sportsman. I live up here in New England and get to fish the southern climes at most once a year. If there was a magical scent to use as a marinade for yarn crabs what would it be? (Bust up some crabs, or a commerial product)?

I guess busting up some crabs would be the best answer, but, theoretically smearing bait on a fly is "illegal" according to IGFA rules, but as long as you are not trying for record fish, it wouldn't make any difference. Go for it!

Jack Samson

[Jack Samson]

Jack's working a few technical gremlins out, but should be jumping in soon. So, stay tuned please.
dc

quicksilver:

The merkin is a good crab fly, but a bit heavy to cast in the wind. Try one of Will Bauer's greeen wool crab fly )The Fly Shop, or my small stone crab fly (Rainey) As far as movement is concerned, moving the fly just a bit wne the permit seems to be ignoribf it, may work. If you have my new book, take a look at Chapter eight Pg 108) to see what Jeremy Hartmann of England has discovered about permit technique.

Jack Samson

[Quicksilver]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

[ChuckD]

A group of us heard this while chasing permit in Belize at Blue Horizons Lodge where Jack often visited Lincoln Westby...

http://www.midcurrent.com/news/2007/03/jack_sampson_dies_1.html

[MoonRunX]

thank you so much , all. Im gonna take a look at the kits when I get home after work. Lunch time is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to short