Fly Fishing Charters for Permit in Biscayne Bay

Chasing Silver Ghosts: Fly Fishing for Permit in Biscayne Bay with Capt. John Long

The morning light breaks across Biscayne Bay as we pole silently along a remote flat. Captain John Long stands on the platform, his eyes scanning the crystal clear water with an intensity that comes from decades of hunting one of fly fishing's most elusive prizes. The boat drifts to a stop as his voice drops to a whisper: "Permit. Eleven o'clock. About 80 feet."

And there they are – the unmistakable sickle-shaped tails of feeding permit, nosing through the turtle grass in search of crabs. These are the moments permit anglers live for, and on Biscayne Bay fishing charters, these opportunities occur with a frequency found in few other destinations worldwide.

Biscayne Bay has earned its reputation as one of the premier permit fisheries in the United States. The vast network of shallow flats, channels, and basins creates the perfect habitat for permit to thrive year-round. From the iconic flats near Stiltsville to the productive waters surrounding Key Biscayne, Biscayne Bay fishing charters offer diverse permit opportunities that can accommodate various fishing conditions.

What sets Biscayne Bay apart is not just the number of permit but their size. The bay consistently produces fish in the 15-30 pound class, with specimens exceeding 40 pounds encountered regularly on Biscayne Bay fishing charters. These aren't just any permit – they're among the largest you'll find anywhere, providing both the ultimate challenge and the greatest reward.

If there's one guide who has become synonymous with Biscayne Bay permit, it's Captain John Long. Born and raised in South Florida, John has dedicated his Biscayne Bay fishing charters career to understanding these challenging gamefish. His knowledge extends beyond simply finding permit – it encompasses a deep understanding of their behavior, feeding patterns, and the subtle environmental factors that influence their movements.

"Permit fishing isn't just about spotting fish," John explains as he positions the skiff for an approaching school during one of his Biscayne Bay fishing charters. "It's about reading their mood, understanding how they're feeding, and then presenting a fly in a way that triggers an eat rather than spooking them. There's a rhythm to it that only comes with time on the water."

That time on the water has made John one of the most respected permit guides in Florida. His custom Chittum skiff, designed specifically for permit fishing, features a whisper-quiet hull, minimal draft, and a stable casting platform – all essential elements when pursuing these notoriously spooky fish.

Fly fishing for permit represents perhaps the ultimate challenge in shallow water angling. These fish possess extraordinary eyesight, acute sensitivity to pressure changes, and a selective feeding behavior that makes them maddeningly difficult to fool with artificial offerings.

A typical day on Biscayne Bay fishing charters with Captain John begins before sunrise. "The early morning provides several advantages," he notes while preparing leaders at the dock. "The wind is typically lighter, visibility is often better, and the fish haven't been pressured yet. When conditions are right, those first few hours can be magical."

The approach varies based on conditions and permit behavior. Some days involve poling extensive flats, looking for tailing fish or the distinctive "muds" that permit create when feeding on the bottom. Other days might focus on channel edges where permit stage during certain tide phases or around structure that holds crabs – their preferred forage.

Success requires much more than just finding fish. The angler must execute a accurate cast, often at distances exceeding 60 feet, with perfect presentation. The fly – typically a crab or shrimp pattern – must land softly, at precisely the right distance and angle to the fish, and then be retrieved in a manner that triggers the permit's predatory instinct without spooking it.

When everything comes together – when the permit tracks the fly, tips down, and eats – the resulting battle tests both tackle and angler. These powerful fish make blistering runs that can expose any weakness in technique or equipment. Landing a permit on fly is an achievement that relatively few anglers ever experience.

What makes Biscayne Bay fishing charters particularly special for permit fishing is the consistency throughout the year. While spring and early summer typically offer prime conditions, with large permit gathering for spawning activities, the bay's resident population provides year-round opportunities.

"We have seasonal patterns that influence where and how we target permit," John explains while running his Biscayne Bay fishing charters, "but the beauty of Biscayne Bay is that I can find fishable permit any month of the year. The approach might change, but the opportunity is always there."

This consistency extends to fishing conditions as well. The bay's protected waters offer multiple options regardless of wind direction or strength. When ocean-side flats become too rough, the western shorelines often remain fishable. This flexibility allows for productive permit fishing even when conditions aren't perfect.

For anglers booking a permit-focused trip on Biscayne Bay fishing charters with Captain John, the experience extends far beyond just fishing. It's an education in reading water, understanding tides, and developing the patience required for this specialized pursuit.

"I want my clients to understand what we're seeing and why we're approaching each situation a certain way," John says during his Biscayne Bay fishing charters as he points out subtle changes in water color that indicate a deeper pothole – a prime permit feeding area. "Even if we don't land a permit, understanding the process makes you a better angler."

Most days begin with a discussion of conditions and expectations. Permit fishing demands realistic goals; even with an expert guide, success is never guaranteed. John emphasizes that the pursuit itself – the stalking, the casting, the occasional follows and refusals – constitutes much of the experience's value.

For those willing to embrace this mindset, the rewards are substantial. When a permit finally does eat the fly, the culmination of effort, skill, and knowledge creates a fishing memory unmatched in intensity. Landing a permit on Biscayne Bay fishing charters represents an achievement in the fly fishing world that few can claim.

For anglers interested in experiencing permit fishing on Biscayne Bay fishing charters with Captain John Long, advance planning is essential. His reputation and success rate make his calendar fill quickly, particularly during prime spring and summer months when permit activity peaks.

The ideal trip involves multiple days on the water. This approach accounts for weather variables and increases the likelihood of encountering optimal conditions. It also allows anglers to apply lessons learned each day, improving their chances of success as the trip progresses.

Preparation extends to equipment as well. While John provides all necessary tackle on his Biscayne Bay fishing charters, anglers bringing their own gear should focus on 9-10 weight fly rods, reels with smooth drags capable of handling 200+ yards of backing, and floating lines designed for tropical conditions. Leaders typically range from 10-16 feet, with 16-20 pound fluorocarbon tippets.
Equally important is practice. Permit fishing rewards those who can deliver accurate casts under pressure. Time spent improving casting skills before the trip pays dividends when that trophy permit appears within range.

As our day on Biscayne Bay fishing charters concludes with a perfect sunset over the Miami skyline, Captain John reflects on what draws him to permit fishing day after day, year after year. "It's the perfect combination of challenge and reward," he says while poling us back toward the marina. "These fish demand everything from you – focus, skill, patience, adaptability – but when it all comes together, there's nothing else in fishing that compares."

For those seeking the ultimate fly fishing challenge in one of the world's most beautiful settings, Biscayne Bay's permit and Captain John Long's Biscayne Bay fishing charters create an experience that defines bucket-list angling. Whether you're a permit veteran or pursuing your first on fly, these waters and this guide offer the opportunity to connect with one of saltwater's most revered gamefish.