Permit

Permit fishing around Marathon, Florida, demands patience and precision, with success hinging on understanding their movements and preferences. Focus on seasonal forage and water conditions. In the spring, look for permit tailing on the flats as they feed on crabs. Summer often sees them congregating around wrecks and reefs. Fall can be productive on the flats again as water temperatures cool. Use natural presentations like live crabs or shrimp, and adjust your depth based on water temperature and current. Marathon's proximity to both the Atlantic and Gulf sides offers diverse fishing environments. A crucial tip is to observe the water carefully for signs of permit activity, such as nervous water or subtle color changes. The bridges around Marathon are also known permit hotspots. Remember that permit are wary fish, so stealth and a long cast are often necessary to avoid spooking them.