Spinning Reel Shallow
Spinning Reel Shallow
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Florida Keys Shallow-Water Permit
I usually don't like to leave the boat wade-fishing on a shark infested flat,but for permit you'll do just about anything.On calm days when permit are more wary,bow wake and the boat slipping through the water can alert fish to your presence.
Tackle dropping on the deck,push poles scraping bottom,chop lapping against the side of the boat ,wading is the quiest means of aproaching shallow-water permit.Wading puts you down at water level,reducing your visibility and allowing you to get in closer for an accurate cast.
The florida keys flats are great for wade fishing for permit mostly because of the large population of permit, and the relatively hard bottom.
Early spring through late fall when the water is warmest, is a good time to try.start looking for fish along the edges of channels,in the one to three foot range,this is where you will spot most of your fish.Some flats are better on the incoming tide some on the outgoing,depends on moon phase.
The best way to fish for permit is with a 7-8 foot spinning rod designed to cast a 3/4 ounce lure with a reel that can hold 150 yards of 15 -pound test.A 2/0 hook with standard size shank and a splitshot added just above the hook will assest you in getting more distance in your cast.
Hook the crab through its carapace on either side of the pointy end with enough of the hook exposed for a good hook-up.Cast the crab beyond the fish and reel the crab high in the water and then slowly into the permit's vision and let it drop,permit are usually looking for food in a small area in front of them.
A little bit of heads-up, sharks are something to consider when wade-fishing.The confusion and excitement a shark experiences with the cloudy water you've stirred up and the vibrations of a struggling fish that you are reeling in can possible,by mistake, get you bitten.
If you can find a flat along the overseas highway that has a decent drop-off,you can wade -fish for permit.Imagine hooking and landing as 30 lb. Permit right from one of the parking areas .Thats why I love the Keys so much,this place is AWSOME!
About the Author
Paul Beaudette is an avid fisherman and traveler and you can get more information by visiting one of his Websites...
http://your-travel-store.com/blog