http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Don-t-waste-fuel-plan-ahead-for-permit-trip_169624958
Offshore wrecks and artificial reefs are holding large schools of permit. With the high cost of fuel, reliable coordinates are the main concern when heading offshore for permit. I have a network of friends I trust to put me on fish. Permit will eat barnacles, shrimp and crabs that live off the bottom structure. Before heading offshore, fill the well full of crabs the day before and keep them alive overnight with a portable aerator. The strongest outgoing tides toward the end of the day are the best way to locate crabs. The grass lines formed by the current usually attract these critters. Once I get to my wreck of choice, I anchor up using a high-definition GPS trolling motor. All I have to do is put the trolling motor in the water and hit the “anchor” button on the remote. If I’m off my mark, I can “jog” the boat left or right with the touch of the arrow buttons. No more dropping a clunky anchor again. Due to the size of permit, use slightly heavier tackle. Ten-pound gear is too light to pull large fish from deep water. Thirty-pound braid with a long 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is needed. Permit have large eyes and become leader shy if you use anything heavier than 30-pound fluorocarbon. A large 6000 series reel capable of holding 300 yards or better of line is needed. Permit will peel off line in seconds when first hooked.
Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
