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Fighting
Permit
The
method of hooking a Permit is very similar to the technique
used for bonefish. You must always be diligent to use
a strip strike upon the take. Never strike up with the
rod. If the fish doesn't have the fly, it will come
shooting out of the water at you, or even worse your
guide's head, and you will have lost or spooked the
fish. The correct method to hook a permit is to perform
a short, quick strip-strike with the rod tip kept low
and pointed at the fish. If you prefer, you may also
use a small rod strike to the side. These two techniques
ensure that if the fly doesn't find its way home it
will simply skitter along the bottom a few feet hopefully
giving you a second chance for a take.
Upon the initial strike you must keep your rod tip held
high while you form a circle with your left forefinger
and thumb to smoothly clear the line. Very few permit
make long, scorching runs like bonefish. They are more
known for an initial surge and then slowly depleting
their power within a relative short distance from the
boat.
Once
all your line has been cleared, you may begin to concentrate
on landing the fish. It is important to always hold
your rod tip high so that you can avoid being broken
off on any obstructions. It is not uncommon to go chasing
after a hooked permit to avoid being cut off should
he enter a hole or a deep channel where the sharp edges
make quick work of your line.
If
you are one of the lucky few you successfully land a
permit please revive and release the fish as quickly
as possible. Immediately remove your fly and begin reviving
the fish by gently rocking him back and forth in the
water. If the fish has engulfed your fly and you feel
you cannot safely remove it without injuring the fish,
simply cut your line and leave the fly. The ocean will
quickly corrode the hook away and leave the permit none
the worse for wear.
As
you watch your released permit disappear into the tepid
water, savor the moment. Take a brief moment to bask
in the glory of having accomplished an angling feat
that inducts you into the exclusive ranks of an elite
few.
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