For many saltwater fly anglers, the ultimate challenge on the flats comes down to two species: bonefish and permit. While both are highly prized, they require entirely different approaches to fool. Bonefish are fast and responsive, often forgiving of small errors, while permit are famously picky, turning down a fly at the last second for reasons only they understand. If you’re planning a trip to East End Lodge and want to target both species, knowing how to adjust your strategy will make all the difference. Let’s break down the key differences between bonefish and permit fishing—and what it takes to hook each one.
Where to Find Them
Bonefish: The Predictable Cruisers
Bonefish are more predictable in their movements, cruising across shallow sand and grass flats, often in schools or small groups. They move in with the tide to feed and retreat as it falls. When you see tailing bonefish, it’s a sign they are actively feeding—perfect timing for a well-placed fly. Bonefish are more likely to be found in skinny water, and they follow a clear pattern, making them a great target for anglers who can read the flats.
Permit: The Unpredictable Shadows
Permit, on the other hand, are far less predictable. They can be found on the same flats as bonefish but often prefer deeper edges, channels, and sandy potholes near grass beds. Sometimes they tail in skinny water like bonefish, but more often, they cruise just deep enough to be frustratingly hard to spot. They move erratically and may appear out of nowhere—giving you only a few seconds to make a cast. Unlike bonefish, permit don’t follow clear, repeatable patterns, making them one of the toughest fish to target.
Presentation: Speed vs. Precision
Bonefish: Quick and Forgiving
When casting to bonefish, speed is everything. These fish move quickly, and if you hesitate, they’ll be gone before your fly even hits the water. A fast, accurate cast within a few feet of a cruising bonefish is usually enough to get a reaction. Bonefish aren’t too picky—if your fly lands softly and moves naturally, they’ll eat.
Permit: The Ultimate Test of Patience
Permit demand absolute precision. A cast that’s slightly too far, too close, or too aggressive will often result in rejection. Unlike bonefish, permit won’t chase down a fly—your presentation needs to be nearly perfect from the start. Most anglers say you don’t “catch” permit—you convince them. Everything needs to look right: the angle of your cast, the way the fly sinks, and the way you retrieve it. Even with perfect technique, permit still refuse to eat more often than not.
Fly Selection: Shrimp vs. Crabs
Bonefish Flies: Light and Natural
Bonefish flies tend to be small, lightweight, and subtle. Patterns like the Gotcha, BV Mantis Shrimp, and Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp are all great choices. The key is to use flies that land softly and mimic the natural movement of shrimp or small crabs. Bonefish will often eat multiple flies over the course of a day, making them more forgiving when it comes to fly selection.
Permit Flies: Heavy and Precise
Permit, on the other hand, are notoriously selective. They primarily feed on crabs, which means your fly needs to sink quickly and sit naturally on the bottom. Patterns like Del Brown’s Merkin Crab, the East End Lodge Crab, and the Avalon Crab are some of the best options. Even with the right fly, permit will often inspect it, follow it, and ultimately refuse to eat. If that happens, don’t get discouraged—it’s just part of the challenge.
Hooking the Fish: Strip Set vs. The Moment of Truth
Bonefish: Quick Reaction, Quick Hook Set
Bonefish eat aggressively and often take the fly without hesitation. Once you feel the take, a simple strip set is all it takes to drive the hook home. Since bonefish have tough mouths, lifting the rod (as you would for trout) will likely result in a lost fish. After the hook set, be ready for blistering runs—bonefish will take off at full speed and test your drag immediately.
Permit: Wait for It… Then Strip Set
Permit require patience. When a permit eats, many anglers make the mistake of setting too early, pulling the fly away before the fish fully commits. A better approach is to wait until you actually feel the weight of the fish before making a deliberate strip set. Even then, the battle is far from over—permit are incredibly strong and stubborn, often making long, deep runs rather than the lightning-fast bursts of a bonefish.
The Fight: Speed vs. Strength
Bonefish: Pure Speed
Bonefish fights are defined by sheer speed. Once hooked, a bonefish will peel off line in a blistering run, sometimes making multiple dashes before tiring. Keeping steady pressure and letting the fish run is key to landing them successfully. Most fights last just a few minutes, and once the fish is tired, you can land them quickly.
Permit: Strength and Stubbornness
Permit are all about power. They use their broad, strong bodies to dig deep, bulldogging their way toward deeper water. Unlike bonefish, which tire relatively quickly, a permit will test your endurance. They require more finesse—too much pressure can break your tippet, but giving them too much freedom will prolong the fight and risk losing them. A permit fight is never easy, and every landed fish feels like an earned trophy.
Which Fish Should You Target First?
If you’re new to saltwater flats fishing, start with bonefish. They are more abundant, more forgiving, and will give you valuable experience spotting fish, making quick casts, and executing a proper strip set. Plus, landing a bonefish—especially your first—is an exhilarating experience.
For those looking to take on the ultimate challenge, permit are the next level. Landing even one permit is a huge achievement. They require patience, precision, and a bit of luck. While you might see dozens of bonefish in a day, you may only get one or two shots at a permit. If you’re lucky enough to hook one, be prepared for a fight you won’t forget.
Two Fish, Two Challenges
Bonefish and permit are both legendary in the world of saltwater fly fishing, but they demand entirely different skill sets. Bonefish reward speed and efficiency, while permit demand patience and pinpoint accuracy. At East End Lodge, you have the opportunity to chase both in the same waters—giving you the best of both worlds.
So whether you’re looking for the thrill of multiple bonefish hookups or the lifelong bragging rights of landing a permit, one thing is certain: the flats will challenge you, test your skills, and leave you wanting more. Tight lines!
