The Bahamas · Central Bahamas
PERMIT FISHING
IN ANDROS
Andros is an outstanding destination for permit fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in March, April, October. Book a charter and target permit with local experts.
About Permit Fishing in Andros
The permit is the holy grail of flats fishing — a large, powerful member of the jack family that feeds on crabs and shrimp on Caribbean flats. Notoriously wary and difficult to hook, landing a permit on the flats is considered one of saltwater fishing's greatest achievements. Their broad, silver bodies and sickle-shaped tails make them unmistakable as they cruise the shallows.
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are widely considered the ultimate flats fishing challenge — a species that combines the wariness of bonefish with the brute strength of a jack. These deep-bodied, silvery fish roam Caribbean flats, reef edges, and channels feeding on crabs, sea urchins, and small crustaceans. Permit are notoriously selective feeders, refusing flies and lures that are even slightly off in size, color, or presentation. Landing a permit on fly is considered one of sportfishing's greatest achievements. They are closely related to pompano but grow much larger, with a deeper body profile, longer sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fins, and a distinctive dark patch on the side near the pectoral fin.
Scientific name: Trachinotus falcatus
Permit Seasonal Calendar — Andros
Month-by-month availability for permit in Andros, BS.
How to Catch Permit in Andros
Techniques & Bait
Sight-fishing on sand and turtle grass flats for tailing permit is the pinnacle of the sport. Cast a weighted crab pattern (Merkin, Raghead Crab, or EP Permit Crab) directly in the fish's feeding path, let it sink to the bottom, and wait — permit often take off the bottom with no strip needed. Spinning anglers use live crabs (blue crabs or small spider crabs) freelined or on a light jig, cast ahead of tailing or cruising fish. On reef edges, small jigs tipped with cut crab or shrimp work well for permit feeding in deeper water. Patience is essential — permit may follow a lure for minutes before committing or refusing entirely.
Recommended Tackle
Fly fishing: 9-10 weight rod, large arbor reel with a strong, smooth drag and 200+ yards of backing, tropical floating line, 9-12 ft leader tapering to 12-16 lb fluorocarbon tippet. Spinning: 7 ft medium rod, 3000-4000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Permit make powerful, sustained runs toward structure and can easily reach backing on the first run — quality drag is non-negotiable.
Other Species in Andros
More fish you can target while visiting Andros.
Permit Fishing in Andros — FAQ
The peak months for Permit fishing in Andros are May, June, July, August, September. During these months, Permit are most active and abundant in the Andros area.
Permit fishing charters in Andros are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Sight-fishing on sand and turtle grass flats for tailing permit is the pinnacle of the sport. Cast a weighted crab pattern (Merkin, Raghead Crab, or EP Permit Crab) directly in the fish's feeding path, let it sink to the bottom, and wait — permit often take off the bottom with no strip needed. Spinning anglers use live crabs (blue crabs or small spider crabs) freelined or on a light jig, cast ahead of tailing or cruising fish. On reef edges, small jigs tipped with cut crab or shrimp work well for permit feeding in deeper water. Patience is essential — permit may follow a lure for minutes before committing or refusing entirely.
No — when you book a charter in Andros, your captain provides all required The Bahamas fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Permit regulations in The Bahamas include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Permit in Andros, you may also catch Bonefish, King Mackerel, Tarpon, Wahoo, Barracuda. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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