Targeting Permit in the Tampa Bay Area: The Silver Ghost of the Flats

If you’ve ever dreamed of tangling with one of Florida’s most elusive and rewarding saltwater fish, it’s hard to top the thrill of hooking into a permit. Known as the “silver ghost” of the flats, this fish tests your patience, skill, and gear — and rewards you with one of the most memorable fights you’ll ever experience.

Here in the Tampa Bay area, permit fishing is more than just a hobby — it’s an obsession. At Five O’Clock Charlie Tours, we specialize in helping anglers of all skill levels experience that unforgettable moment when a permit inhales your bait and your line starts screaming.

Why Target Permit in Tampa Bay?

While many anglers travel to the Florida Keys or Miami for permit, Tampa Bay offers world-class fishing opportunities without the crowds. Our bay’s unique mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and sandy shoals creates the perfect environment for permit to hunt and feed.

From fall through early spring, these sleek, powerful fish cruise the flats and nearshore wrecks in search of crabs and small crustaceans. On calm, sunny days, you might even spot their tails breaking the surface as they feed — a sight that’ll make any angler’s heart skip a beat.

Key permit hotspots in Tampa Bay include:

• The flats around Fort De Soto and Egmont Key
• The edges of the Skyway Bridge reefs
• Nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs off Anna Maria Island
• Shallow flats on the backside of the barrier islands

Each area has its own quirks and patterns — and knowing where to be, when to be there, and what the tide is doing makes all the difference.

Bait, Tackle, and Techniques for Tampa Bay Permit

Ask any experienced angler, and they’ll tell you: permit can be picky. But with the right setup and a bit of patience, they’re absolutely catchable.

Live bait: Small blue crabs are the top choice, hands down. If you can’t find those, pass crabs, fiddlers, or even shrimp can work in a pinch. We like to hook crabs through the corner of the shell so they swim naturally. Most of the Permit that we have landed on our charters were on a live shrimp.

Artificial lures: For sight-fishing on the flats, crab-imitating jigs and soft plastics can fool cruising fish. Presentation is everything — land your cast softly and let the bait sit until the fish moves in.

Tackle setup:

• Rod: 7’ medium-heavy spinning rod
• Reel: 4000–5000 series reel with smooth drag
• Line: 20–30 lb braid
• Leader: 20–30 lb fluorocarbon

Permit are incredibly strong, and their initial run can surprise even seasoned anglers. Make sure your knots are tight, your drag is smooth, and you’re ready for a fight that could last 15–20 minutes or more. This makes this fish a prize on lighter tackle.

Reading the Conditions

Success with permit fishing in Tampa Bay often comes down to tides, weather, and patience. Permit feed best during moving water — especially on incoming tides when crabs and baitfish wash across the flats.

Sunny days with light wind are ideal for sight-fishing. Polarized sunglasses are a must, as permit blend almost perfectly with the sandy bottom. Look for subtle movement, flashes of silver, or tails breaking the surface.

And here’s a pro tip: don’t rush the cast. Permit are cautious. Take a moment to position the boat correctly, wait for the fish to show interest, and then present your bait naturally.

Why Fish for Permit with Five O’Clock Charlie Tours?

At Five O’Clock Charlie Tours, permit fishing isn’t just another trip — it’s a passion. Captain John Blenker has spent years exploring every corner of Tampa Bay, learning the seasonal movements and behaviors of these incredible fish. Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, we’ll tailor the trip to your comfort and skill level.

When you fish with us, you can expect:

• Local expertise – We know where the fish are and when they bite.
• Top-quality gear – We provide everything you need for the day.
• Personalized instruction – Learn how to spot, stalk, and hook your own permit.
• Unforgettable memories – We’ll capture your catch and make sure your experience is one for the books.

Permit fishing in Tampa Bay isn’t just about catching a fish — it’s about the chase, the challenge, and the reward of doing it right. And when you finally bring that silver ghost to hand, you’ll understand why so many anglers keep coming back for more.

Best Times to Book Your Permit Trip

The peak season for permit in Tampa Bay typically runs from April through September, when water temperatures and tides align perfectly. That said, fall can also offer great opportunities, especially around structure and nearshore reefs. Over the past 8 years we have had our best luck on smaller permit up to 24” between November and March. Although smaller fish, they are fun to fight on lighter tackle and are delicious to eat.

Ready to Chase Permit?

Whether you’re visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast for the first time or you’re a local looking for a new adventure, there’s no better way to experience the thrill of Tampa Bay than chasing permit with Five O’Clock Charlie Tours.

Book your trip today, and let’s go find your silver ghost. This in my opinion is a “Bucket list fish to catch.”

Contact Us