02/06/2026
- Full story down below -
My first permit on the fly: the consecration of DIY.
While traveling in the south of the Quintana Roo Peninsula, we naturally had one objective in mind: crossing paths with one of those famous black-tailed devils, the permit!
Those who know me, or who have some knowledge of tropical fly fishing, know what this fish represents.
A magnificent, powerful, and intelligent fish, endowed with every attribute needed to outsmart even our most perfect traps, making it the Holy Grail for most fly anglers roaming the flats around the world.
After several fleeting encounters during previous trips to Guadeloupe and Venezuela, I had still not been fortunate enough to get my hands on this legendary fish.
It was during our recent trip to Mexico, in the Xcalak area, that I finally had the honor and the luck of losing my virginity, and what’s more, during a DIY session from shore!
After a brief and rather unproductive evening session in the Chetumal Bay the day before, we headed that morning to the ocean side of the Xcalak area for our first real day of fishing.
Unfortunately, the waters stained by sargassum seemed deserted, and during those first few hours of prospecting we saw only a small group of bonefish and a large barracuda.
Back at the vehicle, the decision was made to drive a few more kilometers north, beyond a series of rocky points, in the hope of finding cleaner water and stopping there for lunch.
Arriving at the third spot of the day, I stepped out to have a look around, leaving the rods in the trunk so I could get an overall view of the area. That’s when I finally spotted the first fish of the day. A large black sickle-shaped tail revealed itself in the waves some fifty meters from shore. No doubt about it, it was a permit!
Without hesitation, I rushed back to the vehicle to grab what I needed and quietly entered the water.
It wasn’t one fish, but a group of three, patrolling behind a rocky ledge. As I got closer, they slipped into deeper water, and I eventually lost sight of them as they left the flat.
I decided to wait, and there they were again, reappearing some sixty meters farther away. Still standing motionless in the middle of the flat, I watched their movements, trying to intercept them at the perfect moment, when a movement to my right caught my attention.
A group of about ten permit was crossing the flat and began tailing just fifteen meters from me. Without a second thought, I launched my homemade crab imitation into the middle of the action.
Too long! Damn.
The group scattered, but immediately resumed tailing. I adjusted my shot, and this time the fly landed exactly where it needed to. I then remembered Johan’s advice from my previous trip and made a long, fast strip to get their attention before pausing...
A pause that was quickly punished by a strike violent enough to nearly rip the fly line from my hands.
After several tense minutes of fighting, there it was at last : my first permit! DIY, from shore, and on a fly of my own tying. I couldn’t have asked for more.
To make an already incredible catch even more special, I hooked a second, smaller fish on our way back to the vehicle after a short photo session.
One thing is certain: by far, this is the fish that has left the strongest impression on me throughout my life as an angler.
Now, onto the next one!
IG :
