In recent fishing activity, the permit, a close cousin of the pompano, has become a notable catch for anglers in the Daytona Beach region. Traditionally revered in the Florida Keys as one of the Big Three targets for flats-fishing enthusiasts, the permit is now drawing attention for its presence in local waters. Unlike the more commonly seen pompano, the permit offers both the thrill of the catch and the promise of a delicious meal, often grilled to perfection. Despite their scarcity in local surf and intracoastal areas, recent trends show a modest increase in permit catches.
The challenges in targeting permit are well-known. They are often caught unintentionally while anglers pursue other fish. Their feeding habits favor small crabs, live shrimp, and artificial lures, though they are notoriously selective and unpredictable in their behavior. This week’s reports suggest anglers have had some success, particularly around Ponce Inlet. Capt. Jeff Patterson reports using live shrimp to entice these fish, noting, ‘Both are awesome-fighting fish and delicious table fare.’ The cooler water temperatures, now in the mid-60s, have enhanced inshore fishing, with docks yielding catches of redfish, snook, and black drum.
Alongside permit, the seasonal influx of pompano has been confirmed by local anglers like Blake Abbey, who reports, ‘Limits are being caught from the surf and rocks.’ The current cold spell appears to have invigorated the fish, making this an opportune time for catching large redfish, commonly referred to as reds, with live shrimp and small jigs proving effective, especially during outgoing tides.
In the Edgewater-Oak Hill area, fishing guide Art Mowery has also reported success, finding black drum, smaller reds, ladyfish, and trout. Northward, at Ormond Beach, anglers have noticed increased activity around snook and a growing presence of sheepshead behind Granada Bait shop, attributed to the shifting temperatures.
Surf fishing enthusiasts like Marco Pompano, stationed at Wilbur by the Sea, have described similar conditions, reporting catches like a 34-inch redfish. However, they await the arrival of larger pompano, which have yet to make their seasonal debut near the shore.
Offshore conditions have presented their own challenges due to harsh north winds, but improved weather expected over the weekend could offer better fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, the St. Johns area has experienced a slowdown related to cooler temperatures, although there are promising signs with trophy-size bass beginning to emerge, according to Capt. Bryn Adams. Panfish, seeking warmth, are moving into shallower waters, a trend noted by angler Don McCormick.
A reminder for those interested in fishing: understanding licensing requirements is crucial. While exemptions exist for certain age groups and those fishing with licensed guides, most anglers will need to secure a fishing license. These can be obtained at local bait shops or online, with costs varying based on residency and duration.
As the region adjusts to cooler weather, anglers in the Daytona Beach area have much to look forward to with the promising trends observed in permit and other species. As conditions continue to evolve, the local fishing community is poised to take advantage of the opportunities that arise during this dynamic season.
Source: News-journalonline
