Contents
Where and how to catch a permit: habitats, spawning time and effective fishing methods
Permites are a genus of marine fish of the scad family. In addition to permits, fish are called trachinots and pompanos. They are widely distributed, for example, the blue trachinot lives in the Mediterranean Sea, reaching a size of 30 cm in length. The sizes of other species can reach a length of more than 120 cm and a weight of more than 30 kg. In general, the genus contains about 20 species. Most fish have a peculiar appearance: a rounded, laterally compressed body shape. The profile of the head is also strongly rounded. The mouth is semi-inferior, the teeth are small located on the vomer and palate. It is believed that metal leashes are not needed when fishing for permits. On the short caudal peduncle, as in all scads, bony scutes are present, the scales are very small. The peculiar appearance is complemented by fins, which in one of the species resemble the ancient weapon of the Iberians – “falcata”, which is reflected in the Latin name of the fish (Trachinotus falcatus – round trachinot). Permits are inhabitants of the coastal zone: lagoons, estuaries and other marine landscapes with depths of up to 30 m. The basis of nutrition is benthos, primarily crustaceans, and partly small fish. They hunt in small groups. Permits are considered commercial species everywhere. Some varieties are classified as fish delicacies.
Fishing methods
One of the most worthy trophies when fishing with light tackle. It is distinguished by stubborn resistance, when fishing in shallows or on difficult bottom terrain, it can start a fishing line for corals. Permits can be caught with a variety of gear, including using natural baits, but spinning and fly fishing are considered the main ones. Tackles are selected depending on the size of the intended trophies.
Catching fish on a spinning rod
Before you go fishing, you should clarify the size of all possible trophies in the region, including permits. When choosing tackle for catching a classic spinning “cast”, it is advisable to proceed from the principle “bait size + trophy size”. Permits are kept in the lower layers of the water, various baits can be used, even for jigging. In addition, they use classic baits: spinners, wobblers and more. Reels should be with a good supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free braking system, the coil must be protected from salt water. In many types of sea fishing, very fast wiring is required, which means a high gear ratio of the winding mechanism. According to the principle of operation, the coils can be both multiplier and inertial-free. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. The choice of rods is very diverse, at the moment, manufacturers offer a large number of specialized “blanks” for various fishing conditions and types of bait. It is worth adding that for coastal fishing of medium-sized permits, it is possible to use rods of light tests. When fishing with spinning marine fish, fishing technique is very important. To select the correct wiring, it is necessary to consult experienced anglers or guides.
Fly fishing
Trachinoths are actively caught by sea fly fishing. In most cases, it is worth checking the size of any possible trophies living in the region where fishing is planned before the trip. As a rule, class 9-10 one-handers can be considered “universal” marine fly fishing gear. When catching medium-sized individuals, you can use sets of 6-7 classes. They use fairly large baits, so it is possible to use lines a class higher than the corresponding one-handed rods. Bulk reels must be suitable for the class of the rod, with the expectation that at least 200 m of strong backing must be placed on the spool. Do not forget that the gear will be exposed to salt water. This requirement applies especially to coils and cords. When choosing a coil, you should pay special attention to the design of the brake system. The friction clutch must be not only as reliable as possible, but also protected from salt water ingress into the mechanism. During fly fishing for marine fish, including permits, a certain lure control technique is required. Especially at the initial stage, it is worth taking the advice of experienced guides.
Baits
It is difficult to single out some special nozzle for catching permits; medium-sized baits are used in shallow water: wobblers, oscillating and rotating spinners, silicone imitations, and so on. In addition, fish respond well to natural baits. To do this, you can use a variety of shrimp, crabs and more. Permits are caught with fly fishing gear on imitation of invertebrates, medium-sized streamers.
Places of fishing and habitat
The distribution area of permits, trachinots, pompanos is the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. They are widely distributed and represented in the ichthyofauna of the tropics. As already mentioned, they prefer shallow places, mainly near various bottom obstacles: coral and rocky reefs. They often live in small groups. Large individuals usually live alone.
Spawning
Spawning at permits takes place in the summer. During the spawning period, fish gather in large groups in the coastal zone.