When can you catch permit in Islamorada?
Spring through fall. Big Dave calls spring the time for permit and lists March and May, and A Fishing Guru has permit on the wrecks in June. The Keys tourism council grades permit Peak in April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The Keys are a Special Permit Zone, closed to harvest from April 1 to July 31.
The fish
FWC puts permit common to 50 pounds, offshore around structure and inshore over grass flats, sand and channels; the Florida Museum gives a maximum of at least 48 inches and 79 pounds and says spawning in the Keys peaks from May to June. A crushing plate at the back of the mouth handles crabs and clams, and FWC notes anglers cast live crabs to schools.
In Islamorada
Bud N’ Mary’s says permit share the Islamorada flats with bonefish and tarpon. Big Dave: spring is perfect for permit, March and May its top months. A Fishing Guru: permit in February when the weather allows, and on the wrecks in June. Pelagic Color lists permit among its reef-trip targets.
Can you keep permit?
The Florida Keys are a Special Permit Zone: harvest is closed from April 1 to July 31, and multiple hooks with natural bait are prohibited for harvest.
Every limit is on what fish you can keep.
| Rule | FWC, Keys state waters |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 22 in FL |
| Bag limit | 1 per person, 2 per boat |
| Season | Closed Apr 1 to Jul 31 (Special Permit Zone) |
| Source | FWC: Permit |
Which trip to book
A flats trip for sight fishing ($700–$1,200 per boat), or a reef and wreck trip in early summer.
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Stray Cat Fishing Charters
4.8 Google · 13 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Backcountry and flats; names permit with tarpon, bonefish and redfish.
Departs: Worldwide Sportsman / Bass Pro marina, MM 81.5
Check availability
Google · 13 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Read for this page on 6 October 2026: FWC: permit profile ; Florida Museum: permit .
Check it at the source
- FWC — Permit regulations Permit rules, including the Special Permit Zone that covers the Keys. Link checked 6 September 2026
Permit: questions
Can you keep a permit in the Florida Keys?
Outside the April 1 to July 31 closure, one per person and two per boat, at least 22 inches to the fork. The Keys are FWC’s Special Permit Zone.
When is the best time for permit in Islamorada?
Spring and early summer: Big Dave picks March and May, A Fishing Guru June on the wrecks, and the Keys tourism council grades permit Peak from April to October.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in Islamorada?
Islamorada Charters Fishing is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
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