Permit Fishing - Christiaan Pretorius
After years chasing permit across the flats, my go-to setup stays lean but effective: a 9-weight rod, high-quality reel with bulletproof drag, both intermediate and floating lines, and heavy fluorocarbon leaders. The fly box carries a solid selection of crab patterns in various sizes and colors—nothing fancy, just proven fish-catchers. Beyond the tackle, I never skimp on quality polarized sunglasses (you can't catch what you can't see), a big-brimmed hat, sun gloves, and quick-dry technical clothing. I always keep multiple rods rigged—one for permit, one for bones, one for opportunistic shots—because permit fishing is about being ready when that tailing ghost appears. The difference between success and frustration often comes down to having the right gear dialed in before you even step on the boat.
Christiaan Pretorius's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
Products in this list
- 28L Waterproof Backpack by Yeti
- 50 Carryall Tote Bag by Yeti
- 7X Single-Hand Rod by Loop Tackle — My preferred 8wt rod for flats fishing
- 7X Single-Hand Rod by Loop Tackle — My preferred 9wt rod for flats fishing
- Opti Reel by Loop Tackle
- Opti Reel by Loop Tackle
- Bonefish by Cortland
- All Purpose Taper by Cortland
- Grand Catalina Polarized Sunglasses by Costa Del Mar
- Grand Catalina Polarized Sunglasses by Costa Del Mar
- Aperture Tech Strapback - Hill Country Beach Sliders : Grapefruit by Howler Brothers
- Horizon Hybrid Shorts - 7.5" - Isotaupe by Howler Brothers
- HB Tech Hoodie - Key Largo by Howler Brothers
- Aperture Tech Strapback - Howler Trucha : Navy by Howler Brothers
- Storm Splitter Rain Shell - Antique Black / Dark Slate by Howler Brothers
- Shoalwater Tech Pants - Blue Mirage by Howler Brothers
- H Bar B Tech Longsleeve - Eason Plaid : Pistachio by Howler Brothers
- HB Tech Longsleeve T-Shirt - Granite Green by Howler Brothers
- Long Range Bib - Black by Salty Crew
