How to Choose the Best Fly Line for Permit
If you follow our blog or are researching your next fly rod or fly reel for a specific species, you’ve probably seen our blog posts about choosing the right gear. Targeting different species on a fly rod can be difficult. Purchasing the right gear greatly increases an angler’s chances of success on the water. Especially when it comes to Permit.
If you’re wondering about how to choose the best fly rod for Permit, that article can be found here. Similarly, research about choosing the right fly reel for Permit should start here.
But what about partnering your fly rod and fly reel setup with the right fly line?
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The Basics
First, choose a fly line that matches your rod. If you’re fishing a 10wt fly rod, pair that rod with a 10wt fly line. If you’re fishing a 9wt, choose a 9wt fly line.
Most Permit fishing is done on shallow flats and is almost always sight fishing. Therefore, for the vast majority of circumstances, you’re going to want a floating fly line. Similarly, you’re going to want a line that’s built for tropical conditions. If you’re confused about which lines are made for warm water and tropical conditions, read our article about cold water vs tropical lines here.
So we’ve narrowed down your choices. You should be considering a 10wt tropical floating fly line. And if you want to be safe, a fly line with ‘Permit’ in the name makes way too much sense. If you have a RIO Elite Permit Fly Line in your cart you’re on the right track.
But what other factors play into fly line choice when targeting Permit? Surely there are scenarios when a fly line other than RIO’s Elite Permit Line is optimal. Taper, fly choice, and fishing technique play a role. Here’s how it breaks down.
Taper
If you have a fast action, high-performance fly rod, choose a line with an aggressive front taper for accuracy at short range.
If you’re after delicacy, stealth, and accuracy at distance, choose a fly line with a long, gradual taper.
Fly Choice
If you’re casting small flies at middle/long distance, choose a fly line with a long, gradual taper.
If you’re casting large flies at short/middle distance, choose a fly line with a short, aggressive taper.
Fishing Technique
If you’re wading, chances are you’re fishing at middle/long distances and prioritizing presentation. Choose a fly line with a long, gradual taper.
If you’re fishing from a boat, chances are you’re focusing on loading a rod at shorter distances. Choose a fly line with a short, aggressive taper.
Charts
If you know your angling style and preferences, the charts below will help you choose a fly line.
If you’re curious about these fly lines, find them on our website below.
| Rio Elite Permit |  |
| Scientific Anglers Amplitude Tropical Titan |  |
| RIO Elite Flats Pro |  |
| RIO Elite Bonefish |  |
| Scientific Anglers Amplitude Bonefish |  |
| Airflo Ridge 2.0 Flats Power Taper |  |
Cortland Liquid Crystal Flats Taper Fly Line
It’s worth mentioning Cortland’s clear fly line: the Cortland Liquid Crystal Flats Taper. This line is great for delicate presentations and stealthy wading scenarios. It’s also a solid line to cast from the bow of a boat to finicky fish. The line’s clear design camouflages well on the flats and can also be used for Bonefish and other spooky saltwater targets.
Questions?
If you're still confused or want more information about how to choose a line for Permit, don't hesitate to give us a call at (888) 413-5211 or email us anytime at [email protected].
