Shop permit fly reels: sealed saltwater reels with smooth, powerful drags and the backing to stay with a running permit.
Permit Fly Reels Quick Picks
Best Premium Permit Reel: Mako Model 9550 Inshore Fly Reel - Rated for 9 to 11 weight lines and holding better than 300 yards of backing behind a WF9, with a fully sealed carbon fiber drag and calibrated one-turn-stop knob. Built for anglers who don't want gear to be the reason a permit gets away.
Best Lightweight Power Reel: Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel - A strong drag in a lightweight frame with a standout weight-to-strength ratio, and construction and finishing built for saltwater. The 9/10 size pairs nicely with a typical permit rod.
Best for Long Runs and Quick Recovery: Nautilus CCF-X2 Fly Reel - Plenty of max drag, fine drag adjustability and huge retrieval rates, and half the startup inertia of the original CCF. It won our 2018 8-Weight Fly Reel Shootout, and the 8/10 size is a strong permit option.
Best Value Permit Reel: Redington Grande Fly Reel - Redington's flagship saltwater reel, CNC machined from T-6061 aluminum with a smooth, fully sealed disc drag. The 9/10/11 size gives you a serious permit reel without stepping up to the top price tier.
How to Choose Permit Fly Reels
Drag Smoothness Comes First
Permit shots are rare, so a reel failure at the wrong moment can cost you the fish of a trip. When a permit eats and bolts for deep water, a sealed drag with smooth startup protects your leader and gives you control through the long first run. A drag that you can adjust in small steps also lets you add pressure as the fight goes on, which helps when a fish heads for coral heads or a channel edge.
Backing for Long Runs
Permit are strong, fast and stubborn, and a big fish can run well into your backing. Most anglers want at least 200 yards of backing on a permit reel, and more is welcome if you fish open flats or wrecks where fish have room to run. A large arbor spool helps you regain line quickly once the fish turns.
Sizing for 9-10wt Rods
Permit are most often fished on 9wt and 10wt rods. The heavier rods help turn over weighted crab flies and cut through the wind that seems to show up on every permit flat. Choose a reel sized for 9-11wt lines, and favor a slightly heavier, sturdier reel that balances the larger rod rather than the lightest reel you can find.
Built to Live in Salt
Permit reels spend long days on a skiff in sun, spray and salt air. Look for machined aluminum frames with hard anodized finishes and saltwater-safe hardware, and a drag that is fully sealed so salt and sand can't reach the drag surfaces. Simple, robust designs also make field rinsing easier on extended trips.
Permit Fishing Tips
Keep your line clean on the deck: Permit shots happen fast. Strip off only the line you can cast, and keep the deck clear so nothing tangles when the fish runs.
Strip set, don't trout set: When a permit tips down on your crab fly, keep stripping until you feel weight, then come tight. Lifting the rod too early pulls the fly away from the fish.
Start with a moderate drag: Set the drag before you start poling so the first run won't snap your tippet, then add pressure once the fish is on the reel.
Rinse and dry every night: Rinse your reel gently with fresh water after each day, loosen the drag, and let it dry fully before storage.
Complete Your Setup
Pair your reel with one of our permit fly rods, fill the spool with quality fly line backing, and stock up on crabs and shrimp from our permit flies collection. Anglers planning a broader saltwater trip can also browse all saltwater fly reels.
Permit Fly Reels FAQs
Q: What weight reel do I need for permit?
A: Most permit anglers fish a 9wt or 10wt rod, so a reel sized for 9-11wt lines is a good match. A 9wt is common on calm days, while a 10wt helps with heavier crab flies and wind.
Q: How much backing should a permit reel hold?
A: Plan on at least 200 yards of backing behind your fly line. Larger reels that hold more give you extra margin on open flats and wrecks.
Q: Can I use my bonefish reel for permit?
A: An 8wt bonefish setup can handle smaller permit, and many anglers carry one for both. For a dedicated permit outfit, a 9-10wt rod and a reel with more backing capacity are the better choice.
Q: Is a sealed drag necessary for permit?
A: For saltwater flats fishing, yes. A sealed drag keeps salt and sand out of the drag and keeps performance consistent through long days on the water.