Overview

The Perminator, short for Permit Terminator, was designed by Umpqua signature tyer Lex Hochner as a crab pattern built to fool permit on the flats, one of the toughest fish in saltwater fly fishing.

Permit feed heavily on crabs, and a good crab fly has to sink at the right rate and land looking natural. This pattern gives a realistic crab profile that settles toward the bottom, where a fleeing crab would try to hide. The Blue Crab version suits redfish and other fish in waters where blue crabs are common.

How to Fish It

• Lead the fish: cast well ahead of a cruising or tailing permit so the fly lands softly and sinks into its path.
• Let it drop: often the best move is to let the crab sink to the bottom as the fish approaches.
• Short strips: if the fish shows interest, a short strip or two can make the crab look like it is fleeing.
• Strip set: when the line tightens or the fish tips down on the fly, strip set firmly rather than lifting the rod.

Choosing Color and Size

This listing is Blue Crab in size 2, a good choice on flats and marsh edges where blue crabs are a common food.