Were tetering on the edge of March and probably the best part of the season for permit. Today was a picture perfect Florida Keys day. Minimal clouds and just enough wind to get near the fish that roam the flats.

Congrats to Jon Ain of Sugarloaf Key on his 251st permit in fly. Ain is co-founder of the March Merkin permit tournament that will be held March 14-16th at Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West. Ain was fishing with Captain Justin Rea.

Offshore waters have been productive on deep wrecks and just off the reef for big black grouper. These fish are being hooked on live pinfish or on a dead ballyhoo on a downrigger.

The Mad Fin Shark Tournament will be filmed this week in Key West. Participants include Capt. Steve Rodger of Spear One, Captain Tony Murphy on Key Limey and several other notable Key West fishing guides. Look for the series to premier on ESPN this spring.