The outlook for fishing this summer is so much better than last year. By this time last year we had boarded up, evacuated, batten down the hatches, bought supplies, and tested our generator numerous times. There is something to be thankful for, and part of it has to do with the fishing.

I’m grateful for a very good season. It’s winding down a bit and although the fishing has been really great, the schedule allows me to get out fishing on my own and explore some new territory.

This week has been especially great for permit fishing. Fly fishing for permit is already difficult and with our southeast winds clipping along at a cool 15 knots, it’s not easy for the average fly angler to make precise casts all the time to tailing permit.

Although wind is somewhat of an enemy to a fly fishing angler, especially when it’s blowing hard on his right shoulder (for a right handed angler), with permit fishing we almost welcome the wind. It gives the opportunity to sneak up on tailing permit and even is more forgiving when making a strong cast that leaves the fly landing hard in the water.

I tie a fly these days that is deadly for permit but is definately not a flat calm water fly. One the wind is clipping along at 10 knots or so, we’re golden.

I had the pleasure of fishing with an angler from New York, George Polsky. I have to give congrats to both him and his brother for their first permit on fly. It’s a great accomplishment and no doubt has got them hooked on permit fishing altogether.

As for August, the tropical outlook has a few more players in the field we call the Atlantic Basin, but as for fishing… the slam is still a definate possibility.