Summer & Fall are perfect for permit fishing in the Keys.

Capt. Emel Smith is a veteran fly fishing guide in the Lower Florida Keys. His experience as a flats guide began in the early 90s but Smith had been fishing here in the Keys since 1978.

Capt. Emel  has been guiding anglers full-time in the Keys from Marathon to Key West ever since. He mainly targets tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, shark, jacks, seatrout and snapper. Each time of the year has its peak for different species. Check out the fishing calendar for more details on what fish are biting when in the Lower Keys.

Capt. Emel guides from his 17- foot Maverick Mirage equipped with a 90-hp Yamaha outboard. His array of tackle includes rods and reels from Abel, G.Loomis and Shimano.

We’ve had a few blustery days due to some tropical systems moving through the area. The wind is up which makes for really good permit fishing conditions.