Top Permit Fishing Countries

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) is a prized saltwater game fish known for its strength, speed, and elusiveness, making it a favorite among sport anglers. Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, permit are most abundant in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters, especially around sandy flats and coral reefs. The top countries renowned for permit fishing include the United States (particularly Florida and the Florida Keys), Mexico (notably the Yucatan Peninsula and Ascension Bay), and several Caribbean nations such as Belize, Cuba, and the Bahamas. In these regions, permit fishing is primarily a catch-and-release sport, supporting a thriving recreational fishing industry that attracts anglers from around the world. While commercial harvest of permit is limited due to their popularity as a sport fish and concerns over population sustainability, the economic impact of permit fishing is significant for local tourism and guiding businesses in these countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.