5 Tips for Catching Permit on Foot | Guide Talk Insights and Adventures with Nick Denbow
Welcome to another edition of our Guide Talk series, where we dive into the minds of the world's most passionate fly fishing guides. This time, we’re sitting down with Nick Denbow, a guide whose journey has taken him from the waters of England to the flats of Mexico. With years of experience and a deep love for the sport, Nick shares his unique approach to guiding, his top tips for catching permit, and the adventures that have shaped his career. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Nick’s insights offer something for everyone.
5 Tips for Catching Permit on Foot:
Don’t stand where the fish want to be: Understanding the behavior and habits of your target species is crucial. Position yourself accordingly to avoid spooking them.
Fish with your ass!: Sit and watch. Observation is key. By spending time watching the water, you can learn a lot about fish movements and behaviors.
Know your prey: Learn the habits of the fish you’re targeting. Set your trap by understanding their patterns and movements.
Don’t blow the spot!: Permit are sensitive to pressure. If you’ve upset them, it’s often too late. Approach with caution and be mindful of your presence.
Note your tides: Understanding how tides affect flats is essential. Fish all tides when learning a flat, and pay attention to when permit are most active based on the water levels.
Get To Know Nick :
Nick, how did you first get into fly fishing, and what led you to pursue a career as a guide?
I’m told I took my first steps walking towards a fish mobile. This all makes sense now. I wish it was oil or computers but I wasn’t aware of them back then.
What brought you to Mexico, and how has guiding there shaped your approach to fly fishing?
The food in England sucked after I left home. Mexico completed my dream of being a perpetual student. 1 lifetime per species… Mx has more than a Cat can handle.
Can you share some of the most memorable places you’ve guided worldwide and how each location has influenced your guiding style?
Mexico every time, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had with a fly rod in my hand. I guided the UK for a decade and a half before being humbled for a week and a half in Mexico.
How do you adapt your guiding techniques to different environments and conditions, especially when targeting challenging species like permit?
Permit huh? Let’s start with that. I hate… oooh strong word (I guess that’s why I used it). They have to eat. People think they don’t! It shocks me. It’s about calorific consumption. They can’t swim that fast and not eat… come on! Show them what their food looks like, and they will eat it.
My food gets put in front of me on a plate from the left or right, it’s there next to a knife and fork, I say thank you and I dive in. Put that same plate on a skateboard descending from the roof and I’m prolly gunna spook regardless of what’s on it. Next time I see that plate I’ll step back again. Obvio.
I digressed. I adapt my guiding to the client’s ability. I try to avoid game time issues through proper preparation, and if I can’t see, I’ll go shallow and look for tails.
What challenges have you faced as a fly fishing guide, and how have you overcome them throughout your career?
It’s my accent. I’m pretty sure people can’t understand me. I gently speak instruction, I then say the same thing louder, then I SHOUT it, but they still don’t listen. Must be my accent.
What are your future plans and goals as a guide, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?
I plan to marry a rich American woman who doesn’t fish that has a keen passion for learning to pole a skiff.
