Far from civilization, deep in the remote flats of Espiritu Santo Bay, awaits one of Latin America’s last untouched permit fisheries. A journey of extremes – for those who dare to chase the impossible fish.

Espiritu Santo Bay is considered one of the last great, largely untouched permit fisheries in Latin America. Those willing to venture into this remote region leave their comfort zones far behind – and are rewarded with a fly fishing experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Getting there is no small feat: a twelve-hour flight, followed by an eight-hour bus ride, four hours in a rugged 4×4 vehicle, and finally a one-hour journey by panga through shallow mangrove channels. But those who endure the journey arrive in one of the most remote and productive flats fishing areas in the region.

The bay itself is a sprawling network of sandbars, lagoons, channels, and mangrove creeks – an ideal habitat for the elusive, hard-fighting permit. Conditions are challenging: crystal-clear water, shifting winds, wary fish. Success here demands precise casting, steady nerves, and an experienced guide who truly knows the water.

What makes Espiritu Santo so special is its seclusion, minimal fishing pressure, and almost untouched ecosystem. The fish are cautious but curious, the fishing grounds vast and varied. Alongside permit, anglers may also encounter bonefish, barracuda, jack crevalle, and the occasional tarpon – but there’s no doubt that permit are the main attraction here.

This is not a trip for beginners or casual tourists. But for those ready to embrace the challenge, the rewards are unforgettable: spotting a shadow drifting toward your fly, the sudden take, and the heart-stopping first run of a powerful permit.

For us, Espiritu Santo was more than just a fishing trip. It was a true adventure – and without question, we’ll be back.

Tight lines