March Merkin Permit Tournament 2026

Spring: The Season Opens with Precision and Power

March Merkin Permit Tournament – March 9–12, 2026

Location: Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, Stock Island / Key West
Style: Fly-fishing, catch-and-release

The season ignites with the March Merkin, widely regarded as the most prestigious permit tournament on the planet. Elite guides and die-hard fly anglers converge on the Lower Keys’ gin-clear flats, poling through skinny water in pursuit of the most maddeningly intelligent game fish in saltwater. This isn’t a numbers game—it’s a chess match of cast placement, fly selection, and nerves.

What Makes It Special:
The Merkin is pure conservation-driven sport. Every fish is released, scores are meticulously logged, and proceeds support Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. The atmosphere at Oceans Edge is electric yet reverent—anglers share stories of shots missed and windows seized, all while honoring the fragile flats ecosystem.

Fish It Yourself:
Want to experience Merkin-style fishing? Book a technical flats charter through the area's top flats and backcountry guides for a pre-tournament tune-up or post-event pilgrimage on the same pristine waters.