Breaking World Records: Ken Watkins & Guide Darrel Smith Rewrite Permit History in Belize

In the world of saltwater fly fishing, certain achievements stand out not just for their sheer numbers, but for the story they tell. Such is the case with Mr. Ken Watkins and his longtime guide, Darrel Smith. Together, they have shattered records for the number of permit caught on fly, and in doing so, carved out a unique place in angling lore.

550th Permit on Fly

For decades, anglers have measured greatness by how many permit they could land on a fly rod. The notoriously selective and elusive permit is often considered the ultimate test of patience, precision, and mastery of flats fishing.

Recently, Ken Watkins officially broke the previous benchmarks by landing 1,213 permit, of which 529 were taken on fly gear alone. In doing so, he eclipsed earlier records like Del Brown’s count of 513 (on fly) and Mike Ward’s 514, establishing a new standard for worldwide permit angling.

What makes this record even more extraordinary is that every permit was landed under the guidance of Darrel Smith. Ken is the only known angler to have achieved this milestone using the same guide for the entire journey. Their partnership, longevity, and consistency are as much a part of the story as the sheer numbers themselves, explains In the Loop Fly Fishing Magazine.

To understand why this record matters, it helps to grasp what makes permit so revered:

• Elusiveness & wariness: Permit are extremely selective feeders, easily spooked, and often in tight, shallow flats where stealth is required.

• Precision demands: A cast must land perfectly ahead of the fish’s path, often in wind or glare, and be stripped with natural movement.

• The cumulative effort: Thousands of hours on the water, many missed shots, and countless lessons learned inform every success.

By breaking past records, Ken and Darrel didn’t just catch fish — they proved sustained excellence across a lifetime of pursuit.

Their feat is more than a trophy. It shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting Belize’s flats ecosystem. The health of seagrass beds, mangroves, and shallow flats is critical for permit survival. As chronicled in Fly Fisherman’s “Protect Belize’s Flats Fishery,” preserving these habitats isn’t optional; it’s essential if the sport, the ecology, and the local livelihoods are to endure.

Darrel, as a local guide, knows better than most that development, pollution, and irresponsible coastal expansion pose real threats. Every permit landed is a reminder that the “flats” are more than fishing locations. They are living, breathing ecosystems that deserve respect and stewardship.