Permit fish are difficult to catch in their native Atlantic shallows. This tropical water fish puts up a strong fight, challenging even the experienced angler. Adult permit fish weight between from 10 to 20 lbs., and they can be difficult to differentiate from a pompano fish when they are small. Cook permit fish in a variety of spices or marinades to create a succulent and delicious meal fit for any table.

Clean a permit fish fillet by rinsing it under cool water and blotting it dry with paper towels.

Place your fish in a baking dish, and cover it with your favorite sauce, or sprinkle both sides of it with spices, such as salt, pepper, chives or parsley.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake the permit fish for 5 minutes per inch of thickness.

Turn the fish with a spatula, and cook for 5 more minutes per inch of thickness.

Check the permit fish to see if it is cooked completely. A raw fish is translucent, and a cooked fish is opaque. Also, a permit fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part of the fish.