This past August, I caught my largest permit to date. Estimated at 40 pounds, the fish was part of a grand slam on the 15th.
Permit are flat and broad. They fight that way too. They finish off a 45 minute fight by splashing you vigorously when released and rarely needing (or wanting) any reviving. They often look and feel better than I after the bout.
An Amazing fish, but very difficult to see under the water. Occasionally they help out by tailing, but most of the time they just come at you without evidence of headwake or spike. They have a distinctive black line that helps out a little. Oh, yea... and those white lips!