Author

Jonathan Olch is the author of the highly acclaimed new book on saltwater flats fishing, A Passion For Permit. This two-volume set, encompassing more than 1,200 pages, delves heavily into the scientific attributes of this awesome gamefish and expounds on the global conservation measures necessary for its long-term protection. Over a thirty-year period, Jonathan has caught well over 200 Atlantic permit, including several other prized and closely related Trachinotus species, in 14 different countries. Olch is the holder of the current IGFA 20-pound tippet class world-record Atlantic permit, a fish caught and released on the flats of Key West. Recently, Olch served as moderator of the Permit Panel discussion at the Sixth International Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Symposium.

As a freelance writer, Jonathan’s articles have previously appeared in such publications as Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod & Reel, Salt Water Sportsman, TAIL Magazine, Fly Tyer, The Angling Report, The Orvis News, Flyfishing, and The Flyfisher. An innovative fly tier, Olch became one of Umpqua Feather Merchants original contract fly tiers in 1983. His fly pattern designs have appeared in seven different fly tying books over the years.

Jonathan grew up in New England where he learned to ski and explore the trout streams of New Hampshire. He attended the Roxbury Latin School in Massachusetts prior to receiving his B.S. from the University of Colorado and an MBA degree from the University of Utah. Olch competed as a ski racer for the University of Colorado and later on western regional professional tours. Afterward, he raced cars professionally for seven years in multiple IMSA-sanctioned sports car series, including a stint in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. For several succeeding decades, Jonathan focused on his real estate brokerage and land development business around Park City, Utah, where he still resides with his wife, Victoria.