august 2025

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August 23th, 2025

Big thanks to Crappie Magnet  for jumping on board with an idea we’ve been running with since 2023 — combining trusted freshwater tackle with our saltwater rigs.

What many know as “Pomp Tubes” or “Crappie Jigs” have been a staple for us for a while now. We were first introduced to the idea by Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle  and since then we’ve been working these little guys hard in the surf.

So it just made sense to team up with the best in the crappie world and bring that same trust and performance into our Crustacean Rig Line.

Give us a little time to rework the rigs with Crappie Magnet components, and we’ll have them stocked both online and in-store in plenty of time for the pompano run.

Freshwater roots. Saltwater results.

August 19th, 2025

One Year Strong!

A year ago, we took a leap of faith and went all in with Panhandle Salt Surf Fishing, opening the doors to our first shop. It’s not the biggest or the fanciest—but it’s ours. A dream built on hard work, early mornings, late nights, and a passion for sharing surf fishing with others.

To everyone who has stopped by the shop, booked a trip, taken a lesson, or simply cheered us on—thank you. You’ve been part of this journey from day one, and we wouldn’t be here without you.

This first year was about building the foundation. Year two? That’s about growth, community, and making waves even bigger than the ones we fish in. 

Here’s to another year of rods bending, memories made, and chasing the dream—together. 

August 18th, 2025

Sandfleas aren’t actually fleas—they’re mole crabs (genus Emerita). These tiny crustaceans live right in the swash zone of Gulf Coast beaches, where the waves wash in and out.

Role in the Florida Panhandle Surf Fishing Ecosystem

*Natural Bait for Gulf Coast Fish: Sandfleas are one of the top natural foods for pompano, whiting, and red drum—three of the most sought-after surf fishing species in the Florida Panhandle.
*Indicators of Fishing Hot Spots: Local anglers know the saying, “Find the fleas, find the fish.” When sandfleas are abundant in the surf wash, it’s a strong sign that pompano schools are feeding nearby.
*Seasonal Abundance on Florida Beaches: Sandfleas are most common in the spring and fall months along the Florida Panhandle, especially during calm, warm days. In the colder winter months, they burrow deeper into the sand and are harder to locate.

Visit our Panhandle Salt Shop to get sandflea baits, sand flea rakes, and more.

 

August 15th, 2025

Target Flounder in the Surf! Assassin Tackle USA Infinity and Allure are great rods to pin the Flatties off the beach. Stop by the shop, or find these rods online here.

The Assassin Infinity is a mid-range rod, in between the Super Nova and Allure, and can be used for multiple lightweight applications. Flounder in the surf, trout, and throwing pomp jigs — it’s a versatile rod. Also great for inshore and kayak fishing, as it has a shorter butt.

The Allure is a great starter rod for inshore or throwing jigs in the surf. At $130, it gives you a quality rod using Fuji components to get a feel for whether this style of fishing is right for you. The surf is not always on our side — it’s great to have the bayside as an option when the beach is unfishable.

August 14th, 2025

The Salt Strong Skinny Lipper doesn’t get enough attention on the surf side — but it should.

This lure is a killer in shallow water, especially in the first 10–15 yards off the beach. The smaller lip keeps it from diving too deep, making it perfect for working that strike zone where Spanish mackerel and blues have been chasing bait all month.

If you’re looking for the right setup, I recommend pairing the Skinny Lipper with a Assassin Tackle USA Super Nova, Infinity, or Alure rod. Each of these handles this style of lure beautifully and has the backbone to deal with surprise hookups. I like to match mine with a 3000 Piscifun Nautix — that 26lb drag rating will put the brakes on just about anything that hits.

August 13th, 2025

Big shoutout to my buddy Joshua Roth—he’s been doing big things in the fishing world and recently created a replica fish for the legend Bill Dance. Proud of you, brother. You can find all of his work here.  River’s Edge Reproductions. It's crazy seeing you with Bill Freaking Dance! 

Josh is working on some lures for us that combined his artistic talents with function. Stay tuned for the launch. 

Thunder and I helped with this tank back in 2022. That was a good morning. 

August 9th, 2025

Assassin Tackle USA Affinity Series. If you’re serious about surf fishing, these rods are built for the long game — sensitivity, casting power, and a finish that can handle salt, sand, and sun.

8'6" Medium Heavy (MH): Casting: ½–1½ oz. Perfect for 1oz lures, jigs, and light surf setups.

9'6" Heavy (H): Casting: ¾–2 oz. More backbone for deeper cast, but with a soft tip to finesse the target species in.

11' Heavy: Long-distance bomber! This gut will cut through some headwinds with ease, and put a 2oz plug 150 yards. 1-3oz. Great choice when you need to put baits where the fish actually are.

August 8th, 2025

Blanched and Flavored Pompano Bait. These guys work well and are an easy grab and go for trips. 

Blanched to lock in freshness and infused with proven attractants, these sandfleas are a convenient grab-and-go option for pompano, whiting, and other Gulf surf species. 

Stop by Panhandle Salt today to stock up on blanched and flavored sandfleas — the easiest, most effective pompano bait in the Florida Panhandle.