2024
April 30, 2024. Healthy trip this morning. After a bit of adjusting, we were able to avoid the Cat Daddies for the most part and get on a variety of species. I forgot how hard blue fish fight. Every time one got on I was screaming “DRUM”! Return customers from Mississippi went back to the house with a cooler full. There was talk about bringing the haul to a restaurant for a “Hook and Cook”. We are not gonna see too many more days like this. These pictures in about a month we will all look like beaten dogs from the heat. Enjoy the weather while it lasts.
Frisky Fins
SurfPro Tackle
FishGum
Deerfield Fabrication And Welding LLC
April 20, 2024. One of the most asked questions I get about the SurfPro Tackle Float-Hook is about the gap. Hook to float ratio. I came up on a pod of massive fleas the other day and strapped one on. Enough of the point came through to expose the barb, and as we all know, the sand flea will surely crush once bitten. There is even enough room to back it with a healthy piece of FishGum. Fleas this size don’t get used much on our guides as we will mostly cut them in half. But, it’s reassuring to know that the big ones are not an issue.
April 19, 2024. We were able to make the connection with this Salt Strong Insider, and get him on the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key this morning. About a month ago Panhandle Salt was tagged within the Salt Strong community with a question from John here. He was detailing a trip he had planned, and gathering intelligence about beach fishing the Gulf Coast. One thing led to another, and we had a guide on the books. Definitely a slow start, but stayed on the whiting the entire trip. This guy showed up to play last 30 minutes of the trip. This is the one we were looking for, and now John and his wife have plenty of filets for the dinner table tonight. I’ve been picking up a bait pattern the last few trips this week, but I’m not quite ready to share it yet. Any thoughts? Leave your comment here.
It’s safe to say they are around.
April 18, 2024. We got a call last week. “Do you want to take some ladies fishing?” Yes I do. Florida limit with a visit from FWC. Video will drop next week.
It’s safe to say they are around.
It’s safe to say they are around.
April 3, 2024. What an amazing arrival off the UPS truck today from Matt Poole over there at Ninja Tackle. Not only was the tournament rod delivered for our upcoming Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown Tournament, but a side gift for the one and only, Thunder Baby. 8’6” Dagger as his first official surf rod. First words out of his mouth were “I want a gold reel like yours”. Since I don’t feel the need to drop the cash on a Slammer as he referd to, he will have to settle with this 2500 Spinfisher. It’s got some gold highlights. Good enough. If you know the 8’6”, then you are aware that it will handle pretty much anything we are talking out there, and has the size for a little one to handle. As Thunder grows, the rod will surely transfer to his lure caster, and he will already have an important piece of the arsenal. Words can’t express our gratitude, Matt. Keep being you buddy.
It’s safe to say they are around.
It’s safe to say they are around.
It’s safe to say they are around.
April 2, 2024. The fight from a migrating pompano and resident is night and day. These visitors are angry! Violent head shakes, big bends, and absolutely refuse to come on shore. I hooked this one about 20- foot off the beach. He ran out, back in, East, West, and then back out again. Drag screeching.
We are 10 days out for the 2024 Spring Edition Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown Tournament.
It’s gonna be a good one.
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
March 31, 2024. This little guy (not the pompano) was one of the most active clients I have had in a while. Mission, “catch something I can eat”.
Running PM trips this time of the year can get challenging with all the beach goers. I grabbed a spot slap in the middle of the two locations I wanted to fish. They were both occupied.
I laid out the spread, and within 30 minutes a school came by. Back to back rod bends, crossed lines, and a lot of direction landed 2 and lost a drag screamer.
Little man ended up with around 4lb’s of one of the most sought after species in the Gulf. He was happy.
March 28, 2024. Fishing guide. Perdido, FL
March 28, 2024. Fishing guide. Perdido, FL
March 20, 2024. I believe I have enough ready. About a month ago I stocked up with Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle preparing to change out my treble hooks. I get more and more sensitive as time passes, and cringe when a hook is stuck in 16 different places on a fish. Brian Arnold sent me over a combo of 8mm and 10mm split rings, and 1,2, and 3/0 inlines. After a few sessions in the garage I have removed around 20 treble hooks replacing them with the above. Another benefit is that the new tackle brought my lures back to life. Poppers, spoons, ESLures, twitch baits, and a few more jewels I have been holding on to have all been changed over. I have about 45 tiny puncture wounds on both hands and fingers. Let’s go Spring 
March 18, 2024. A true sign that season is changing. Spanish in the surf! It’s a quick fast bite right at daybreak, then shuts down. Gold ESLures Custom paired with a Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle 1/0 inline got this one first cast. 8’6” Ninja Tackle Dagger was our Lance of choice. Beach fishing Guides along the Emerald Coast.
March 17, 2024. Snatched a few up yesterday with the SurfPro Tackle Hook-Float. The company is sponsoring our 2024 Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown Tournament, and will have products on display at the weigh in. Swing by Warrior Beer Company April 14th after 2:00 PM to see all our amazing sponsors, and what they will be offering up during the event. Registration closes April 10th for The Showdown, and April 4th for The Unfolding.
March 12, 2024. First session with the Reel30A Surf Pro 12.5. I paired her with a 4500 PENN Fishing Slammer for now. 20lb True Braid. As I like to keep my Slammer collection ready for bigger targets, I will eventually strap a 5000 Battle to it. I’m a huge 4000 fan, but the way this thing launches I’m gonna want the extra line capacity. She slings 
. Definitely a “Wow” moment.
March 10, 2024. And…. we got our daylight back. Daylight savings is always the first day of Spring for me. We get to sleep a little later for the sunrise bite, and get in some after work sessions as the sun hangs in there past 7:00 PM. To celebrate, I picked up a 12.5 Reel30A Surf Pro this afternoon from Frisky Fins Headquarters. James Pemberton has these in stock along with all other models, and the Ninja Tackle Dagger lineup. Great for locals and visitors wanting to save on shipping.
Now, what to pair her with?
March 2, 2024. Put one on the sand this morning. Hit my “whiting rod” of course. 15lb Fluorocarbon leader, #2 hook, FishGum OP Soaked shrimp. This hoss took me 100 yards away from my spread. When I got back I had a pompano waiting to be reeled in. Who knows how long that fella was on there . Keeper size, but I let it go out of guilt.
February 29, 2024. If you are not using Sputnik’s all the time, why not?
A. The cost?
B. Unnecessary?
C. Bulky Tackle? (Scare fish)
It is rare that I strap on a pyramid nowadays. I love the way Sputnik’s hold my rod tip. That slight bend that tells me my bait is where I want it. But if I get honest, I probably wouldn’t use them as much if Panhandle Salt and Frisky Fins were not working together. They are costly.
Leave your comment here.
February 28, 2024. No matter the outcome of the session, catching the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico is well worth the efforts getting out here early morning. The scene never fails to bring the thought that something bigger is working in the background, and all my problems and anxieties are just a blip to what is really going on. Surf fishing will no doubt bring you closer to spiritual awakening if you don’t resist it.
February 28, 2024. Over the years Panhandle Salt Beach Fishing guides has collaborated with some of the top names in surf fishing for support with the day to day operations of the business. Frisky Fins, Deerfield Fabrication And Welding LLC, and Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle are great examples of this. We use these products on every trip.
Recently MariTirado has added all companies that support us to our website, and FishGum is among our newest lineup for the 2024 season.
I have watched from a distance over the past few years as Tony Faggioni has consistently, tirelessly, and successfully demonstrated to the beach fishing community that his bait is not only effective, but can be considered a handicap to not have in the tackle bucket.
The new batch we received today is impressive. The feel, look, and scent has magnified ten folds from the early days, and the sight of it instantly made me want to hit the beach.
SPRING IS NEAR. Prepare for the impossible.
SPRING IS NEAR. Prepare for the impossible.
SPRING IS NEAR. Prepare for the impossible.
February 26, 2024. Fishing Drones are not just for SHARKS. Having the capability to get further off the beach can turn a skunk into a successful trip. As beach fishermen we all know, some days they are running DEEP. It’s frustrating seeing those schools, birds diving, and blow-ups just out of reach. What are they is a question I often ask myself.
With my Swellpro I have the tools to zoom the drone out, camera on, and actually SEE what is causing all the commotion. Jacks. Reds, Tarpon, Cobia, are all possibilities from land with the right equipment. And of course, Pompano that are being stubborn and won’t cut in.
Panhandle Salt Beach Fishing is now promoting sells through our website with a healthy discount code attached. There are many different models to choose from with a ton of cool accessories.
SPRING IS NEAR. Prepare for the impossible.
SPRING IS NEAR. Prepare for the impossible.
February 26, 2024. Out of curiosity, would ya'll like to see these pre-tied, or sold separately in packs of let's say 5? Asking for a friend. Leave a comment here.
No man, or business is an island.
February 21, 2024.
Networking is so important in this thing I’m trying to build. Most times my brain doesn’t give me the answers I’m looking for. Being vulnerable, reaching out has proven useful many times over the last 4- years and I fall back on it when I’m stuck.
A beach fishing session with long time guide and friend Larry Grossman unlocked information I have been searching for. If you want to know the ends and outs of running fishing guides this is the man to have in your corner. Although retired, Larry has gone through the trials and tribulations for us. 30 years I think? Running guides for outfits and himself.
My handicap has been networking inside the fishing community. Not reaching outside it. A suggestion from Larry over the weekend unlocked huge growth opportunities, and to tap into something bigger than just guiding. A pitch this morning at 8:00 AM to some of Perdido’s finest peaked interest.
Larry was one of my first subscribers back in 2021, and has become an asset to what I’m trying to do here. To put beach fishing guides on the map as a professional, well organized, and sought after experience for our tourism community to experience year after year.
Thanks, Larry.
