March 29th, 2025
We have 2 Portarod Systems at the shop. If you ever wanted to know if this safe, functional, rod transportation system will work for you, I’ll have one assembled soon to see if it fits.
Swing by the shop for an install.
March 28th, 2025
Double Header Today.
Daniel Dreadin took the AM shift and happy clients walked out of the shop with a bag of meat. I took the PM, and after fighting off some cats, our client managed this barely legal Red on the light setup.
13lb Wet Sand #perdidoleader, glow Creature SurfPro Tackle. This Pup’s last experience on this planet will be on The Deep Blue Seafood “Truck” flattop as he turns into tacos tomorrow. Then poop.
Long weekend ahead.
March 28th, 2025
With our growing guide business, we’ve brought in another surf fisherman to help fill some schedule gaps. Daniel Dreadin caught my attention during The Upper Limit this past month. He fishes hard, lands quality catches, and, most importantly, has a fantastic personality.
Daniel had his first trip this morning, and Mother Nature didn’t make it easy. Strong winds, swift currents, and that unpredictable transition bite made for a challenging day.
But Daniel delivered. He returned to the shop with 16 whiting, 8 of them measuring a solid 15-17 inches. A few break-offs and a ray added some extra excitement for the clients.
I’d say he’s earned his spot. Great job, buddy! Looking forward to seeing you out there again soon.
March 28th, 2025
Represent the brand that represents you. Panhandle Salt is dedicated to bringing surf anglers across the Gulf Coast education, entertainment, and the most innovative surf fishing tackle on the market.
From weekly podcasts and tips and tricks videos to organizing events that bring together as many surf anglers as possible, Panhandle Salt works every day to put surf fishing charters on the map. We share our day-to-day experiences on the beach and strive to create opportunities for other surf anglers who want to make a difference on the sand. Swing by the shop to grab one today – we have 10 left as of now.
March 27th, 2025
Last week, we placed a new hat order from our tournament sponsor, Stadium Sports Apparel, and I had this one made as a bonus. We now have Richardson 112s in stock at the shop in four different colors. A few didn’t even make it to the shelves before getting snagged, so I’ll place another round before the tournament. Big thanks to Tony Faggioni for all you do — see you soon!
2025 Showdown Shirts here
March 27th, 2025
I've been thinking about how to set up the napping deck. Eventually, I'll add some shade sails, but for now, we'd love to fly flags from brands that support our guide operation. If you'd like to see your flag waving with us, reach out MariTirado for a quote!
March 20th, 2025
Another lesson completed, and a new surf angler ready to hit the sand!
Our friend Ford has been visiting the Perdido Key area for over 30 years. He and his family have a place here and often make the trip down from Arkansas. Over the years, Ford has dived deep into the inshore fishing game, eventually buying his own boat. But as the years pass and the miles on his body add up, he's looking for a more relaxing way to catch dinner and spend time with his granddaughter. Surf fishing is the perfect fit.
March 20th, 2025
Wet Sand as the main line. Cast like it should, plenty of give, and we made a leader with the same color and poundage to present. @fishgumofficial Runt Rod, @piscifun_official Alumix.
March 12, 2025.
One of my biggest fears when zooming baits out with a drone is the thought, "What if the drone doesn’t come back?" I’m sure anyone who has flown a drone over an endless body of water can relate. Fortunately, Aeroo Drones has addressed this concern with its emergency release and return features. We all know that Bluetooth connections can fail and satellites can glitch—what happens if that occurs while you’re flying your drone out? In this video, Aeroo Drones demonstrates exactly what the Aeroo Pro will do in case of a disaster. And this thing hauls butt. Look how fast it gets out and back in.
March 12, 2025.
Absolutely nothing for 3 hours. Moved spots, up and down the beach, talked to other anglers on the beach, zip.
SW winds, emerald water, bright skies, and a manageable current does not always mean success. We had to fight for the 8 Whiting that made it to the cooler last night.
The bite did not come until the sun hit the condos. Then, green light. 13lb Blue Current #perdidoleader, 1/0 hoot, 2 beads. That’s the only thing they would hit.
16”er to cap the trip.
March 11, 2025.
Experience an upgraded fishing leader unlike anything you have ever seen. Copolymer line with a fluorocarbon coating. Great for tying pompano rigs, leading your lures, or any other fishing applications where leader is used.
February 23, 2025.
For the first time, Perdido Leader made it off the beach and into the deep! Gavin Nelson, one of Emerald "C" Fishing Charters captains, along with Garrett Verble, stopped in the shop to pick up a few yards last week, and this is what they had to say.
Captain Gavin Nelson reported: "We were hooking them two at a time on the Perdido Leader—and only one on our 30lb mono!"
February 21, 2025.
Aeroo Drones are an excellent choice for both weekend warriors and surf anglers who make a living on the beach. Compact yet powerful, these drones deliver exceptional performance. The Aeroo Pro boasts some of the best camera features I've ever seen in a fishing drone. While it’s not built for deploying big baits, it’s the perfect drone for capturing stunning beach footage and targeting smaller species. Do not exclude shark fishing with this thing. As you can see from the demo, The Aeroo Pro has plenty of lifting power to deploy larger baits.
February 20, 2025.
When we created the #perdidoleader, we had the opportunity to choose any colors we could dream up. So, we took a deep dive into how fish see underwater—specifically in 3 to 8 feet of water under different water conditions. Our research led us to three colors that will hit the market in just a few weeks.
Throughout our studies, one factor kept coming up—light changes and how they impact fish vision. In this video, I'm sharing what we learned about fish sight and light variations with our client. Lately, I've been paying even closer attention to this, and it's making a difference.
Spring Surf Fishing is Heating Up!
Here's What You Need to Know.
February 14th, 2025
Spring is knocking on the door, and so is a steady surf bite along the Gulf Coast! We’re moving away from the slow "bait-and-wait" winter grind into a more consistent catch ratio. The surf is coming alive, and if you're planning to fish the beaches of Perdido Key or Pensacola, now is the time to get in on the action.
What’s Biting?
This week, our surf fishing charters have been producing solid numbers of:
✅ Pompano – The prized catch of spring surf anglers.
✅ Whiting – Running close to shore and eager to bite.
✅ Black Drum & Red Drum – A strong presence in the surf zone.
We’re confident this hot bite will continue as water temperatures gradually rise, bringing more fish into the troughs and sandbars.
Spring Break Fishing? We’ve Got You Covered! If you’re visiting the Gulf Coast for spring break, don’t waste your vacation trying to figure out the surf fishing game—let us show you the ropes! Book a guided surf fishing charter with Panhandle Salt, and we’ll put you on fish while teaching you the techniques to maximize your success from the sand.📍
The Secret to Our Success
Our newly redesigned Long Cast Rig, paired with the Perdido Leader, has been absolutely crushing it! Pompano won’t hit anything else right now, and we’ve been shipping these rigs out all week. They’re available in three colors, designed to maximize stealth and attract strikes in various surf conditions.
Ready to fish?
Lock in your charter now before spots fill up!
Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the beach!
Pedido Leader: The Game-Changing Surf Fishing Leader
February 6th, 2025
Pedido Leader is our new branded leader, set to launch on March 1st, 2025. After extensive field testing over the past few weeks, the feedback has been incredible. We've distributed hundreds of yards to surf fishermen throughout Florida and beyond, and the consensus is clear: "Game Changer."
During one memorable day, while using our 18lb Blue Current line—designed to blend perfectly with a clear sky—this monster leader delivered exceptional performance. Whether you're land-based fishing or operating a surf fishing charter, Pedido Leader proves its strength, especially when targeting popular species like red drum. With its flawless 18lb test strength and outstanding durability, Pedido Leader is poised to revolutionize your surf fishing experience. Stay tuned for the official launch and prepare to elevate your fishing game with a product that's built to perform.
Also, it is super important that we figure out how to sell on social media. We need to move this leader line. Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What’s Biting?
January 27th, 2025
As we move into February, large Black Drum ("Big Uglies") and Whiting line our coastlines. If you can brave the cold, there are plenty of opportunities to catch fish right off the beach. Unlike most surf fishing guides in the area, we fish year-round and have been doing so since 2020. There’s no need to hang up your gear for the winter when you can stay on the fish day after day!Our inshore kayak trips are producing excellent catches of Speckled Trout and Sheepshead under the bridges. We use pedal-drive Hammerhead kayaks from a locally owned kayak dealer here in the area. All of our rods and reels are top-of-the-line, and we guarantee you’ll have a great morning or afternoon on the water.In addition to charters, we also own and operate a physical location where we:
- Book trips
- Sell bait and tackle
- Create daily fishing content
If you want to know what’s happening on the surf or in the back bays, look no further than Panhandle Salt.
Spring Break in Perdido Key
The Ultimate Surf Fishing Experience
January 21, 2025
As winter fades and the waters warm up, March kicks off prime surf fishing season in Perdido Key, Florida. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, surf fishing in Pensacola and Perdido Key is an unforgettable way to enjoy the Gulf Coast.
At Panhandle Salt, we offer surf fishing charters for all skill levels. From casting into the surf for pompano, whiting, redfish, and black drum to learning expert techniques from local pros, we provide everything you need for a successful fishing adventure.
Why Choose Surf Fishing in Perdido Key & Pensacola?
March is pompano season, with whiting, red drum, and black drum feeding aggressively. Unlike boat fishing, land-based surf fishing lets you relax on the beach, soak in the views, and still hook some of the best fish on the Gulf Coast. Whether you're here for spring break, a family vacation, or a weekend trip, surf fishing is a fun, family-friendly way to experience the Florida Panhandle.
What’s Included in Our Surf Fishing Charters?
When you book with Panhandle Salt, we provide:
✅ Premium rods & reels
✅ Custom-tied pompano rigs
✅ Fresh bait (shrimp, sand fleas, and Fish Gum)
✅ Expert guidance from local anglers
We handle all the setup—just cast, relax, and reel in!
Need Surf Fishing Gear? We’ve Got You Covered!
Prefer a DIY surf fishing trip? Stop by our shop for rods, reels, pompano rigs, bait, and fishing tips from local pros. Plus, grab free samples of our new Perdido Leader rigs before they hit the market!
Book Your Surf Fishing Adventure Today!
March is one of the best months for surf fishing in Pensacola and Perdido Key, and spots fill up fast! Whether you want a guided surf fishing trip or need the best tackle for a solo trip, Panhandle Salt has everything you need.
Reserve your surf fishing charter now!
Visit us online or stop by our shop for more info!