news 2025
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 23th, 2025
Shoutout to My Buddy Larry, The Forgotten Angler
Caught up today with Larry Grossman, who runs the YouTube channel The Forgotten Angler. Larry splits his time between Pensacola and St. George Island, chasing everything from pompano to tarpon.
In just four years, he’s gone from freshwater to salt, won tournaments, picked up sponsorships, and become one of the most consistent voices in the Panhandle surf scene. His channel documents that journey, and he’s now only 30 subscribers away from 1,000.
If you enjoy Gulf Coast fishing content or are making the jump from fresh to salt yourself, give Larry a follow and help him hit that milestone.
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.
July 31th, 2025
There’s a big difference between surf fishing and just sitting on the beach with a rod. When I first started running lessons, I tried to cram every bit of knowledge into a single session — line sizes, rods, tides, bait, casting angles. It was too much. Clients left with theory, not skills. That changed the day I saw a client fishing alone. They knew the info, but not how to apply it. They barely moved for two hours. That’s when I realized the problem.
Now, our lessons are hands-on from the start. We fish hard for the first hour, no sitting back, no half-effort. Surf fishing takes movement, adjustments, and focus.
If you want to improve, you need more than just showing up. You need to fish.
Book a Surf Fishing Lesson here: https://panhandlesalt.com/charters
May 16th, 2025
Shipping them out! Assassin Tackle USA Rods are getting daily hits. We have a fresh order in, and they should be here by next week
May 15th, 2025
We love seeing our guides roll back into the shop and hit the cleaning table; it usually tells us all we need to know about how the trip went.
Brennan Bryan has been taking on more charters lately and continues to prove himself every time. This morning, he returned with an impressive variety of surf species: whiting, pompano, and even a rare slot-sized black drum, a solid catch from the beach!
We consistently hear great feedback from Brennan’s clients, which tells me he’s not just catching fish, he’s carrying himself professionally and representing Panhandle Salt correctly.
Thanks for all your hard work out there, buddy. Keep it up!
May 14th, 2025
ESLures met our request and sent over a variety of smaller lures. I am taking all the trebles off, and attaching an assist hook to the front. This makes an excellent jig for surf, pier, boat, or kayak. Stop by the shop to see the selection.
May 13th, 2025
Full Moon Limit. Surf Fishing Perdido Key. The bite always seems to pick up right before, and after a full moon. On this day I was able to fill the cooler in about an hour. Surf fishing charters, gear, bait, and tackle all located at Panhandle Salt on Perdido Key. 13595 Perdido Key Dr
May 13th, 2025
Shipments received in the last 24 hours.
ESLures
Redfin Fishing
FishGum
We got what you need for the weekend. Stop by, or shop online at panhandlesalt.com
May 12th, 2025
10 Keepers and 2 shorts. 6 in the cooler
My toes hit the sand right at 6:15 am, back in the truck at 8:15. SurfPro Tackle Chatter Glow tipped with OP Bait Soaked Sand Fleas, and FishGum Pomp Smash did the trick.
Blue Current and We Sand #perdidoleader
Scouting trip for upcoming charters this week was a success.
May 10th, 2025
Assassin Tackle USA 9'6" Spin Tech—out the door! 
We’ve got just one of these left in stock.
Still available: Two 11' Kobmasters and a few high-performance lure casting models that’ll turn heads with the kind of distance they’re slinging on the beach. Grab one before they’re gone!
May 10th, 2025
Come and get it! This is a $40 dollar price reduction. Add another Assassin Tackle USA Rod to your line-up, or join the movement.
Coastal Line is in production!
May 9th, 2025
We should be receiving it this month. 15, 20, and 30 pound will be available in 500, 1500, and 3000 yard spools.
May 8th, 2025
Nate Howell stopped by the shop this morning and walked out a proud new owner of an Assassin Tackle USA Spin Tech 9’6” (1-3oz). This is an excellent addition to any line-up at an unbeatable price. Under $150. We have two left up for grabs.
Thanks for the support Howell family. I’ll see y’all this Fall.
May 7th, 2025
Fishing Braid with Surf Fishing in Mind
#CoastalLine is launching this month!
Bingolife and Panhandle Salt have teamed up once again to deliver an exceptional braided line built for saltwater anglers—at competitive prices.
The first release will feature 15lb, 20lb, and 30lb test, specifically chosen for the surf fishing community. Each strength will be available in 500, 1500, and 3000-yard spools, offered in both green and blue. This incredibly thin, slick, and strong line is designed to maximize casting distance and reduce break-offs, giving you an edge on the water.
All sizes and spool options will be available in-store and online at Panhandle Salt.
May 7th, 2025
Staying on the fish is just as important as running trips. When staying home because of weather is not an option, Dry Pocket rain gear and waterproof backpacks come in handy.
These are items that don’t get used everyday, but when the time arises, you are glad you have them.
Both surf side, and inshore trips are available throughout the summer months. 100% land-based, fishing some of the most active waters on both Pensacola and Perdido Key beaches.
May 6th, 2025
Panhandle Salt Guide Brennan Bryan played it smart this morning. When the ladies roll in thick, strap one on the hook and send it back out. Although not the target species, this 4-Footer made for some great memories for our clients. Plus, battled the beast on a drum setup.
Great coaching by Brennan lead to the land.
If targeting smaller sharks peaks your interest, we have some great “bait and waiting” rods at the shop that have the backbone to horse these guys in. Plus, Frisky Fins and Redfin Fishing castable shark leaders and Sputniks to get bait out, and hold where you want.
Stop by or shop online.
May 5th, 2025
9’6” Assassin Tackle USA 1-3oz. Fun rod for the beach, jetties, or pier. Find both models at the shop starting at $130.
May 5th, 2025
Ol’ Ricky Williams booked with us again — third year in a row! Ricky plays it smart: he books a charter early in his stay, gets the lowdown on bait, trends, and what species are running, plus where the locals are finding fish. Then he hits the sand solo for the next five days with confidence.
This morning, Glow SurfChatter by SurfPro Tackle were the MVPs. Paired with Blue Current #perdidoleader and fleas, we found some quality bites. Had to work through a few ladyfish, but we still brought in lunch. We also scooped up a rake of fleas for Ricky on the way off the beach.
Water clarity was excellent, and with this NE wind, we found moving water along the bars. That SW wind shift hitting around 4:00 PM lines up perfect for Jay Cowan's evening run — should be a solid second session.
Appreciate you, Ricky. I’ll see you at the shop later this week!
May 4th, 2025
NEW EPISODE DROPS LATER TODAY.
In this one I break down lure casting once the water temp rises. What to use, what to expect, and some very affordable options to get you going.
Make sure you are subscribed and have notifications on. I don’t have many of these lure casting Assassin Tackle USA modles. YouTube.
Thanks for the continued support!
May 3th, 2025
Tournament competitor, former professional guide, and friend, Larry Grossman, stopped by the shop today to stock up his tackle box.
He picked up 35lb #perdidoleader, a variety of Assassin Tackle USA GT Ice Cream Needle Nose and Cone lures, and a StiFF LiZZard Baits custom popper. He also received a grab bag of SurfChatter Float Hooks, created by SurfPro Tackle.
When you're looking for unique surf fishing gear you can’t find anywhere else, Panhandle Salt is the place to be.
May 2th, 2025
Big shoutout to Charles Clarke at SurfPro Tackle — the man does not mess around.
We placed an order for the new SurfChatter Float Hook Packs and expected a bit of a wait… but Charles was putting in work after hours to get them out the door fast.
Panhandle Salt is now fully stocked with all the SurfChatter Float Hook Packs colors! Each pack comes with 6 float hooks — perfect for those who like to tie their own rigs.
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!