FISHING NEWS - OCTOBER 2025 - PERDIDO KEY, FLORIDA
October 24th, 2025
Wild Miles Tackle, LLC Glow Bullet Floats did the trick this morning. 20lb Blue Current #perdidoleader.
It was a staggered bite, but myself and Rick Choate were able to get a few in the cooler. Off the beach by 7:30.
October 23th, 2025
After 6-Years of Service, it's Time to Retire Beach Nasty.
Cart Build Weekend!
All parts are in for my double beach cart build-out, except for a few tube caps I’m waiting on from Benjamin's Beach Wheels.
I’ll be building two carts:
A smaller personal cart for light trips.
A new guide cart built for daily use and abuse.
Bef
October 23th, 2025
After 6-Years of Service, it's Time to Retire Beach Nasty.
Cart Build Weekend!
All parts are in for my double beach cart build-out, except for a few tube caps I’m waiting on from Benjamin's Beach Wheels.
I’ll be building two carts:
A smaller personal cart for light trips.
A new guide cart built for daily use and abuse.
Before I get rolling on the video, I want to thank all the cart builders who’ve entertained me over the past few months while I figured out what direction to go. In the end, I chose to work with multiple companies and pieced together two budget-friendly builds that will not only get the job done but last for years.
The builds kick off Sunday, and I’ll have the video out early next week. Stay tuned, these rigs are going to be slick!
October 22th, 2025
Panhandle Salt Surf Fishing guide Donnie Hickey running birthday trips. Little man wanted to catch a fish for his birthday.
Donnie closed one down last night around 7:00 pm, and was back at 5:30 am for another. This guy has been a lifesaver.
October 19th, 2025
Alright boys and girls, the wait is OVER!
Kobmasters have officially hit the States and are on their way to the shop!
I was able to snag 10 of the 11-footers and 10 of the 12-footers, just in time for the fall season.
I also brought in a few more 9’6” Spin Techs (1–3oz) these have been flying off the shelves, not just wi
October 19th, 2025
Alright boys and girls, the wait is OVER!
Kobmasters have officially hit the States and are on their way to the shop!
I was able to snag 10 of the 11-footers and 10 of the 12-footers, just in time for the fall season.
I also brought in a few more 9’6” Spin Techs (1–3oz) these have been flying off the shelves, not just with surf anglers but also the pier guys. Plus, some 3/4oz Cone Ice Cream Topwaters. A great size for the Super Nova 7'7" (1/4-1oz).
No pre-orders this time, last shipment was gone before it even hit the racks. Everyone will have an equal shot when they go live.
Once they land, I’ll make them active online and in-store at the same time.
If you order online, you can still choose in-store pickup,
no need to pay shipping if you’re local.
The wait is finally over, and it’s perfect timing for the season kickoff. Let’s go!
October 19th, 2025
I came across a post the other day that sparked some entertaining back-and-forth, the topic was about “professionals” in the fishing industry. It got me thinking… what actually defines a professional fisherman?
Is it simply someone with a Captain’s license? Does that piece of paper automatically make you a pro because yo
October 19th, 2025
I came across a post the other day that sparked some entertaining back-and-forth, the topic was about “professionals” in the fishing industry. It got me thinking… what actually defines a professional fisherman?
Is it simply someone with a Captain’s license? Does that piece of paper automatically make you a pro because you took the time, training, and money to earn it? Or is it more about making your living off fishing, whether that’s as a commercial fisherman, a full-time guide, or even a content creator who supports their family through fishing-related work?
I started thinking about baseball, a guy in the minors gets paid to play, but he’s still not considered a professional. So is “professional” defined by income, certification, or commitment?
I’ve met some weekend anglers who fish circles around licensed captains, and I’ve met guides who could teach university-level fishing theory if there was such a thing.
What makes someone a professional fisherman in your eyes?
Is it skill? Paperwork? Paycheck? Or passion?
October 18th, 2025
What rod would you throw this on?
October 17th, 2025
My boy said his wife’s sunglasses were better than his for fishing. That’s commitment.
October 17th, 2025
Another fun morning on the Gulf. Reeled in 3 of these guys on the 2oz Extreme Lizz (Blue Runner) by Stiff Lizzard.
We just got a full stock of these, and many more profiles to choose from. I’ll have them online soon, available for pick up immediately.
October 16th, 2025
Stiff Lizzard shipment hit the door. I’ll get all of these photographed and on the site soon. In-house pick up available immediately.
October 15th, 2025
The Piscifun Nautix 3000 is a saltwater spinning reel built for strength, smoothness, and reliability. Its sealed drag system and precision-machined gears deliver consistent power whether you're casting from the beach or battling big surf fish. Compact yet tough, the Nautix 3000 offers a perfect balance of performance an
October 15th, 2025
The Piscifun Nautix 3000 is a saltwater spinning reel built for strength, smoothness, and reliability. Its sealed drag system and precision-machined gears deliver consistent power whether you're casting from the beach or battling big surf fish. Compact yet tough, the Nautix 3000 offers a perfect balance of performance and affordability — a favorite among surf anglers who want durability without compromise.
October 15th, 2025
It’s been a tough set rig bite the last two mornings, so we have adjusted. From 6:00 to 7:00 am we have a blast with big blues. The Blue Runner theme Extreme Lizz by Stiff Lizzard produced two big blow ups this morning, and the Glow Nickel spoon by Panhandle Salt put in work yesterday.
Fresh stock of Stiff Lizzard baits hitting the shelves, and website later this week.
October 14th, 2025
Will Ewing and his son booked with us this morning to pick up some pointers for the area. Will and his family have been visiting the Gulf for 3-years now, and are starting their saltwater journey.
October 12th, 2025
We haven’t seen Brennan around the shop much lately, his full-time gig has been keeping him busy. But he managed to sneak in a trip this morning with a few Fall Breakers and fought through the crowds at one of our favorite hot spots.
With the National Seashore closed, surf anglers are stacking up wherever they can. The public access points and state parks are packed right now. Brennan said he was one of the first to hit the sand this morning, and within 20 minutes, anglers were lined up east and west as far as he could see.
Keep that in mind, Columbus Day anglers, you might want to set that alarm clock a little earlier if you plan to grab a good stretch of beach.
Good to see you back out there, buddy. Thanks for taking the trip!
October 9th, 2025
Sunrise Topwater. 1.5oz GT Ice Cream Cone (Glow) got smashed first cast. We had it topped with a Ravntec Outdoors glow tab on the hook. Body was glowing, and so was the “tail”.
Water temp is at 80-81 degrees, and some stud pompano are being caught. One angler on the board for the Upper Limit, and registration is open for the Showdown.
Let’s get it!
October 8th, 2025
Line Retrieval is an area of focus we harp on during surf fishing lessons.
October 7th, 2025
If you surf fish, this will happen eventually. Donnie has been through this a time or two.
October 6th, 2025
Fall Break is a perfect time to try land-based fishing along the Gulf Coast. Located in Perdido Key, Panhandle Salt has everything needed to get it done. Book a guide, lessons, and surf fishing bait and tackle.
October 4th, 2025
Ravntec Outdoors Tough Floats. Our newest Float Hook design to hit the surf fishing world.
Rig Tying Lessons Now Available at Panhandle Salt
October 3rd, 2025
Learn the art of tying your own surf fishing rigs with a Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle Rig Board, taught by the Panhandle Salt team. This hands-on lesson is designed for anglers of all levels who want to take their surf fishing game to the next level. Building and customizing your own pompano rigs is a skill every serious surf fisherman should have. Store-bought rigs can be hard to find, and hot colors often sell out fast — especially during peak pompano season. By learning how to tie your own, you’ll always be prepared and never limited by what’s on the shelves.
Our lessons give you the confidence and know-how to:
*Create uniform, durable pompano rigs built for the Gulf Coast surf
*Adjust colors, beads, and floats to match seasonal bait preferences
*Save money and reduce downtime when rigs are scarce in local shops
*Develop a personal style of rig-tying that fits your fishing approach
Whether you’re a local angler in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, or visiting the Gulf Coast, this is a practical and rewarding skill that will keep you fishing effectively year-round.
Surf Anglers and Beachfront Owners
October 2nd, 2025
I’ve been reading some comments lately about run-ins between surf fishermen and condo/beach house owners, and one point caught my attention. We all know the law here in Florida: the wet sand/high tide line is public land. If you’re fishing, walking, or sunbathing in that zone, you’re within your rights.
But a beach homeowner chimed in with this perspective: “How would you feel if a group of people camped out on the sidewalk in front of your house for 5 hours on a Saturday?” It's legal, but is it right?
I’ll be honest, I thought that was an interesting point. As a homeowner, I wouldn’t love it if people set up shop in front of my place either.
So here’s the real question: Is a sidewalk in front of your house the same thing as the wet sand in front of a beach home? Or is that homeowner reaching for sympathy? I think this is a conversation worth having. Where’s the balance between respecting private property and preserving public access?
October 2nd, 2025
Perdido is currently covered in heavy grass, even worse than yesterday, and with the West Pickens area shut down, we’ve lost our only clean stretch of water. Despite the conditions, the topwater bite is still strong in the early mornings, with fish keying in on Needle Nose lures—color doesn’t seem to matter. We’re hopeful the surf will clear up by the weekend and give anglers better opportunities on the beach.
October 1st, 2025
This morning, Donnie and I were welcomed to one of our client’s beach houses to kick off a few surf fishing trips. Conditions have been tough, with heavy grass continuing to plague Perdido and even areas east of Perdido showing little relief. While the opportunity to fish from a beach house is a blessing, it did come with its own set of navigation challenges.
October 1st, 2025
The past week has been a grind. Donnie and I still managed to run five trips, hauling gear up and down the coast in search of clean water. One day the surf is crystal clear, the next it’s choked with grass—it’s frustrating, but that’s part of the game right now. We’re grateful to the clients who stayed flexible, willing to move or reschedule when needed. Special thanks to Bill this morning for opening his beach house to us, Donnie, and another group—his generosity made two trips possible that would’ve otherwise been canceled. As for conditions, the grass is currently clear west into Alabama, but that can change in a matter of hours.