Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown Fall 2025
Adult Division: Bradley Bouchey took first place with a monster 3.80 lb pompano.
Kids Division: Gage Thompson landed first with a solid 2.68 lb fish — just 1 cm ahead in a tight tie
Kids Division: Gage Thompson landed first with a solid 2.68 lb fish — just 1 cm ahead in a tight tie
The Fall 2025 Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown wrapped up with an incredible weekend on the beach, full of fish, friendships, and community spirit. Every angler brought their best — and the results showed it. We’re proud of every single person who fished, sponsored, volunteered, or supported from the shore. This tournament continues to thrive because of all of you.
Kids Division: Gage Thompson landed first with a solid 2.68 lb fish — just 1 cm ahead in a tight tie
Kids Division: Gage Thompson landed first with a solid 2.68 lb fish — just 1 cm ahead in a tight tie
Kids Division: Gage Thompson landed first with a solid 2.68 lb fish — just 1 cm ahead in a tight tie
It was great seeing familiar faces like Justin Reed, Brian Rowe, and Micah Robbins back on the podium. Each tournament feels more like a reunion, and that’s what makes it special.
Mark your calendars: Our 10th Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown is coming April 10–12, 2026 — and we plan to make it the biggest one yet.
The Fall 2025 Pompano Showdown: What to Expect This Weekend
November 6th, 2025
The Fall 2025 Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown is here, and I couldn’t be more excited. Over the next few days, anglers from across the Gulf Coast will hit the sand chasing that perfect pompano. Before we get started, I want to share a few thoughts about etiquette, preparation, and what makes this event special.
Tournament Etiquette
With the National Seashore closed, space is tight this year. Beaches that used to hold one or two anglers are now packed before sunrise. When things get crowded, patience matters. I like to keep about 15 paces between my rods and at least 50 feet between groups. It gives everyone room to cast, reset, and land fish without crossing lines.
You don’t need six rods to win (Larry Grossman proves that every year with just two). Bait placement beats rod count every time. Let’s keep it fun, respectful, and focused on the fishing.
At the Shop
The shop is tournament headquarters this weekend. We’re fully stocked with OP Bait Soaked Shrimp (limit two packs per angler), fresh Frisky Fins, SurfPro Tackle, and FishGum. If you’re a tie-your-own kind of angler, we’ve got Wild Miles floats and Bird of Prey terminal gear ready. I’ll be at the shop early each morning and closing at 9 AM Sunday to set up for the weigh-in.
How It Started
This tournament began in Fall 2021 after seeing the potential of bringing everyone together (guides, weekend anglers, and families). What started as 89 anglers has turned into something much bigger than competition. It’s about community, and that’s what I’m most proud of.
Weigh-In Details
Angler numbers are posted here and our Facebook page. Kids don’t need numbers. The weigh-in will be Sunday, November 9 at 2 PM at Warrior Beer (10605 Sorrento Rd, Pensacola). Rick Choate and Spencer Brown will be helping with the scale, and Larry Grossman will be on the mic. Warrior Beer will have food and drinks ready.
Thank you all for your support, your time, and your passion for this sport. I can’t wait to see everyone on the sand this weekend.
Tournament Details & Prizes
Registration Opens: October 3, 2025
Tournament Fishing Days: November 7, 8, and 9
Weigh-In Venue: Warrior Beer Company
Supporting: Shadows of Strength
Adult Division Prizes:
• 1st Place: All cash donated by sponsors (currently $2000.00)
• 2nd Place: Prize bucket with sponsor-related products
• 3rd Place: Prize bucket with sponsor-related products
• 4th Place: Prize bucket with sponsor-related products
Kids Division Prizes:
• 1st Place: $200 donated by sponsors
• 2nd Place: Prize bucket with sponsor-related products
• 3rd Place: Prize bucket with sponsor-related products
Registration Fees:
• Adults: $45
• Kids (15 & under): $15
Weigh-in
Proudly Supported by Local Businesses
Our Sponsors Keep the Tradition Alive
We’re proud to recognize the local businesses that make the Fall 2025 Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown possible. Their support helps bring together anglers, families, and the Gulf Coast fishing community for a tournament built on passion, respect, and local pride. From neighborhood shops to trusted industry partners, each sponsor plays a part in keeping surf fishing alive and thriving along our coast.
Thank you for standing behind the Fall 2025 Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown. Your contribution helps grow a grassroots tournament that celebrates community, supports youth anglers, and keeps the Gulf Coast fishing spirit strong. To complete your sponsorship, please use the secure payment link below.
tournament updates
November 3rd, 2025
Please watch if you are entering the Showdown.
Reach out with any questions regarding the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown happening November 7,8,9.
October 20th, 2025
It’s safe to say that if you don’t already own a Piscifun Nautix, you’ve definitely heard about it.
The Nautix has taken the surf fishing world by storm across the Panhandle and beyond — and for good reason. Its performance, reliability, smooth drag system, and unbeatable price point have made it a favorite among anglers
October 20th, 2025
It’s safe to say that if you don’t already own a Piscifun Nautix, you’ve definitely heard about it.
The Nautix has taken the surf fishing world by storm across the Panhandle and beyond — and for good reason. Its performance, reliability, smooth drag system, and unbeatable price point have made it a favorite among anglers everywhere.
Coming in under $100, the Nautix easily competes with saltwater reels in the $200–$300 range. Available in sizes 3000 through 6000, it covers every surf fishing need — and word is, a 2000 series may be on the way soon.
A big thanks to Jason Brenic of Piscifun for stepping up as a tournament sponsor once again. Jason has supported
Panhandle Salt and our events from the start, never missing a chance to help build the community and keep anglers geared up with quality products.
Thanks for coming back again this year, buddy.
October 19th, 2025
It’s been awesome watching Ethan Harper grow as a surf angler over the years. I first met Ethan and his family when they booked a charter with us a while back. From there, he booked a few more trips each time they visited the Gulf, soaking up everything he could about surf fishing. Eventually, Ethan started buying his ow
October 19th, 2025
It’s been awesome watching Ethan Harper grow as a surf angler over the years. I first met Ethan and his family when they booked a charter with us a while back. From there, he booked a few more trips each time they visited the Gulf, soaking up everything he could about surf fishing. Eventually, Ethan started buying his own gear, joining local surf fishing groups online, and connecting with other anglers who soon became friends. These days, he doesn’t need to book trips anymore, he’s out there on the sand doing it himself. Even though he lives three hours away, Ethan is very much part of this community now.
This year, Ethan stepped up as a sponsor for the Fall Showdown — donating cash for first place and custom rig boards for runners-up. He’ll also have a few for sale, so keep that in mind if you’re in the market for one.
Ethan is a talented woodworker and well-known in the hunting world for his handmade duck calls. All-around solid guy who represents the surf fishing community the right way.
Thanks for stepping in as a sponsor, Ethan. See you out there.
October 13th, 2025
There aren’t many customers who walk out of the shop without a pack of FishGum in hand. Even the ones already stocked up grab more, it’s just part of the routine at this point.
I get asked “What Fish Gum is working right now?” almost as often as I get asked about float colors. We ship this stuff all over the country and introduce it to new anglers every week during trips. It’s safe to say Fish Gum has become a staple in the surf fishing community, and it’s here to stay.
A big thank you to Tony Faggioni and Fish Gum for sponsoring the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown once again. The event wouldn’t be the same without your support.
October 13th, 2025
Pompano Rich is back for another round of the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown!
Our good friend Rich Vidulich, better known across the surf fishing community as “Pompano Rich” or the “Pompano Professor,” sent over a massive box packed with rigs, jigs, and cash for the 1st place winner this Fall. If you’ve been around surf fishing for any amount of time, you’ve heard his name. Rich is a true staple in the surf fishing world — laying the groundwork for guides, rig makers, and surf anglers across Florida and beyond. His influence can be seen on beaches from Pensacola to the Atlantic, Carolina's and Texas. Rich is a household name within our world, and we are happy to have him in our corner.
Thanks again for stepping up, buddy.
October 13th, 2025
Let’s welcome Lucky Sinkers to the sponsor lineup for the Fall Pompano Showdown!
Working with Peter Jr Hanley has been an absolute pleasure — fast shipping, friendly communication, and top-tier craftsmanship. His attention to detail and unbeatable pricing make Lucky Sinkers a solid choice for any retail shop or serious surf angler. Peter went above and beyond by sending over a large box packed with Sputnik sinkers for our winners’ buckets. Whoever takes home one of those is set for weights for a while! On top of that, Lucky Sinkers also threw in a cash donation for the 1st place winner. Great sponsor. Great product. Great guy.
We’re proud to have #luckysinkers on board and look forward to many more tournaments together.
October 13th, 2025
It took some conversation and time, but it’s safe to say Assassin Tackle USA have made their mark in the Panhandle surf fishing community.
Certain models sell out before they even hit the shelves, and for good reason. They’re solid, balanced, and built for exactly what we’re doing here along the Gulf.
Through these rods, we’ve also discovered some South African favorites like Iron Candy lures, GT Ice Creams, and one of my new personal go-to’s — the Running Trace rig.
From South Africa to the Florida Panhandle, Assassin is now part of our surf fishing community.
Thanks for supporting the event, Dylan Kim Kendrick. Hopefully we’ll see you back this Spring!
October 12th, 2025
Ol’ Steven Vanden Heuvel and the crew at SORD Fishing Products never disappoint. They’re always first to jump on board when I send out sponsor invites, and to date, they’ve never missed a single tournament.
The recent release of the 6" Flex Fillet Knife has been a breath of fresh air around the shop. With pompano, whiting, blues, and Spanish mackerel being our main species, the 6" fits right in, it’s like it was made for Panhandle surf fishing.
The boys (and now girls, the SORD team is growing fast) know exactly what we need, and they sent over a few for our tournament winners.
Thanks as always for the continued support, guys. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
October 11th, 2025
If you’ve been around Panhandle surf fishing over the past six years, Frisky Fins is a name you’ve definitely heard. I can’t think of a single shop I’ve walked into that doesn’t carry Frisky products.
From floats to Sputnik sinkers, jigs, and terminal tackle, Frisky Fins has it all — and they’ve supported our surf fishing community every step of the way.
Frisky has backed countless local events and never missed one of our tournaments, always showing up with generous cash donations and prizes that make each Showdown that much better.
A huge thank you to James Pemberton and the entire Frisky Fins crew for being a consistent part of what we do. We appreciate you!
October 11th, 2025
Let’s give a big welcome to Wild Miles Tackle, LLC, joining our sponsor lineup for the first time!
I came across Shane’s products about a year ago and quietly watched from the background as his brand started to take off. His inventory grew, new variations hit the market, and before long, his name became tied directly to the surf fishing community. When it came time to build out the “Tie Your Own” section in the shop and online store, Wild Miles was a perfect fit, one company with everything we needed. Shane ships fast, keeps his prices fair, and delivers quality across the board.
Welcome to the Showdown, buddy. Glad to have you on board!
October 10th, 2025
These Floats Took Home the Win
The Spring Tournament was won using these exact floats, created by the angler himself. A true win-win for both the fisherman and the innovator behind the product.
The Float Hook has seen plenty of variations since SurfPro Tackle first released it, and while each version has its place, it’s worth remembering the one that started it all. Charles Clarke brought these to life, and he’s not slowing down.
Wait until you see what’s next… it’s something completely new, and in true SurfPro fashion, it’s going to change the game again.
Huge thanks to the SurfPro Tackle team for stepping up as sponsors once again. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Showdown.
October 8th, 2025
One of our newest sponsors for the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown, Wild Miles Tackle, LLC.
I invite you all to take a look at his site, stop by Panhandle Salt for a first-hand look, and consider Wild Miles for tackle when preparing for the tournament.
Shane Powel donated cash for the winner, and will stock the winner's buckets full of goods.
Thanks for stepping in this year, buddy.
Sponsors are locked in
October 7th, 2025
Ethan Harper #precisionwoodcraft
1st place is at 2k last time we checked - Cash
Registration closes November 5th.