SPRING 2025 POMPANO SHOWDOWN

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March 13th, 2025. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Bingo Life at The Showdown.

A name you're going to be hearing a lot more in the near future Bingolife They’re the manufacturing power behind Perdido Leader, and if you’re looking for high-quality fishing line at an unbeatable price, you’ll want to keep an eye on them.Bingo Life has been a force in the freshwater world for some time, but now they’re setting their sights on saltwater fishing as they expand into the U.S. market. Behind the scenes, they’ve been working with Panhandle Salt to bring bigger spools and larger-sized braid into the game.I actually found this company by pure luck—I can’t even remember who reached out first—but over the past several months, our relationship has grown strong. Bingo Life first introduced us to a fishing line they were producing for Indonesia, and from that, #perdidoleader was born.Their commitment to innovation is next-level. The owner and marketing expert at Bingo Life is in contact with us nightly, and soon, they’ll be launching a braid spool unlike anything the market has ever seen.Not only are they changing the game, but they’ve also stepped up as a sponsor for the Showdown, sending over braid for winning anglers to spool their reels with.Let’s give a big welcome to one of our newest sponsors, Bingo Life—and stay tuned for what’s coming next!

March 10th, 2025. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Assassin Rods & CID Lures.

When we opened the shop last summer, I knew I wanted to carry surf rods—but choosing the right brand wasn’t easy. Cost, competition in the area, and finding something unique all played a role. Then we found Assassin Rods, and they checked every box. So, we gave them a shot—and as many of you have seen firsthand, they were an absolute success.We sold so many Assassin surf rods that we wiped out the entire Florida inventory, requiring a major restock order from South Africa. With their growing popularity, Dylan Kim Kendrick, the Florida rep for Assassin, knew he had to make the 10-hour journey this spring to meet the anglers fishing his products.That’s why we’re honored and excited to welcome CID LURES USA to the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown! CID is behind top-tier brands like Assassin, GT Ice Cream, and Iron Candies—all of which you’ve seen in our shop and on our website.Over the winter, Dylan and I worked closely to build an Assassin Rod inventory tailored specifically for the Panhandle and Florida’s Atlantic coast. From 13-footers down to 9’6”, this shipment is going to be something to see. We’ve meticulously dialed in the lure weight ranges to give surf anglers a true edge when casting: 1-3oz, 1-4oz, 2-4oz, and a few more within that 2oz lure gap—all perfectly tuned for anglers throwing 1-4oz sinkers.But we’re not stopping there. Dylan and I are now fine-tuning a lure casting rod order designed for next-level performance. Excellence is the standard, and Assassin Rods has earned its place alongside SurfPro Tackle and Fish Gum as a top-tier sponsor foer The Showdown.Be sure to visit Dylan by the main stage at the weigh-in on Sunday, April 6th, to check out the full CID inventory. Whether you need a new Assassin Rod or want to build out a spread that fits your fishing conditions, this is your chance.Let’s all welcome Dylan and CID USA to the event—and don’t miss the opportunity to grab your next Assassin at the weigh-in!

March 9th, 2025. 

Sponsor Spotlight: SurfPro Tackle 

I want to take a moment to spotlight someone who has truly made an impact in our industry: Charles Clarke. His humility, honesty, and easy-going nature make him a pleasure to work with, and he always sees the positive in others!

Charles has been behind some of the hardest-hitting tackle on the beach, and many of you can attest to that! With the launch of the Float Hook, SurfPro Tackle has not only innovated but has also maintained a strong presence in the market. His determination has kept the brand thriving, introducing new looks and twists on original designs for over a year now.

SurfPro Tackle has stepped up as a top-tier sponsor once again, generously contributing to winners' payouts. Who knows what surprises await us tournament weekend? Let’s give a warm welcome back to SurfPro Tackle and show our appreciation! If you’ve had success using Charles's floats, give this post a thumbs up!

https://www.surfprotackle.com/

March 9th, 2025. 

Sponsor Highlight: Surf Fishing Solutions 

Northeast Florida’s own Surf Fishing Solutions is making the journey to the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown this spring!

Bryan Curlett has been customizing beach carts, sand spikes, and cart accessories for years, bringing anglers game-changing innovations like the Run & Gun Cart, side-mounted sand spike holders, push handles with bucket holders, and their signature "Candy" Sand Spike Series. Whether you’re looking to build out a fully customized beach cart or add one-of-a-kind accessories to your setup, Surf Fishing Solutions has you covered.

Be sure to check them out at the weigh-in, where they’ll have plenty of gear on display. In the meantime, browse their site and start planning your ultimate surf fishing setup!

https://www.surffishingsolutions.com/

March 7th, 2025. 

Sponsor Spotlight: SORD Fishing Products never disappoints. Year after year, event after event, these guys always come through. This spring, there’s been talk about sending over the new 8" Blacked Out Super Flex—the latest addition to the SORD lineup, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.Panhandle Salt was one of the first to work with SORD. I first met Steven Vanden Heuvel at a surf fishing event about three years ago, and at the time, they had just three products. It’s been incredible to watch this small company grow—expanding their product line, adding team members, and making waves across social media nationwide. Connor Bos, has transitioned into the friend catogory, and I value our conversation we have had over the years.One thing I’ve learned from SORD? How to market. These guys do it right. Their brand presence is strong, their products speak for themselves, and they’ve built a solid community of anglers who trust their gear. Thanks again, guys—we appreciate the support. Hope to see you at the weigh-in!

March 6th, 2025. 

Shoutout to Brian Arnold & Birds of Prey Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown.

Brian Arnold and the Bird Of Prey Fishing Tackle crew never disappoint when it comes to support—both inside and outside the tournament scene. Brian is, hands down, one of my favorite people, and when it comes to fishing business knowledge, he’s my top “go-to” guy.Brian and his family launched Birds of Prey when he was still in middle school, meaning he’s been through all the struggles that come with running a small, family-owned fishing business. Over the years, he’s gained invaluable expertise in distribution, taxes, production, and what works (and what doesn’t) in this industry. The best part? He’s never been stingy with that knowledge. Mari and I have leaned on him countless times to fine-tune our own operations, and his advice has been invaluable.Beyond their incredible support, Birds of Prey has produced some top-tier products over the years. One of my personal favorites? Their tailgate cutting boards and rig-tying boards—both of which I use daily. These boards are built to last, and you can even personalize them however you want. Get your favorite team’s logo engraved, add a personal message (something like “Freshly Divorced” for the ladies), or keep it classic with a pompano engraving for a little extra inspiration while rigging up.On top of that, Birds of Prey has recently expanded into the sputnik sinker game—a natural move since they’ve been supplying lead to the Panhandle and beyond for over a decade.Check out the tailgate cutting board below, and if you think this would be a solid addition to your setup, get in touch with the Birds of Prey crew. Thanks for the support, guys—see y’all out there!

https://birdofpreyfishingtackle.com/products/tailgate-cleaning-table

March 5th, 2025

Dry Pocket Apparel is one of the newest partnerships Panhandle Salt picked up at the end of last year. Initially drawn to the company for their clothing, I quickly became a fan of their backpack coolers and dry bags. Completely waterproof, easy to use, and packed with storage, the Dry Pocket bag I use checks all the boxes for surf fishing. Sand rolls right off, the seal is solid, and it adjusts perfectly to my needs—an absolute gem of a find.

Dry Pocket has also partnered with Mossy Oak to introduce a line of outdoor and hunting gear. Need a waterproof firearm case? They’ve got it. Shorts, pants, and jackets with waterproof pockets? They have those too.

One of my first conversations with Dry Pocket’s owner, Brian, really stuck with me. He told me, "We’re not a clothing brand—we’re a utility brand." That hit home. There are plenty of T-shirt brands out there, but Dry Pocket fills the utility gap that so many outdoor enthusiasts need.

I invite you all to check out their site and see what they bring to the outdoor world.

Let’s give Dry Pocket a warm welcome to their first Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown—and support the brands that support us!

https://drypocket.com/

March 5th, 2025

Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown – Registration Now Open with Redfin Fishing leading the charge, and FishGum, SurfPro Tackle, and Assassin following as Top Tier sponsors. Many more great leaders in the industry follow close behind. 

Registration for the Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown is now open! Click here to find all the rules, regulations, payouts, and weigh-in location. https://panhandlesalt.com/pomp-showdown-spring-2025

Pre-Tournament Tailgate Sale – April 3rd
On Thursday, April 3rd, the day before the tournament begins, we’re hosting a tailgate grab-and-go style sale at the shop. This gives sponsors a chance to get their products into anglers' hands before the event kicks off. The Deep Blue Seafood “Truck” will be on site. 

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March 4th, 2025

Frisky Fins: A Longtime Part of Our Surf Fishing Adventures. Panhadnle Salt Pompano Showdown.

Frisky Fins has been with us from the very beginning. While James Pemberton and Leigh-Anne Pemberton don’t always see eye to eye with my tactics, they’ve never strayed far from our brand and continue to support us to this day. Event after event, they show up—not just to represent, but to give back. And this year is no different. Like always, they dig deep to secure a top-tier spot, putting extra cash in anglers’ pockets to fish for.

I’ve watched Frisky Fins grow from a small operation in an Arkansas living room to a full-fledged brand with enough back stock to fill a storage unit. If you’ve ever been to the Frisky house, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

While others came before him, I believe Frisky Fins sets the standard for any serious hand-tied rig operation. Production never stops—day or night. I’ve never walked into one of James’ stores and seen an empty Frisky Fins row. Not because they aren’t selling, but because he always stays ahead of the game. There’s no "off-season" with Frisky. When things slow down, he ramps up, preparing for the next wave.

Let’s all welcome back Frisky Fins once again to The Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown!
https://www.friskyfins.com/shop

March 4th, 2025

One of the top welders in the game, Brian Sorrell, is once again stepping up for The Showdown! He’ll be sending over some of his top-tier sand spikes and contributing to the cash payouts.

Season after season, Deerfield Fabrication And Welding LLC continues to impress us with photos of his custom-built beach carts and his latest, greatest sand spikes. Lately, a few people have suggested that he stop selling beach carts and focus entirely on spikes—after all, the margins are better, they’re faster to produce, and demand is high.

But Brian’s response? “I just like building carts.”

And he does it well.

Let’s give a big welcome back to Deerfield for The Showdown!
https://deerfieldfabandweld.com/

March 3th, 2025

Once again, FishGum Tony Faggioni has stepped up and secured a top-tier spot in The Showdown this April!

If you follow Fish Gum on social media, you know Tony and his family have recently faced some tough decisions. As a business owner, the challenges of running Fish Gum have come with a sting. But as a family man, I completely understand and respect the difficult choices he’s had to make.

Fish Gum has revolutionized the way surf anglers fish—not just in the Panhandle, but far beyond. It’s incredible to see Fish Gum orders coming in from all over the country, especially from Florida hotspots like Vero Beach, St. Augustine, and Miami. Tony is the true definition of an entrepreneur—one man with a dream and a product. His entire team lives under his own roof, and together, this handful of dreamers has transformed an idea born in a garage into a nationally recognized brand in the surf fishing world. I take notes on a daily basis watching what Tony has built.

Thank you for supporting The Showdown once again, Fish Gum! See you on the beach!

March 1th, 2025

Sponsor Cutoff: Saturday, March 1st! 

We’re finalizing banners this Sunday, and as of now, we have 14 top-tier sponsors, with a few more still on the fence. We understand that travel can be tricky with school, kids, and work, so it always amazes us when sponsors commit—even if they can't make the weigh-in. Why? Because they know this tournament is something special, and they want to be a part of it, whether they’re here in person or not.

Big Sponsorship News!
Assassin Rods is going all in—not only making the journey but also sponsoring alongside CID Lures USA and Ice Cream. That’s three sponsorships from one company! We’re also working on securing a braid sponsor—a company we’ve been ordering bulk spools from since early summer 2024. They manufacture Perdido Leader, and trust us, you’re going to be impressed.We’re also thrilled to welcome Surf Fishing Solutions back after a few years off! Brian Curlett has been crafting some incredible products, and rumor has it, he might have something new to showcase at the event. Hint, hint!
Redfin Fishing Will be taking the Headliner!And of course, many of your favorites are returning, including Frisky Fins, SurfPro, Fish Gum, and Bird of Prey all coming in at Top Tier Spots,

Stiff Lizzard, Dry Pocket, and Piscifun as product sponsors!We’re also working on securing an Aero Pro Drone for the event—stay tuned!

Operation Tackle Box will be receiving a donation to help their cause.
Warrior Beer Co will make sure the party vibes are strong.

Pre-Game Meet-Up: Thursday, April 3rd at the shop—giving anglers a chance to gear up before the event and restock at the weigh-in. Exact times will be announced in the coming weeks!

Every season, as I send out tournament invites, I wonder, "Is this the year they get tired of me?" But year after year, our sponsors warm our hearts with their unwavering support.

First Place Prize: $1,000! Plus, another grand or so in gear. Trophy designed by MariTirado.

February 27th, 2025

We’re finalizing banners this Sunday, and as of now, we have 14 top-tier sponsors, with a few more still on the fence. We understand that travel can be tricky with school, kids, and work, so it always amazes us when sponsors commit—even if they can't make the weigh-in. Why? Because they know this tournament is something special, and they want to be a part of it, whether they’re here in person or not.

Assassin Rods is going all in—not only making the journey but also sponsoring alongside CID Lures USA and Ice Cream. That’s three sponsorships from one company! We’re also working on securing a braid sponsor—a company we’ve been ordering bulk spools from since early summer 2024. They manufacture Perdido Leader, and trust us, you’re going to be impressed. We’re also thrilled to welcome Surf Fishing Solutions back after a few years off! Brian Curlett has been crafting some incredible products, and rumor has it, he might have something new to showcase at the event. Hint, hint!  

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February 24th, 2025

While it’s not 100% official yet—since travel, work, and family schedules need to be lined up—Dylan Kim Kendrick from CID Lures USA and Assassin Rods is strongly hinting at a top-tier sponsorship this April!

If this comes together, Assassin Rods won’t just have a presence at the weigh-in—they’ll also have several rods displayed on the winner’s table. With the support of other sponsors donating rods, we’re hoping to bring back the "pick your rod" tradition for tournament winners. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do this in recent tournaments due to a lower rod count, but this sponsorship could change that!

Let’s show Dylan some encouragement to make it happen! Who would love to see Assassin Rods at the weigh-in?

February 4th, 2025

We sent out sponsor emails last week for the upcoming Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown, happening April 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Jacen Geier  from Redfin Fishing  responded quickly, securing the Headliner Sponsor position. This marks two tournaments in a row where Jacen has claimed the top sponsorship tier—a significant commitment.

As the Headliner Sponsor, Jacen is responsible for all the first-place cash prizes, the first-place trophy, and prizes for the kids’ division. In our last tournament, Jacen had close to $3,000 invested, not including travel expenses. Sponsors like this are the backbone of our tournament’s success, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.

Take a look at Redfin products here.

To all sponsors: Check your emails, lock in your spots, and let’s get this tournament rolling!