UPPER LIMIT spring 2025

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As we close out The Upper Limit, I want to thank everyone who entered and share some highlights from the event. Through the application process, I was able to identify a few names interested in running trips, and I’m happy to say we’ve brought two on board — Jay Cowan and Daniel Dreadin. Both have completed their first trips and performed flawlessly. While the “In the Industry” turnout was a bit disappointing — with many registered but fewer participating — that’s something I’ll look into for future events. Since the Fall Showdown, we’ve run several of these “test” events to explore new formats beyond the traditional three-day setup. I believe this one has potential, though I might tweak a few things for the next round.

Event Highlights

Rick Choate was the first to weigh a fish but had limited time on the beach due to traveling.

Larry Grossman was the first to hit his six-fish limit, with Brooks Reid close behind. They battled neck and neck for a while, but Larry ultimately took the lead.

Johnny Phillips brought in the biggest fish at 3.50 lbs, which secured his first-place finish.

Larry Grossman had the second-biggest fish at 3.42 lbs.

Daniel Dreadin weighed in the third-heaviest fish at 3.40 lbs, leading off his six-fish aggregate.

Bryan Taitague held the lead for most of the event and even made a last-ditch effort today, bringing in two fish despite tough conditions. He missed reclaiming the top spot by just 0.32 lbs — keep an eye on this guy, he’s a go-getter!

A shoutout to Bradley Bouchey, Sean Olson, and John Daughtery, who also completed their six-fish aggregates and remained strong contenders throughout the 30 days. It’s been a pleasure chatting with all of you as you popped in and out of the shop this past month.

Dates: March 1st to March 29th, 2025

Eligibility:

• Must receive an invitation after submitting your application. Your invitation will include an angler number.
• Pay the $30 entry fee to confirm your participation.

How It Works:

1. Starting on March 1st, 2025, begin fishing for pompano.
2. Submit your catch at 13595 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507 as you catch them.
3. Once you've submitted a Florida limit of 6 pompano (minimum 11" fork length), your angler number will be added to the leaderboard.

Improving Your Score:

• After your initial submission, you can continue bringing in pompano to replace lighter fish in your six-fish limit.
• Your total aggregate weight will increase as heavier fish are submitted.
• There is no limit to how many fish you can submit throughout the tournament.

Fishing Guidelines:

• This is a surf fishing challenge.
• Off-limits: Bays, boats, kayaks, jetties, or any non-beach locations.
• Allowed: Beach passes will be permitted at specific points.
  • If you’re unsure about what qualifies, feel free to reach out for clarification.

Kicking Off the First Annual Upper Limit Pompano Fishing Tournament

As we launch the first annual Upper Limit Pompano Fishing Tournament, we want to highlight a few important details.

• Registration will remain open throughout the tournament. If you haven’t entered yet but would like to, use the link here to sign up.
• Once registered, you must wait 48 hours before weighing in a fish.
• To preserve your catch, wrap it in a dry towel and place it on top of a bag of ice in a cooler. Refresh the ice as needed. Frozen fish will not be accepted at weigh-in.
• After a fish is weighed, its tail will be clipped to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Good luck, and tight lines!

Division A: Weekend Warriors will compete for a $500 first-place prize.

Division B: The Industry will battle for the Aeroo Pro Fishing Drone as the top prize.

Throughout the tournament, Panhandle Salt will host weekly challenges, allowing anglers to win top-quality gear and tackle.

April 18 – May 17, 2025

The Upper Limit 30A is designed to raise awareness, foster new connections in the community, and, most importantly, have fun! We encourage all anglers, whether professional or novice, to fish with the utmost integrity. Please note that this is a land-based event; surfside fishing is permitted, but bay fishing is off-limits. No boats, kayaks, piers, drones, or any other vessel that would give an angler an advantage over the rest. 

Prizes 

• First place in the adult division will earn $1,000 in cash and a prize bucket valued at $500, generously provided by Buddy's Seafood, Panhandle Salt, Yellowfin Ocean Sports, SurfPro Tackle, Fish Gum, Redfin Fishing, and Portarod.
• First place in the kids’ division (under 15) will receive a similar prize bucket, excluding the Portarod system.

Entry Fees 

• Adults: $40
• Kids (under 15): $20

Weekly Challenges

• Hosted by Yellowfin Ocean Sports
• A separate buy-in will be required.
• 100% of the weekly pot goes to the winner.

Tournament Rules
The angler with the heaviest legal Florida pompano limit (6 fish) wins, with separate divisions for adults and kids. How It Works:

• Fishing starts on April 18. Bring your legal pompano to Yellowfin Ocean Sports for weigh-in, located at 30 Heron's Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
• You may weigh fish throughout the tournament until you reach your 6-fish limit. For example, if you catch 2 fish on April 18 and weigh them, then catch 3 more on April 20, and 1 more on April 21, your total weight will be recorded on the leaderboard.
• Continue to bring in heavier fish to increase your total weight. The angler with the heaviest aggregate weight at the end of the tournament wins.
• Winners will be contacted and must be present at Yellowfin on Sunday, May 18, to claim cash and prizes.
• Boundaries: Destin to Panama City

Fish Preservation Guidelines
We understand that immediate weigh-ins may not be feasible. To preserve your catch:

• Wrap the fish in a dry towel and place it on top of a bag of ice in a cooler.
• We recommend bringing it to us within 48 hours for weighing. Please note that frozen fish will not be accepted.

Thank you for your commitment to marine conservation and for participating in this exciting event!

Welcome Potential Sponsors

Thank you for your interest in The Upper Limit 30A Series! Since 2021, Panhandle Salt has successfully hosted tournaments in Perdido Key, and with our continued growth, we are excited to expand into other areas of the Panhandle.

Headliner Sponsor$500 cash + $500 in products ***(Headliner Sponsor – Secured)***

• Largest logo placement on the tournament banner
• Promotion through Panhandle Salt & Yellowfin Ocean Sports
• Up to 3 posts per week on the Panhandle Salt Events Facebook page, including product links
• Dedicated write-up announcing your brand as the tournament Headliner
• Invitation to the final event day to meet winners, take photos, and gain additional exposure

Tier 1 Sponsor$350 cash + $350 in products

• Prominent logo placement on the tournament banner (second largest)
• 2 posts per week on the Panhandle Salt Events Facebook page
• Dedicated write-up announcing your brand as a Top Tier Sponsor

Tier 2 Sponsor$200 cash + $200 in products

• Logo placement on the tournament banner
• 1 post per week on the Panhandle Salt Events Facebook page
• Dedicated write-up highlighting your brand as a tournament sponsor