08/14/2026
On this day, August 14, 2024, we opened the shop down on Perdido Key. We had built a reputation over the years running surf fishing charters and lessons, and it was time fore the next step.
I was almost laughed out of town when I told people the plan: convert a 24’ x 8’ trailer into a surf fishing shop.
But I had support from the people who mattered most, the ones living under my roof, so I did not let the doubt deter me.
Over the last two years, a lot has come out of this little trailer.
The birth of the Guide Association. Perdido Leader. Land-Line Braid. The Upper Limit Tournament. The Gulf Series rods. Strong relationships with MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, Florida Sea Grant, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Perdido Key State Park, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, and other local businesses that want to see us succeed.
Not everyone stood around waiting for us to fail. A lot of people stepped up, helped, supported, and trusted what we were trying to build.
I had a strong feeling that people wanted to learn how to surf fish. They needed a safe place to ask questions without getting the “snook candy” answer. A place where someone would actually explain how the rig, rod, reel, bait, or leader in their hands works without making them feel stupid for asking.
Hopefully, that is what myself and our team have provided over the last two years.
If Panhandle Salt has helped you in some way over the last 24 months, please leave a comment. There may be someone reading this who is hesitant to ask for help because they are afraid of being ridiculed.
Thanks for all the support, y’all.
Without you trusting us, supporting us, shopping with us, fishing with us, and believing in what we are building, we would not be living this lifestyle.
