Kelley Girl Charters, a family-owned deep-sea fishing charter company based in Panama City Beach, Florida, is preparing for the newly announced 2026 Gulf of America Red Snapper recreational federal for-hire season, which will run from June 1 through October 26, 2026.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries recently released the dates for the upcoming snapper fishing season, providing charter fishing operators nearly five months to offer red snapper fishing experiences to anglers. The extended season represents a significant opportunity for charter companies throughout the Gulf region to accommodate both local and visiting fishing enthusiasts.
Kelley Girl Charters, which operates a fleet of vessels equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning and bathrooms that exceed U.S. Coast Guard regulations, plans to offer various trip lengths during the red snapper season. The company provides 4-hour, 6-hour, 8-hour, and extended 10 to 12-hour fishing charter options to accommodate different skill levels and preferences.
"The announcement of the 2026 red snapper season gives fishing charters in the Panama City Beach area excellent clarity for planning our summer and fall fishing charter operations," said Mark Kelley, Captain at Kelley Girl Charters. "Red snapper fishing remains one of the most sought-after experiences in Florida for our clients, and having nearly five months of access to this fishery from Panama City allows us to serve more families and fishing groups throughout the peak PCB vacation season and into the fall fishing charter trips."
Red snapper fishing represents a cornerstone of Gulf charter fishing operations near Panama City Beach, with the species prized for both its sporting qualities and culinary value. The federal for-hire season applies to charter vessels operating in federal waters, which begin nine nautical miles from shore in Florida and extend throughout the Gulf of America.
Kelley Girl Charters trolling and bottom fishing techniques will be employed throughout the charter fishing season to target red snapper at various depths. The company's experienced crew members guide anglers to productive fishing grounds while ensuring compliance with all federal fishing regulations, including size and bag limits established by NOAA Fisheries.
The 2026 Snapper fishing season announcement comes as charter fishing operations throughout Panama City Beach continue to see strong demand for offshore fishing experiences. The region has established itself as a premier destination for Gulf fishing, attracting anglers from across the United States seeking opportunities to catch red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and other species.
Beyond red snapper trips, Kelley Girl Charters offers shark fishing expeditions, inshore fishing tours, and family-friendly fishing experiences designed for novice anglers. The company also provides a unique ash-scattering service for families wishing to commemorate loved ones at sea.
Kelley Girl Charters has operated in Panama City Beach for multiple generations, building a reputation for providing high-value charter fishing experiences. The company maintains an active presence on social media platforms where they share fishing reports, photos from successful trips, and updates about seasonal fishing opportunities. Their fleet operates year-round, offering different target species based on seasonal availability and federal fishing regulations.
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For more information about Kelley Girl Charters, contact the company here:
Kelley Girl Charters
Mark Kelley
(850) 866-5694
ladykelleycharters@yahoo.com
5550 North Lagoon Drive, Slip 00E
Panama City, Florida 32408