Panama City Beach, FL
About
Kelley Girl Charters
A Century of Fishing Heritage in Panama City Beach
Charter Fishing Company
Three Generations. One Passion. 100+ Years of Experience.
Kelley Girl Charters isn't just another fishing charter; it's a family legacy that spans over a century. When you fish with us, you're tapping into knowledge, techniques, and "secret spots" that have been passed down through three generations of Bay County fishermen.
Generations of Family Fishing
Kelley Girl Fishing Charters
Our Family Story
It Started in 1943
Arnold Peel - Mark's grandfather - began commercial fishing in Bay County in 1943. He learned these waters when Panama City Beach was still a small fishing village, long before the high-rises and tourism boom. Arnold understood the Gulf's rhythms, the seasonal migrations, and where the big fish lived.
The Tradition Continued in 1963
Buddy Kelley, Mark's father, started his charter and commercial fishing career in 1963. For over 30 years, Buddy ran charters and built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable captains on the Emerald Coast. He fished until his retirement in 1995, passing the torch to his son along with decades of hard-earned wisdom.
1987: The Next Generation Takes the Helm
Captain Mark Kelley grew up on the Panama City Beach docks. As a child, he spent his afternoons around the fishing fleets in St. Andrews and Panama City Beach, "hanging out" with captains, deckhands, and their boats. He wasn't just watching, he was learning.
In 1976, at just a young age, Mark was fishing and earning money with his dad on the original Kelley Girl. He started as a deckhand, learning every aspect of charter fishing from the bottom up. Through those formative years, one thing became crystal clear: there was no place he'd rather be than on the water catching fish.
In 1987, Mark married his wife, Denise, and began his career as captain of the Kelley Girl while Denise finished college and started her career as an educator. In 1995, Mark and Denise purchased the Kelley Girl from his father, officially making the family business their own.
Building Something Special
1996: Expanding the Fleet
In 1996, Mark expanded the fleet with the purchase of the Lady Kelley, a 55-foot sportfishing vessel. This wasn't just about having another boat, it was about providing more opportunities for customers to fish on their preferred dates and accommodating larger groups.
The Secret Weapon: Private Artificial Reefs
Throughout the years, Mark has done something most charter captains never do: he's invested in building private artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. These aren't public reefs marked on charts or coordinates shared with other boats. They're exclusive fishing spots that only Kelley Girl Charters customers can access.
These private reefs, combined with Captain Mark's knowledge of natural coral reefs, limestone ledges, and historic shipwrecks, give you access to fishing that simply isn't available elsewhere in Panama City Beach.
What this means for you:
- Fish structure with minimal pressure
- Larger, less boat-shy fish
- Productive spots that produce year after year
- The Kelley Girl competitive advantage
40+ Years of Local Expertise
Captain Mark has now fished the waters of the Florida Panhandle for over 40+ years as a professional charter captain. He knows:
Where Red Snapper congregate in each season
When King Mackerel migrate through our waters
Which reefs produce in which conditions
How tides and currents affect different spots
Where to find Grouper, Amberjack, and trophy fish
The techniques that work in these specific waters
This knowledge can't be learned from books or GPS coordinates—it comes from decades on the water, day after day, season after season.
More Than Just a Business
A Family Affair
Mark and Denise have raised two children who also enjoy the water around Bay County. Their son, Carson Kelley, is now part of the crew as a captain, representing the fourth generation of the family's connection to these waters.
The Kelley family's cumulative experience in the fishing industry spans more than 100 years. That's a century of knowledge, relationships, and understanding of Panama City Beach waters that you benefit from on every trip.
Our Approach to Fishing
Mark's love for this sport comes across through his jovial spirit, wit, laughter, and dedication to the customers he serves. Whether you're a first-time fisherman or have years of experience, we happily welcome all levels and love sharing this passion with everyone who gets on the boat with us.
We're not just putting you on fish, we're sharing a family tradition and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Carson Kelley
Captain ~ Kelley Girl Charters
Mark Kelley
Captain ~ Kelley Girl Charters
Griffin Hebert
Captain & Deckhand ~ Kelley Girl Charters
Our Commitment to You
Experience You Can Trust
When you book with Kelley Girl Charters, you're fishing with:
- USCG Licensed Captains with decades of experience
- Locally-owned family business deeply rooted in the community
- Two fully-equipped sportfishing vessels maintained to the highest standards
- Knowledgeable crew who genuinely love teaching and sharing
- Exclusive access to private reefs and proven fishing spots
Safe, Fun, and Successful
Our goal is simple: provide you with a safe, fun day on the water and give you everything you need to reel in the big ones. We:
- Exceed all U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations
- Maintain our boats to the highest standards
- Provide all necessary fishing gear and licenses
- Offer hands-on instruction for beginners
- Adapt to your experience level and goals
- Share our knowledge freely and enthusiastically
What Sets Us Apart
Generational Knowledge
100+ years of family fishing experience means we know these waters better than anyone. Tips, tricks, and techniques passed down through generations are yours on every trip.
Private Artificial Reefs
Exclusive access to productive structure that other charters simply cannot fish. This is a game-changer for catch rates and fish quality.
Two Spacious Boats
With the Lady Kelley (55') and Kelley Girl (52'), we can accommodate up to 40 guests total. Better availability, larger groups, more flexibility.
Authentic Local Captains
We're not a corporate charter operation with rotating captains. You're fishing with Mark and Kory—local experts who live and breathe Panama City Beach fishing.
Family Values
We treat every customer like family. Our reputation has been built over decades on honesty, hard work, and genuine passion for this sport.
Kelley Girl Charters
Fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida has been apart of the Kelley family for generations. This experienced team of Captains and fishermen will lead you in the right direction for a successful fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico with one of the top Panama City Beach fishing charters.
Bay County Roots Run Deep
The Kelley family has been part of Bay County since 1943—over 80 years. We've watched Panama City Beach grow from a small fishing village to a world-class vacation destination. Through it all, our commitment to fishing and to our customers has never wavered.
When you fish with us, you're fishing with a true Panama City Beach institution.
Our Waters: Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach sits in the heart of Florida's Emerald Coast, offering some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Our location provides unique access to:
- Inshore: Calm bay waters perfect for families
- Nearshore: Productive reefs 3-15 miles out
- Offshore: Natural structure and our private reefs up to 50 miles out
- Diverse Species: From Mackerel to Grouper to Sharks
The Gulf waters here feature natural limestone bottom, coral reefs, and artificial structure that create world-class habitat for gamefish.
Join the Legacy
When you book a trip with Kelley Girl Charters, you're not just hiring a boat; you're becoming part of a story that started in 1943 and continues today. You're fishing with a family that's dedicated to mastering these waters.
Whether you're visiting Panama City Beach for the first time or you're a returning customer, we welcome you aboard with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has defined three generations of Kelley family fishermen.
Let's make some memories on the water.
Ready to Fish with Us?
Call Captain Mark: (850) 866-5694
Captain Anderson's Marina 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Slip 00E Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Fun Facts About Kelley Girl Charters
Making Memories Together
📅 Family fishing since: 1943 (80+ years in Bay County)
🎣 Captain Mark's experience: 40+ years professional charter fishing
🚤 Fleet: Two vessels (Lady Kelley 55' | Kelley Girl 55')
👥 Capacity: Up to 20 per boat, 40 total
🗺️ Specialty: Private artificial reefs + offshore bottom fishing
⭐ Generations: Fourth generation now on the crew
🏆 Reputation: Built on decades of satisfied customers
