The 2026 Red Snapper season off Florida's Gulf Coast closes October 25, and Hook'em Up Charters, a Panama City Beach fishing charter company, is booking trips for anglers looking to catch the species before the fishing season ends.
Florida's Red Snapper season reopens September 1 for a limited fall season, but captains with a federal license can continue fishing until October 25, 2026. Hook'em Up Charters holds a federal reef fish permit, allowing the company to fish for Red Snapper under the federal season schedule. Some charter operators fish under state-only licensing, and their red snapper seasons have already closed until fall. Hook'em Up Charters' federal permit keeps the fishing window open for their guests who want to fish for red snapper in the Gulf.
"A lot of our customers don't realize the fishing season for red snapper depends on the type of permit a boat holds," said Captain BJ Burkett of Hook'em Up Charters. "Our federal permit means we can keep taking people out for Red Snapper through October 25, even after some other boats have had to stop."
Hook'em Up Charters operates with four captains, including owner BJ Burkett, a third-generation fisherman born and raised in Panama City. The company runs multi-day trips and larger group charters, including corporate outings that use all three boats at once. Captain Jeff Kelley and Captain Jimbo Stevens each bring more than 30 years of experience in the area, and Captain Bryan Jones leads trips aboard the Hooked Up.
"I grew up fishing these waters, and every summer when red snapper season comes back around, it still feels like the best time of year to be out here," Captain Burkett said. "Having three boats means we can get almost any size group out on the water to fish for red snapper before the season closes."
The company operates three boats out of Panama City Beach. The Hooked Up is a 55-foot custom-built Gilman that carries up to 28 passengers on day trips and is equipped for 2- to 3-day trips for up to 10 passengers, with air conditioning, a bathroom, and 8 bunks. The Game Changer is a 55-foot vessel that carries up to 20 passengers on day trips and up to 10 on multi-day trips, with 10 bunks and a full-size restroom. The Lady Raye is a 43-foot vessel that carries up to 6 passengers and includes an air-conditioned cabin, bathroom, and 4 bunks.
"Between the three boats, we can fish with a family of four or a corporate group of 25 on the same weekend," Captain Burkett said. "That flexibility matters a lot this time of year when everybody's trying to get out before red snapper fishing season closes."
Panama City Beach has one of the largest fishing fleets on the Gulf Coast, with charter operators offering trips ranging from short nearshore outings to full-day and overnight deep-sea trips. Hook'em Up Charters accommodates both beginners and experienced anglers.
"We're already seeing bookings pick up as October 25th gets closer," Captain Burkett said. "Once that date hits, that's it for red snapper until next season, so we'd rather see boats full every day between now and then than have people miss their shot."
Based in Panama City Beach, Florida, Hook'em Up Charters is a fishing charter company operating three vessels: the Hooked Up, the Game Changer, and the Lady Raye. Led by Captain BJ Burkett, the company offers deep-sea fishing, bottom fishing, and multi-day charter trips. For more information or to book a trip, visit their website.
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For more information about Hook'em Up Charters, contact the company here:
Hook'em Up Charters
BJ Burkett
850-774-8333
hookemupcharters@gmail.com
5550 North Lagoon Drive, Slip 3E and 1E
Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408
