First Cast Fishing Charters 

4.9
(87 reviews)
 Pinellas Point Drive South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, United States–

First Cast Fishing Charters 

St. Petersburg, FL, United States
–
23 ft
4
4.9
(87 reviews)

What better way to explore the Tampa Bay than with a premier inshore fishing charter? Whether you're a first-timer or a local going after your personal best, First Cast Fishing Charters will do everything possible to make your dreams come true. Captain Bernie Vinoski brings to the deck over two decades of fishing experience in and around the Tampa Bay area. He knows the waters like the back of his hand, so can tailor any trip to your desires.

You'll fish aboard a custom built 23' Aeon tower boat with all the latest electronics and gear fitted for a smooth, confident ride. This boat is designed to handle the shallow water of the flats, the ever-changing conditions in the bay, and the deeper waters of the Gulf. The Aeon features a spacious casting deck, two live wells, a 10' Powerpole Blade, Minn Kota GPS Trolling Motor, and a full T-top offering shade on warm summer days.

The fall months always provide a rush through the veins, as the fish stack up in every corner and on every flat. This time of year, completing your inshore slam of Snook, Redfish, and Trout is an everyday possibility. During the season, you'll even get the chance to go after Tarpon – the most prized inshore species there is. But whatever time of year you come, you're in for an exciting tussle with the fish, and a delicious treat to take home.

There are plenty of Shimano and Tsunami rods and reels for all on board, and you'll even have enough space to fish at the same time. Live bait is usually be prepared before the trip, but even if it needs to be caught, Capt. Bernie won't let it eat into your trip time! Whether chasing Snook and Redfish in the bays, or fishing the stunning beaches for Tarpon and Kingfish, you're in for a first-class experience with First Cast Fishing Charters. Take advantage now!

What better way to explore the Tampa Bay than with a premier inshore fishing charter? Whether you're a first-timer or a local going after your personal best, First Cast Fishing Charters will do everything possible to make your dreams come true. Captain Bernie Vinoski brings to the deck over two decades of fishing experience in and around the Tampa Bay area. He knows the waters like the back of his hand, so can tailor any trip to your desires.

You'll fish aboard a custom built 23' Aeon tower boat with all the latest electronics and gear fitted for a smooth, confident ride. This boat is designed to handle the shallow water of the flats, the ever-changing conditions in the bay, and the deeper waters of the Gulf. The Aeon features a spacious casting deck, two live wells, a 10' Powerpole Blade, Minn Kota GPS Trolling Motor, and a full T-top offering shade on warm summer days.

The fall months always provide a rush through the veins, as the fish stack up in every corner and on every flat. This time of year, completing your inshore slam of Snook, Redfish, and Trout is an everyday possibility. During the season, you'll even get the chance to go after Tarpon – the most prized inshore species there is. But whatever time of year you come, you're in for an exciting tussle with the fish, and a delicious treat to take home.

There are plenty of Shimano and Tsunami rods and reels for all on board, and you'll even have enough space to fish at the same time. Live bait is usually be prepared before the trip, but even if it needs to be caught, Capt. Bernie won't let it eat into your trip time! Whether chasing Snook and Redfish in the bays, or fishing the stunning beaches for Tarpon and Kingfish, you're in for a first-class experience with First Cast Fishing Charters. Take advantage now!

Bernie Vinoski
Captain
Bernie Vinoski
10 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
1/4 Day (2hour Special)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun)
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
+8
US $300
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Snook
+8
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
4 hour Mid-Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 11:15 AM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snook
+8
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Afternoon Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:15 PM
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Snook
+7
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Snook
Tarpon
+6
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day 8 hours
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:15 AM
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Snook
+8
US $1,050
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
87 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (81)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
91%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

Reviews (87)

  • Dennis De Kok
    Dennis De Kok
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Wow. Never caught so many fish

    4 Hour Afternoon Trip on April 5, 2023 • 4 adults

    Bernie was awesome. Put us on the fish right away and we never stopped catching. 4 hour afternoon trip with my wife and two teenage sons. We are not experienced fisherman. Bernie gave great instructions and the fish all jumped in the boat. We lost track but we caught more than 25 fish. All good Reds and Snook. Bernie was working hard the whole time keeping the bait fresh and working out tangles. Good guy. I have already sent his info to a few friends. Pic is of one really small snook my wife caught. The rest were much bigger and she took the other pics. I’ll try to update.

  • Ricky Bouchard
    Ricky Bouchard
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome with kids!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 19, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Brought my 8 year old daughter and 13 year old niece out with Bernie this morning. They both had an amazing time! We caught a bunch of fish, he engaged with them super well and made sure they were always entertained and happy. This guy gets it.

  • Michael Constantine
    Michael Constantine
    Repeat angler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2017
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Couple old guys!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 25, 2025 • 2 adults

    Last minute decision to head out for a morning fishing trip. Bernie was great. Gear was great. Guidance was perfect. Caught fish all morning.

  • Megan Hartsoch
    Megan Hartsoch
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Dakota, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic Day of Inshore Fishing!

    3/4 Day Trip on April 21, 2025 • 4 adults

    My family of 4 had a great day on the water with Bernie! Very knowledgeable captain and so friendly. He worked fast and got us on some fish.

  • Jason Brown
    Jason Brown
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great spring break fishing trip!

    3/4 Day Trip on March 25, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Bernie put us on fish right away. My two sons caught a bunch of fish and learned a lot. I highly recommend Captan Bernie!

  • Steven Whitlow
    Steven Whitlow
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 5, 2024 • 3 adults

    Captain Bernie did great! He was at the dock in the water when we arrived, short boat ride out and he had us on fish right away! All three of us landed several fish, really fun morning and I will be reaching back out for more trips in the future.

  • Mike Hansen
    Mike Hansen
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Trifecta excellent fishing day

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 22, 2024 • 1 adult

    Highly recommend, we had a great day on water due to Bernie's expertise and knowledge of the waters and species. He maximizes every opportunity and is a pro. Thanks man, will be back. Caught snook, sea trout and red

  • Steve Drozd
    Steve Drozd
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Cold front moved in but Capt found some fish

    Half Day Trip (AM) on November 28, 2023 • 2 adults

    Front moved in and dropped the temp to low fifties. Water temp dropped 3 degrees and had a extreme low tide. Started out at slack tide, Captain was able to see fish from his tower but they weren't biting. As soon as the current started moving we were able to hook 4 Snook and a red. Captain was great and determined to put us on some fish. Cold trip but we caught.

  • Thomas Meacham
    Thomas Meacham
    us
    Utah, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful trip!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 8, 2024 • 3 adults

    We had lots of fun. Caught some fish. Saw lots of dolphins and birds. I just wish Bernie would have tried harder to find us a manatee.

  • Bradley Gibson
    Bradley Gibson
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    4 hours on the water with Captain Bernie

    4 Hour Afternoon Trip on June 17, 2021 • 4 adults • 2 children

    We had a great time with Captain Bernie. We caught tons of fish. I took my son and his best friend on this charter and they have very little experience fishing. Captain Bernie was extremely helpful and worked his tail off to make sure they caught fish and he educated the boys along the way which I loved. We had to maneuver around some storms during our trip and our Captain made it very fun while keeping the safety of our group a priority. I highly recommend Captain Bernie and I will definitely be booking our next fishing trip with him.

FAQs about First Cast Fishing Charters

First Cast Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $300 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 1/4 Day (2hour Special) (2 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Afternoon Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 4 hour Mid-Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $35 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - Full Day 8 hours (8 hours)
When you book a trip with First Cast Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box Yeti 110qt
Trips booked with First Cast Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait is included in all 4, 6, and 8hr trips. 2 hour trips do not include live bait but can be added for a small fee of $25.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning of fish is included in all trips.)
  • Drinks (Water, Gatorade)
  • Fishing license (Fishing licenses are included with all trips free of cost.)
First Cast Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
First Cast Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with First Cast Fishing Charters include:
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Permit
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Bernie Vinoski
Bernie Vinoski
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
16 Fishing Reports
90 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2018
I have been addicted to fishing for most of my life. My father and grandfather, both Miami natives, put a rod in my hand at a very young age. I have 20+ years of solid experience fishing the Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, East Coast, and have traveled many times to Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico fishing with some of the most well-known guides in search of trophies. I've fished professionally since my late teens when I joined the Pursuit Fishing Team on the SKA Circuit and FLW King Fish Championship Series. I worked as a Chef for 17 years, fishing as a hobby through my twenties, and became a full-time, licensed captain in my late 20s. I have owned and operated many different boats over the years, from Mavericks and Shearwaters to Pursuits and Jupiters. I recently acquired my favorite boat yet, the Aeon 23 DLX. I love fishing more than just about anything else. Moreover, I love taking people fishing and teaching them about our local species and ecology.
Bernie Vinoski
Bernie Vinoski
16
reports
90
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
I have been addicted to fishing for most of my life. My father and grandfather, both Miami natives, put a rod in my hand at a very young age. I have 20+ years of solid experience fishing the Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, East Coast, and have traveled many times to Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico fishing with some of the most well-known guides in search of trophies. I've fished professionally since my late teens when I joined the Pursuit Fishing Team on the SKA Circuit and FLW King Fish Championship Series. I worked as a Chef for 17 years, fishing as a hobby through my twenties, and became a full-time, licensed captain in my late 20s. I have owned and operated many different boats over the years, from Mavericks and Shearwaters to Pursuits and Jupiters. I recently acquired my favorite boat yet, the Aeon 23 DLX. I love fishing more than just about anything else. Moreover, I love taking people fishing and teaching them about our local species and ecology.

The fish you can target

Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tripletail
Tripletail
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano

Real catches by this captain

  • An angler proudly displaying a large Snook while fishing from a boat in clear coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Man the fish are fishin!!! Snnok, monster trout, reds, spanish, kings and Tarpon!!! Book now bifore the temps get too hot! The water is perfect right now.
  • An angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Michael C.
    Michael C.
    Last minute decision to head out for a morning fishing trip. Bernie was great. Gear was great. Guidance was perfect. Caught fish all morning.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a small fish while on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Megan H.
    Megan H.
    My family of 4 had a great day on the water with Bernie! Very knowledgeable captain and so friendly. He worked fast and got us on some fish.
  • A young girl joyfully holds a spotted flounder with the assistance of an adult on a fishing boat during a sunset outing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Ricky B.
    Ricky B.
    Brought my 8 year old daughter and 13 year old niece out with Bernie this morning. They both had an amazing time! We caught a bunch of fish, he engaged with them super well and made sure they were always entertained and happy. This guy gets it.
  • Young angler proudly displaying a Snook while fishing on a boat in a scenic waterway.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jason B.
    Jason B.
    Captain Bernie put us on fish right away. My two sons caught a bunch of fish and learned a lot. I highly recommend Captan Bernie!
  • A variety of fish including Speckled Trout and Spanish Mackerel displayed on the deck of a boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Took my father out for a fun fishing day. Snook were all over the place inside the passes. We fished the bay in afternoon and had a nonstop Spanish Mackeral and triut bite for almost 2 hours. Kept 10 Spanish, ate 3 last night, gave my neighbor the rest of the fish and was treated with Jerk Spanish Mackeral today. Neighbors are from Jamaica. Delicious This pattern should hold through December. Book a trip today!
  • A young angler proudly displaying three Spanish Mackerel at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Great trip with yesterdays crew! Caught a ton of fish. Fishing is hot!
  • A variety of fish including Speckled Trout and Spanish Mackerel laid out on the deck of a boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Today we caught fish nonstop. Spanish macs, trout, snook, snapper and sime juvenile gag groupers. The bite is hot! Lets go!!
  • Young angler proudly holding a Snook while fishing on a boat in clear waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Updates from June and July 2024! Tons of fish around to be caught. The snook bite has been insane in the morning hours insi the afternoon. Reds, trout, jacks, and snapper have also been caught recently.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Snook while fishing on a boat during sunset.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Steven W.
    Steven W.
    Captain Bernie did great! He was at the dock in the water when we arrived, short boat ride out and he had us on fish right away! All three of us landed several fish, really fun morning and I will be reaching back out for more trips in the future.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2012
Boat manufacturer
Aeon
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha 4 Stroke
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
55 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Yeti 110qt
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live bait is included in all 4, 6, and 8hr trips. 2 hour trips do not include live bait but can be added for a small fee of $25.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning of fish is included in all trips.
Drinks
Water, Gatorade
Fishing license
Fishing licenses are included with all trips free of cost.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
Must be at least 5 years old
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in St. Petersburg right now

Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
PermitPermit
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
First Cast Fishing Charters
First Cast Fishing Charters
4.9
(87)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
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+9
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $600