First Cast Fishing Charters

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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!



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $475
    This morning trip will see you head out early to catch the morning bite, when the fish are at their most hungry. When fishing the shallower waters, this is the best time to spot big snook and reds. You'll also be going after a host of other exciting game and flavorsome fish, be it, trout, snapper, sheephead and any of our other seasonal delicacies.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Tripletail
    Tripletail
    Pompano
    Pompano
  • Private trip
    4 hour Mid-Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 11:15 AM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $475
    This 4 hour trip is another great opportunity to catch the many species we have available in the bay. This trip may not always be available as trip times are not allowed to overlap.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Shark (Bonnethead)
    Bonnethead Shark
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Afternoon Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:15 PM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $475
    Spend the afternoon fishing the local bays and beaches for a range of delicious and exciting species. This trip will give you a real taste of inshore fishing and the Tampa Bay's rich waters. Go after anything from Groupers, Redfish, and Tripletail, to Permit, Jack Crevalle, and Snook, for an exhilirating time on the water.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Popping
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Pompano
    Pompano
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $650
    The most popular option, this 6-hour trip gives you the chance to really get to know the inshore waters of St.Petersburg and the Tampa Bay, reeling in plenty of fish, and having a great day out. These waters are home to some of the best inshore species around, with Snook and Tarpon passing through, as well as Groupers, Snappers, Tripletails, Permits, Redfish, and many mo re.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Popping
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Tripletail
    Tripletail
    Pompano
    Pompano
  • Private trip
    Full Day 8 hours
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:15 AM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $775
    If you want to maximize your chance of getting fish on the boat, this is the trip for you. Spend a whole day on the water, getting acquainted with the Tampa Bay's diverse inshore waters. You'll be able to hunt the flats, as well as the open bays for a range of game fish like Snook, and even Tarpon (when in season), to delicious table fish, such as snapper, seasonal inshore grouper, spotted sea trout, seasonal king mackeral, among many more. Fishing mostly live bait.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Popping
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Tripletail
    Tripletail
    Pompano
    Pompano
There are 27 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 81 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (63)
Great trip!
Great trip!
Great trip!
+60
Angler rating
76
1
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 81 reviews
Devon F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome day on the water

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 2, 2024
Capt Bernie was amazing! Very knowledgeable about the species we were catching and knew multiple places to catch them to ensure...
Devon F. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Bernie Vinoski Captain replied

Robert D.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall
Considering all of my communication problems Burnie worked hard to make sure we would meat up for the trip. I had come over...
Robert D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Robert D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Steven W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 5, 2024
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...
Steven W. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Bernie Vinoski Captain replied

Mike H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Trifecta excellent fishing day

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on April 22, 2024
Highly recommend, we had a great day on water due to Bernie’s expertise and knowledge of the waters and species. He maximizes...
Mike H. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Mike H. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Dan D.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Florida slam completed!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 25, 2024
It was SUPER windy, but Bernie work hard to get us in some good spots to catch fish. Other captains probably would’ve cancelled...
Dan D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Dan D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful

FAQs about First Cast Fishing Charters

First Cast Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $475 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 4 hour Mid-Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Afternoon Trip (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $25 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
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water, Gatorade)
  • Fishing License

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
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Bernie Vinoski
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
15 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
81 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since November 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
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

Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit Permit

What the boat is 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

Which types of fishing are offered

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
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water, Gatorade
Fishing License

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.

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 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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

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