First Cast Fishing Charters

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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Afternoon Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:15 PM
    US $600
    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.
    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
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 11:15 AM
    US $600
    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
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $600
    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.
    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
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $800
    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.
    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 Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,000
    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.
    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 12 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about First Cast Fishing Charters

First Cast Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Afternoon Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 hour Mid-Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip (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

Meet the Captain

Bernie Vinoski
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
9 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
75 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.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Aeon (Center console) originally built in 2012. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha 4 Stroke engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 55 knots.

Length
23 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Spinning

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Yeti 110qt

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water, Gatorade
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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.

St. Petersburg Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 75 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (55)
Trifecta excellent fishing day
Trifecta excellent fishing day
Trifecta excellent fishing day
+52
Angler rating
70
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 75 reviews
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   NEW  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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Steve D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Cold front moved in but Capt found some fish

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on November 28, 2023
Front moved in and dropped the temp to low fifties. Water temp dropped 3 degrees and had a extreme low tide.  Started out...
Steve D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Steve D. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Jackson K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Experience

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on August 9, 2023
Captain Bernie was very knowledgeable about the species and habitat fished. It was an honor to spend quality time with my wife...
Jackson K. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Jackson K. 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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Jeff W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall
What a great time today but the fishing was really slow. Bernie did his best and worked really hard to get us on some fish. ...
Jeff W. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Jeff W. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful