First Cast Charters 

4.9
(70 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, United States–

First Cast Charters 

Panama City Beach, FL, United States
–
41 ft
12
4.9
(70 reviews)

Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

If you want a first class charter then you should book a trip with First Cast Charters today. Captain Kory Freed and his crew offer fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels. Children and the elderly will love the 4-hour trolling trips, and die-hard anglers will find the 12-hour trips perfect.

Hop on board the 'First Cast', a 41' Morgan sport fishing boat, that can easily fit 12 anglers. During trolling trips, 5 lines will set up and the anglers can take it in turns reeling the catch in. On the longer offshore trips, each angler will have their own rod.

The First Cast has twin 375 HP Caterpillar engines, getting you to the fishing grounds fast. On the trolling trips, you'll stay close to shore and be fishing shortly after setting off. The longer trips will take up to 90 minutes to reach the best fishing grounds.

The boat is fully equipped with navigation and safety equipment, so you can fish with peace of mind. There's a private restroom for your comfort, as well as air-conditioned spaces.

There's a first mate on hand to help you fish. He will work hard for you, so don't forget to tip him after the trip! There is also a live bait tank. Live bait is sometimes prepared before, but you may have to buy live bait on the day.

Depending on which trip you choose, you'll be able to target Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, other Snapper species, Kingfish, Little Tunny, Wahoo, Grouper species, Bull Shark, and many more.

There's no minimum age for children and life vests are provided. Everyone on board is covered by the boat's fishing license and will be using top quality Penn rods and reels. You're welcome to bring a small cooler of your own food and drink – you'll need to keep your energy up! Don't forget to bring layers of clothing, it can get cold out on the water.

Book a trip with First Cast Charters today for an awesome fishing adventure with Capt. Kory. With decades of experience, he will do everything he can to make sure you have a great day fishing.

If you want a first class charter then you should book a trip with First Cast Charters today. Captain Kory Freed and his crew offer fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels. Children and the elderly will love the 4-hour trolling trips, and die-hard anglers will find the 12-hour trips perfect.

Hop on board the 'First Cast', a 41' Morgan sport fishing boat, that can easily fit 12 anglers. During trolling trips, 5 lines will set up and the anglers can take it in turns reeling the catch in. On the longer offshore trips, each angler will have their own rod.

The First Cast has twin 375 HP Caterpillar engines, getting you to the fishing grounds fast. On the trolling trips, you'll stay close to shore and be fishing shortly after setting off. The longer trips will take up to 90 minutes to reach the best fishing grounds.

The boat is fully equipped with navigation and safety equipment, so you can fish with peace of mind. There's a private restroom for your comfort, as well as air-conditioned spaces.

There's a first mate on hand to help you fish. He will work hard for you, so don't forget to tip him after the trip! There is also a live bait tank. Live bait is sometimes prepared before, but you may have to buy live bait on the day.

Depending on which trip you choose, you'll be able to target Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, other Snapper species, Kingfish, Little Tunny, Wahoo, Grouper species, Bull Shark, and many more.

There's no minimum age for children and life vests are provided. Everyone on board is covered by the boat's fishing license and will be using top quality Penn rods and reels. You're welcome to bring a small cooler of your own food and drink – you'll need to keep your energy up! Don't forget to bring layers of clothing, it can get cold out on the water.

Book a trip with First Cast Charters today for an awesome fishing adventure with Capt. Kory. With decades of experience, he will do everything he can to make sure you have a great day fishing.

Kory Freed
Captain
Kory Freed
29 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 Hour Trip – Inshore Trolling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Apr 30
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
US $825
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Aug 1 - May 31
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Trolling (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Apr 30
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Spanish Mackerel
King George Whiting
US $1,650
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Aug 1 - May 31
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Spanish Mackerel
US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $2,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
US $3,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
US $3,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (62)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

Reviews (70)

  • Holly Rambin
    Holly Rambin
    Repeat angler
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    4.3
    Verified

    Kept us on the fish!

    8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on July 4, 2026 • 9 adults

    We had a big group (and lots of friends experienced folks). The captain kept us on the fish/made sure not to waste time fishing where they weren’t biting, and the deck hand hustled to get the fish off quickly and re-bait so we didn’t miss a beat catching more - or me right after another! Cabin was very nice and ac was good and cold. “Kitchen” sink to wash our hands and a bunk room so we could nap on the ride back. Deck was a little crowded for 9 folks, but the deck hand was quick to resolve any tangles (and bird nesting when we messed up the reels lol).

  • Jashaun Smith
    Jashaun Smith
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Great time with Captain Kory and crew

    4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on September 26, 2026 • 10 adults

    My group had a great experience with captain Kory and his crew. We did the 4hr trolling trip. Given that we had a large group and other activities to do that day we opted for the shorter trip. We were able to reel in a few mackerel. I'd recommend taking the longer offshore trip if you're looking to really bring in a catch. Overall a great experience and I would recommend for those looking to try their luck on a shorter excursion

  • Robert Baer
    Robert Baer
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Fishing!!

    6 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on August 4, 2026 • 7 adults • 1 child

    We had 5 adults & 2 kids on a 6 hour trip. captain Kory kept us moving to several fishing spots while Jacob stayed busy baiting our hooks, taking fish off & showing us fishing techniques. We caught our limit of red snapper & several other types of fish. We had a good time!!

  • Diane Webster
    Diane Webster
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    memories made on senior spring break

    4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on March 31, 2026 • 9 adults • 1 child

    captain Kory and his crew helped my son and his 6 friends make some great memories catching fish on their senior spring break. they caught a ton of mackeral and we had a local restauarnt cook up about a third of it. Thank you so much for an amazing experience!

  • Daniel Hurley
    Daniel Hurley
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Caught a lot of fish:)

    8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on May 20, 2026 • 8 adults • 3 children

    My son in laws and grandsons had a blast. We caught alot of fish.

  • Kevin Johnson
    Kevin Johnson
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!!!

    8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on April 3, 2026 • 8 adults

    Spotless boat!!! Great Crew!!! Worth Every Penny!!! Loads of Fun!!! Looking into getting back for Red Snapper season. they proved they could catch em!!!

  • Mickey Patel
    Mickey Patel
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2023
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    April fishing trip

    3 Hour Trip – Inshore Trolling (AM) on April 2, 2026 • 4 adults
  • Joseph Schoggins
    Joseph Schoggins
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome time with 3 family generations

    8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on August 30, 2025 • 10 adults • 2 children

    I booked to take my son on his first deep sea trip for his high school graduation and I carried my father and a couple friends along. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Both captian and deck hand were extremely nice guys and they put us on a nice catch for the 8hr trip we booked. Definitely would use these guys for my next run!! Y’all bookem and they will get you to where you need to be to hookem!!!! Thanks again guys for your time and service we enjoyed the trip and can’t wait to do it again soon!!

  • Christopher Williams
    Christopher Williams
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    A great time with old friends

    8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on June 13, 2025 • 6 adults

    Thank you to Korey and Scott! You guys made us feel welcome and we enjoyed every moment fishing on your boat. Thanks so much for the laughter and fishing. We will be back.

  • Trey Howell
    Trey Howell
    Repeat angler
    us
    Mississippi, US
    Member since 2019
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great 4 hour trolling trip

    4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on May 26, 2025 • 7 adults

    Capt. Kory and Scott were great! Got on a bunch of kings and some mahi mahi. Action was pretty much constant! Highly recommend them!! Most fish I’ve ever caught on a 4 hour trip.

FAQs about First Cast Charters

First Cast Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $825 per group, additional US $30 per person after 6 guests - 3 Hour Trip – Inshore Trolling (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $40 per person after 6 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,650 per group, additional US $60 per person after 6 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Trolling (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group, additional US $60 per person after 6 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group, additional US $80 per person after 6 guests - 8 Hour – Bottom Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 6 guests - 10 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (10 hours)
  • US $3,600 per group, additional US $120 per person after 6 guests - 12 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (12 hours)
When you book a trip with First Cast Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Private toilet
  • Air conditioning 3 airconditioners
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with First Cast Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (All new Penn gear)
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • First mate (Custom to tip 15-20%)
  • Fishing license
First Cast Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
First Cast Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with First Cast Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Triggerfish (Gray)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Kory Freed
Kory Freed
Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
70 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since March 2019
Captain Kory Freed has been a captain for over 2 decades and has been fishing since he was a young boy. There's nothing better for Capt. Kory than being out on the water and showing his guests a good time. He will do everything he can to help you catch fish and make lifelong memories. He knows the waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City Beach like the back of his hand!
Kory Freed
Kory Freed
Fully verified
70
reviews
2019
member since
~1h
response
Captain Kory Freed has been a captain for over 2 decades and has been fishing since he was a young boy. There's nothing better for Capt. Kory than being out on the water and showing his guests a good time. He will do everything he can to help you catch fish and make lifelong memories. He knows the waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City Beach like the back of his hand!

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • Two anglers proudly displaying a caught fish while enjoying a day out on the water.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jashaun S.
    Jashaun S.
    My group had a great experience with captain Kory and his crew. We did the 4hr trolling trip. Given that we had a large group and other activities to do that day we opted for the shorter trip. We were able to reel in a few mackerel. I'd recommend taking the longer offshore trip if you're looking to really bring in a catch. Overall a great experience and I would recommend for those looking to try their luck on a shorter excursion
  • A proud angler displays a vibrant Red Snapper at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Red Snapper
    Robert B.
    Robert B.
    We had 5 adults & 2 kids on a 6 hour trip. captain Kory kept us moving to several fishing spots while Jacob stayed busy baiting our hooks, taking fish off & showing us fishing techniques. We caught our limit of red snapper & several other types of fish. We had a good time!!
  • A family group proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper and a large fish at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Holly R.
    Holly R.
    We had a big group (and lots of friends experienced folks). The captain kept us on the fish/made sure not to waste time fishing where they weren’t biting, and the deck hand hustled to get the fish off quickly and re-bait so we didn’t miss a beat catching more - or me right after another! Cabin was very nice and ac was good and cold. “Kitchen” sink to wash our hands and a bunk room so we could nap on the ride back. Deck was a little crowded for 9 folks, but the deck hand was quick to resolve any tangles (and bird nesting when we messed up the reels lol).
  • Large family fishing group posing beside a catch board displaying red snapper and triggerfish, with dozens of additional fish arranged on the dock beside a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Vermilion Snapper
    Daniel H.
    Daniel H.
    My son in laws and grandsons had a blast. We caught alot of fish.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a charter boat, surrounded by fellow fishermen in a vibrant ocean setting.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Red Snapper
    Kevin J.
    Kevin J.
    Spotless boat!!! Great Crew!!! Worth Every Penny!!! Loads of Fun!!! Looking into getting back for Red Snapper season. they proved they could catch em!!!
  • Two anglers pose behind a large dockside catch board displaying multiple mackerel and other coastal fish at a marina.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Mickey P.
    Mickey P.
  • Fishing group with a child posing behind a catch board covered with numerous Spanish mackerel at a sunny marina dock.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Diane W.
    Diane W.
    captain Kory and his crew helped my son and his 6 friends make some great memories catching fish on their senior spring break. they caught a ton of mackeral and we had a local restauarnt cook up about a third of it. Thank you so much for an amazing experience!
  • Three young anglers proudly displaying their catch of Spanish Mackerel on a tournament stage, with a scoreboard in the background highlighting various fishing categories.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Katie A.
    Katie A.
  • A scenic view from the side of a fishing boat, capturing the vibrant sunset over the ocean with waves in motion.
    Joseph S.
    Joseph S.
    I booked to take my son on his first deep sea trip for his high school graduation and I carried my father and a couple friends along. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Both captian and deck hand were extremely nice guys and they put us on a nice catch for the 8hr trip we booked. Definitely would use these guys for my next run!! Y’all bookem and they will get you to where you need to be to hookem!!!! Thanks again guys for your time and service we enjoyed the trip and can’t wait to do it again soon!!
  • A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper on a catch board at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Christopher W.
    Christopher W.
    Thank you to Korey and Scott! You guys made us feel welcome and we enjoyed every moment fishing on your boat. Thanks so much for the laughter and fishing. We will be back.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
12 persons
Boat length
41 ft
Year built
2000
Boat manufacturer
Morgan
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Caterpillar 3208
Powered by
2 x 375HP
Max cruising speed
18 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Private toilet
Air conditioning
3 airconditioners
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Live bait well
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
All new Penn gear
Live bait
Lures
First mate
Custom to tip 15-20%
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
No min age, life vests provided
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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

What’s biting in Panama City Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Shark (Bull)Shark (Bull)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Triggerfish (Gray)Triggerfish (Gray)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
First Cast Charters
First Cast Charters
Federally permitted
4.9
(70)
41 ft
Group size 1 - 12
1 - 12
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 12 persons
US $1,200
  • Lady S
    State licensed
    4.8
    (150)
    65 ft
    Group size 1 - 36
    1 - 36
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +7
    4 hour trip • 36 persons
    US $1,000
  • Knot Right
    Federally permitted
    4.8
    (128)
    45 ft
    Group size 1 - 13
    1 - 13
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +9
    4 hour trip • 13 persons
    US $1,100
  • Captain Hank's Charters
    4.8
    (124)
    44 ft
    Group size 1 - 14
    1 - 14
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +7
    4 hour trip • 14 persons
    US $1,040
  • Long Shot Charters – F/V Big Shot
    Federally permitted
    4.9
    (49)
    55 ft
    Group size 1 - 42
    1 - 42
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +9
    4 hour trip • 42 persons
    US $1,100