First Cast Charters 

4.9/5 (56 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, United States

First Cast Charters 

 
Federally permitted
4.9/5 (56 reviews)
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5550 North Lagoon Drive
Panama City Beach, FL, United States
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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.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 56 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (47)

October fishing trip
Awesome time with 3 family generations
Awesome time with 3 family generations
+44

Angler rating

51
5
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

97%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

94%

Showing 1 - 5 of 56 reviews
Showing: 5 of 56 reviews
Kristen Larson
Kristen Larson
5.0
Verified
Great Experience!
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on November 17, 20254 adults6 children
We chose First Cast Charters based on the reviews, so I wanted to share our awesome experience as well. Captain Kory and first mate Scott took our group of 4 adults and 6 kids out for a 4 hour inshore trolling trip. We had a very successful trip, catching a total of 13 King Mackeral! First mate Scott was awesome. He was very informative and helpful, ensured the boat was clean throughout the trip (the boat was very clean upon us boarding as well), and answered all of our questions about the area and things to do.
Reported catch:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Response from Captain
November 26, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We are so glad y’all had a great trip and can’t wait to SEA you again soon!
0
Joseph Schoggins
Joseph Schoggins
5.0
Verified
Awesome time with 3 family generations
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on August 30, 20258 adults2 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!!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Snapper
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Gag Grouper
+3
Response from Captain
September 2, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We really appreciate it and are so glad you had a great time! We look forward to seeing you again next time!
0
Jesse Brown
Jesse Brown
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Offshore Fishing Experience with First Cast Charters!
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on June 12, 20254 adults
We went out with First Cast Charters yesterday and had one of the best offshore charters of our lives. Captain Kory and first mate Scott were absolute pros from start to finish. They had us on fish immediately and the action never slowed down. We caught a huge variety—red snapper, blackfin snapper, lane snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, even bonita—and maxed out our bag with keepable fish! Every time a line got snapped or needed bait, Scott was right there to rerig or rebait without missing a beat. Their knowledge of the water and dedication to making sure everyone was having a great time was second to none. If you’re looking for a top-tier fishing charter with serious results and a great crew, look no further than First Cast Charters.
Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Gag Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Response from Captain
June 20, 2025
Wow! What an awesome review. We strive to be the best! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on your experience. See you soon!!
0
Diane Wood
Diane Wood
5.0
Verified
AMAZING CAPTAIN AND FIRST MATE
6 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on August 1, 20254 adults2 children
We have chartered boats from Alaska, to New York, MA, VA Beach and Florida. First Class Charter lives up to its name. By far the best captain and crew. He had us on fish all day. The boat was amazing and comfortable, and we will come back to them. If you are looking for an amazing experience look no more. Book your fishing experience directly on their website cut the 3rd party's out.
Reported catch:
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Response from Captain
August 2, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your business and hope to see you again soon!
0
Diana McKinney
Diana McKinney
5.0
Verified
Dolphins
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on May 20, 20252 adults
Me my husband and two older kids loved the experience. My daughter did get sick but she warned us she might. The 4 hour trip was good for her. We caught Mahi mahi and a grouper but dolphins stole them. We only brought back a mackerel and mini tina but the Captain did everything he could for a four hour trip to get us hooked. Scott the deck hand was so nice and good to us.
Response from Captain
May 21, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We hope to see you again next time! 🎣🎣🎣
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
December 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
3 Hour Trip – Inshore Trolling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - May 31
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 12 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
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US $950 
Entire boat: up to 12 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
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US $1,450 
Entire boat: up to 12 people
6 Hour Trip – Trolling (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - May 31
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US $1,450 
Entire boat: up to 12 people
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
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US $1,995 
Entire boat: up to 12 people
10 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $2,495 
Entire boat: up to 12 people
12 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $2,995 
Entire boat: up to 12 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 56 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (47)

October fishing trip
Awesome time with 3 family generations
Awesome time with 3 family generations
+44

Angler rating

51
5
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

97%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

94%

Showing 1 - 5 of 56 reviews
Showing: 5 of 56 reviews
Kristen Larson
Kristen Larson
5.0
Verified
Great Experience!
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on November 17, 20254 adults6 children
We chose First Cast Charters based on the reviews, so I wanted to share our awesome experience as well. Captain Kory and first mate Scott took our group of 4 adults and 6 kids out for a 4 hour inshore trolling trip. We had a very successful trip, catching a total of 13 King Mackeral! First mate Scott was awesome. He was very informative and helpful, ensured the boat was clean throughout the trip (the boat was very clean upon us boarding as well), and answered all of our questions about the area and things to do.
Reported catch:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Response from Captain
November 26, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We are so glad y’all had a great trip and can’t wait to SEA you again soon!
0
Joseph Schoggins
Joseph Schoggins
5.0
Verified
Awesome time with 3 family generations
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on August 30, 20258 adults2 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!!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Snapper
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Gag Grouper
+3
Response from Captain
September 2, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We really appreciate it and are so glad you had a great time! We look forward to seeing you again next time!
0
Jesse Brown
Jesse Brown
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Offshore Fishing Experience with First Cast Charters!
8 Hour – Bottom Fishing on June 12, 20254 adults
We went out with First Cast Charters yesterday and had one of the best offshore charters of our lives. Captain Kory and first mate Scott were absolute pros from start to finish. They had us on fish immediately and the action never slowed down. We caught a huge variety—red snapper, blackfin snapper, lane snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, even bonita—and maxed out our bag with keepable fish! Every time a line got snapped or needed bait, Scott was right there to rerig or rebait without missing a beat. Their knowledge of the water and dedication to making sure everyone was having a great time was second to none. If you’re looking for a top-tier fishing charter with serious results and a great crew, look no further than First Cast Charters.
Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Gag Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Response from Captain
June 20, 2025
Wow! What an awesome review. We strive to be the best! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on your experience. See you soon!!
0
Diane Wood
Diane Wood
5.0
Verified
AMAZING CAPTAIN AND FIRST MATE
6 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on August 1, 20254 adults2 children
We have chartered boats from Alaska, to New York, MA, VA Beach and Florida. First Class Charter lives up to its name. By far the best captain and crew. He had us on fish all day. The boat was amazing and comfortable, and we will come back to them. If you are looking for an amazing experience look no more. Book your fishing experience directly on their website cut the 3rd party's out.
Reported catch:
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Response from Captain
August 2, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your business and hope to see you again soon!
0
Diana McKinney
Diana McKinney
5.0
Verified
Dolphins
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on May 20, 20252 adults
Me my husband and two older kids loved the experience. My daughter did get sick but she warned us she might. The 4 hour trip was good for her. We caught Mahi mahi and a grouper but dolphins stole them. We only brought back a mackerel and mini tina but the Captain did everything he could for a four hour trip to get us hooked. Scott the deck hand was so nice and good to us.
Response from Captain
May 21, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We hope to see you again next time! 🎣🎣🎣
0

FAQs about First Cast Charters

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The fish you can target

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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
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