Captain
Bernie Vinoski

Member since November 2018 St. Petersburg, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I specialize in light tackle fishing using spinners for just about everything. I fish live bait almost always but don't be surprised if I break out an artificial. I love fishing soft plastics and spoons on the flats and targeting Tarpon with hogies and paddletails. I use some conventional tackle when trolling for Kingfish and targeting large predators such as Cobia and sharks.

Hey, I'm Captain Bernie Vinoski

St. Petersburg, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I specialize in light tackle fishing using spinners for just about everything. I fish live bait almost always but don't be surprised if I break out an artificial. I love fishing soft plastics and spoons on the flats and targeting Tarpon with hogies and paddletails. I use some conventional tackle when trolling for Kingfish and targeting large predators such as Cobia and sharks.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(87 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $300

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 87 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (81)
Couple old guys!
Couple old guys!
Couple old guys!
+78
Angler rating
81
1
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
95%
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Showing:
5 of 87 reviews
Thomas M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Wonderful trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 8, 2024
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...
Thomas M. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Thomas M. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Jeremy W.
Byron Center, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on April 5, 2023
Our fishing trip with Captain Bernie was awesome ! He knew right where to go to give us a chance to catch some fish. The boat...
Jeremy W. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Jeremy 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

Bruce R.
Port Charlotte, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hrs. Trip with Captain Bernie and his son Bernie

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on March 27, 2023
Although the fish were not cooperating as much as we had hoped.ย  We tried many places and techniques.ย  We caught snook, trout,...
Bruce R. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Bruce R. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Earl C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Put us right on the snook

VERIFIED   4 Hour Afternoon Trip on March 4, 2024
Captain Bernie was very accommodating for my family fishing trip.ย  I will use him again!
Earl C. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Bradley G.
Ponca City, OK
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hours on the water with Captain Bernie

VERIFIED   4 Hour Afternoon Trip on June 17, 2021
We had a great time with Captain Bernie.ย  We caught tons of fish.ย  I took my son and his best friend on this charter and...
Bradley G. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Bradley G. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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