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
Eugene R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Bernie

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on April 7, 2024
Eugene R. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Eugene R. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Chris S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Bernie

VERIFIED   4 hour Mid-Day Trip on April 1, 2024
Chris S. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Chris S. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Hal S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

March fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Afternoon Trip on March 21, 2024
Hal S. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Hal S. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Mark M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

February fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on February 29, 2024
Mark M. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Mark M. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Theresa C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Bernie

VERIFIED   4 Hour Afternoon Trip on February 15, 2024
Theresa C. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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Theresa C. recommends First Cast Fishing Charters
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