Hello, I’m Captain Vinnie. My fishing journey began in South Florida when I was just four years old. It was my mother who introduced me to freshwater fishing, teaching me how to catch bluegill and catfish. From that early age, I developed a deep passion for fishing and a strong curiosity about fish. At 12, I shifted focus to saltwater fishing alongside my dad. Our family had a home in Key Largo, where we owned a 25-foot center console boat. We often fished the reefs and offshore waters around Key Largo. Occasionally, we would visit the charter boat docks in Islamorada, where several friends worked in the charter fishing business. I was always eager to see the day’s catch and would spend time asking questions, hoping to one day become as skilled as they were.
Throughout my teenage years, my enthusiasm for fishing grew immensely. By 17, I was already working on charter boats, and by 19, I secured my first private fishing job. This position had me working on a charter vessel in the Bahamas, participating in blue marlin fishing tournaments. We competed in multiple billfish events and frequently contended for top placements. These experiences taught me invaluable skills in rigging tackle, bait preparation, boat handling, and maintenance. After returning, I earned my 100-ton Captain’s License and began seeking employment. It wasn’t easy due to my youth and limited experience, so I teamed up with a friend and started a small charter business using his father’s 24-foot boat. Although modest, this venture lasted three years and provided essential insights into customer service and how the charter fishing industry operates.
Eventually, my father and I searched for a boat that matched my dedication to making fishing my career. Thankfully, we found a 43-foot Custom Sportfish, specially built in Key West for charter fishing. We were fortunate to secure dock space at the renowned Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Your guide can be flexible about the starting location. The trip went smoothly, with excellent weather to complement the experience.
You can cancel without any fees if you do so at least three days prior to your scheduled trip, and a credit will be applied to your account. If you cancel within three days before the trip, your deposit will be retained by the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failing to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.
All rods, reels, and tackle are provided. However, we suggest bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, suitable clothing for the weather, and any personal gear you prefer to use during the trip.
Want to catch a great haul without spending the entire day on the water? Captain Vinnie offers fishing trips ranging from 3 to 6 hours that are perfect for you! When booking, please note the departure times vary based on the trip length: 3-hour excursions start at 7 AM only, 4-hour trips depart at 8 AM and 1 PM, 5-hour trips leave at 7 AM only, and 6-hour journeys are available at both 7 AM and 1 PM.
The YB Normal by Torres is a 43-foot sportfisher designed for serious anglers seeking comfort and performance. Powered by a robust 400 hp John Deere 9.5L Turbo engine, this boat excels in power and reliability on the water. Anglers will appreciate the custom-built fighting chair and outriggers with multiple release clips, enhancing the fishing experience. The spacious flybridge offers plenty of seating for optimal views, while modern amenities like GPS Garmin, Furuno fishfinder, and an advanced multimedia system keep you connected and informed. The boat features dual beds, an electric toilet, and ice-cold air conditioning for comfort. A 50-gallon live bait well, large icebox, full-size refrigerator/freezer, and kitchen make long trips enjoyable. Expect an efficient, comfortable, and rewarding fishing trip aboard the YB Normal.
