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Ashley Kings New Bern Redfish Fishing Guide
Redfish Fishing in New Bern
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. - These fish can be identified by their distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Fishing Guide by Guide Ashley King in August
Meet your Guide Ashley King
- Cast Trout, Drum & more w/ a seasoned professional
Summary
Guide Ashley King of Keep Castin' Charters on Sunday June delivered an outstanding Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip targeting redfish and striped bass on the Neuse River near New Bern, NC. Using live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling techniques, this inshore fishing charter provides access to some of the most productive waters in coastal North Carolina. The Neuse River's shallow flats and backcountry areas offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to land trophy-class redfish and other inshore gamefish. With expert instruction and top-quality fishing gear included, this guided fishing experience showcases why New Bern has become a premier destination for inshore fishing enthusiasts seeking consistent action and memorable catches.
Fishing Charter with Ashley King – Rates & Booking
Guide Ashley King of Keep Castin' Charters on Sunday June offers a comprehensive Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip starting at competitive rates for up to 3 guests. This licensed guide provides all necessary fishing gear, expert instruction, and access to prime fishing locations on the Neuse River. The trip includes live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling techniques specifically designed to target redfish and striped bass in New Bern's productive inshore waters. Book online or call directly to secure your preferred date and experience the exceptional fishing that makes the Neuse River a standout destination for inshore anglers.
Highlights of Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
This charter focuses on the Neuse River's most productive inshore fishing spots, where redfish and striped bass thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry areas. The trip utilizes multiple fishing techniques including live bait presentations, bottom fishing setups, and trolling patterns to maximize your chances of landing quality fish. With clear summer conditions and consistent action throughout the day, anglers can expect non-stop bites and the opportunity to target trophy-class inshore gamefish.
The experience caters to all skill levels, from beginners learning proper techniques to experienced anglers looking to explore New Bern's premier fishing waters. Guide Ashley King's local knowledge ensures you'll fish the most productive areas while learning effective methods for targeting redfish in their preferred shallow water habitat.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Neuse River system prefer the shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore waters where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored gamefish are perfectly adapted to New Bern's inshore environment, using their keen sense of smell and lateral line system to locate prey in the often murky waters. During summer months, redfish become particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, making them ideal targets for light tackle fishing techniques. The Neuse River's diverse structure of oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths provides excellent habitat where redfish can ambush prey and grow to impressive sizes.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip includes all necessary fishing equipment, live bait, and tackle specifically selected for targeting redfish and striped bass. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with early morning departure times that take advantage of prime fishing conditions. Guide Ashley King provides expert instruction on proper techniques, fish handling, and local fishing strategies while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the Neuse River. The trip focuses on productive inshore areas within easy reach of New Bern, maximizing fishing time while providing access to the region's best redfish habitat.
Fishing in Neuse River: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This iconic gamefish is easily recognized by its distinctive copper-red back that fades to a white belly, along with one or more characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In New Bern waters this June, redfish have been particularly active in the shallow flats and backcountry areas of the Neuse River system.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These powerful fish can live over 40 years and are known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by muscles vibrating against their swim bladder. Anglers value redfish for their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and willingness to take a variety of baits and lures.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1 to 4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. In the New Bern area, they inhabit the extensive marsh systems, tidal creeks, and nearshore waters of the Neuse River. These fish are perfectly adapted to brackish and saltwater environments, often moving between different salinity levels as they feed and spawn.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 27 inches are often caught and released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They use their excellent sense of smell and sensitive lateral line system to locate prey in murky water. These fish often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, a behavior known as "tailing" that makes them exciting targets for sight fishing.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. Large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water to release eggs and sperm, with larvae eventually settling in estuarine nursery areas where they grow to maturity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, bottom fishing with cut bait, and artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. In June around New Bern, anglers find success using light tackle to target redfish in shallow grass flats and along oyster bars during moving tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or cut shrimp, mullet, and blue crab are top choices. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater plugs also work well.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Bern?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and backcountry areas of the Neuse River system, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have excellent flavor with firm, white meat that's perfect for various cooking methods. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are ideal for the table.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides are prime times. Summer months offer consistent action in shallow water areas.
More species you can explore on this trip
Keep Castin' Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for some fun on the water? Join us for a laid-back 4-hour fishing trip on the beautiful Neuse River in North Carolina. Our comfy boat has room for you and two buddies, so grab your pals and let's go catch some fish! We've got all the gear you need, and our friendly captain knows all the best spots for reeling in redfish, striped bass, and other local favorites. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - we'll show you the ropes and help you improve your skills. And if you're already a pro, you'll love testing your expertise in these fish-rich waters. Either way, you're in for a great day out on the river. The Neuse offers gorgeous scenery and peaceful vibes, perfect for escaping the daily grind. So come on out, soak up some sun, and see what you can catch. It's a great way to make some fun memories with friends or family. Book your trip now and get ready for some quality time on the water!
