%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1528%2Fimages%2Fkeepcastincharters.png&w=1200&q=100)
Ashley Kings New Bern Redfish Fishing Guide
Redfish Fishing in New Bern
%2F%2Fusers%2F7c30e927-fbcc-4b52-8885-61a23b616778%2Fimages%2Fredfish-light-tackle-new-bern-3830.png&w=1200&q=75)
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. - They can be identified by 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 North Carolina. The Neuse River's shallow flats and backcountry areas create perfect habitat for trophy-class redfish, making it an ideal destination for anglers seeking consistent action. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, this guided trip offers expert instruction, top-quality gear, and local knowledge to maximize your success on the water.
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 redfish and striped bass locations on the Neuse River. The charter includes live bait, tackle, and local expertise to ensure a successful day on the water. Book online or call directly to secure your preferred date and experience the best inshore fishing New Bern has to offer.
Highlights of Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
This guided fishing experience focuses on the productive waters of the Neuse River, where redfish and striped bass thrive in shallow flats and backcountry areas. The trip utilizes multiple techniques including live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, the charter provides hands-on instruction while targeting trophy-class inshore gamefish in one of North Carolina's premier fishing destinations.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Neuse River system prefer shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet, making them perfect targets for sight fishing and light tackle techniques. These copper-colored gamefish feed actively in the early morning and late afternoon, often found around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. During summer months around New Bern, redfish move into the backcountry areas where they ambush baitfish and crustaceans. Their distinctive eyespots and powerful runs make them one of the most exciting inshore species to target on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour inshore fishing trip includes all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment aboard a well-maintained fishing boat designed for shallow water navigation. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with early morning departure times to take advantage of prime feeding periods. Ashley provides expert guidance on technique, local knowledge of productive fishing spots, and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience regardless of your skill level. All fish cleaning and basic instruction included in the charter rate.
Fishing in Neuse River: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier gamefish from the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red-bronze back that fades to a white belly. In New Bern waters this June, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore fishing opportunities along North Carolina's coast.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their powerful fights, accessibility in shallow water, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are found throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their popularity stems from their willingness to take various baits and lures, making them ideal targets for both novice and experienced anglers.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1 to 4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Around New Bern, redfish utilize the extensive marsh systems and backcountry areas of the Neuse River, where they find abundant food sources and protection from larger predators.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, weighing between 10 and 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and various baitfish. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, where their tails break the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in the mud. Peak feeding occurs during moving tides, particularly in early morning and late afternoon.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late August through November when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During this period, large schools of mature redfish gather in deeper water, creating spectacular fishing opportunities before returning to their shallow water haunts.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and fly fishing with crab patterns. In June around New Bern, anglers find success using light tackle to target redfish in shallow grass flats and around structure like docks and oyster bars.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer mild, sweet flesh with a firm texture that works well grilled, blackened, or baked. They're an excellent source of lean 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 produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Bern?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and dock structures throughout the Neuse River system and surrounding marshes.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet meat with firm texture. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are considered best for eating, while larger fish are often released for conservation.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide peak action. Spring through fall offers the most consistent fishing, with summer providing excellent sight fishing opportunities.
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!
