%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1528%2Fimages%2Fkeepcastincharters.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Redfish Inshore in New Bern
Redfish Inshore in New Bern
%2F%2Fusers%2F7c30e927-fbcc-4b52-8885-61a23b616778%2Fimages%2Fredfish-light-tackle-new-bern-3886.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 Atlantic coastlines. - 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 Saturday June delivered an outstanding Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip targeting redfish and striped bass along the Neuse River. This premier inshore fishing experience combines expert local knowledge with top-quality gear, taking anglers to productive flats and backcountry spots where redfish thrive in shallow waters. Whether you're bottom fishing with live bait or working the structure with light tackle, these guided trips offer the perfect blend of technique and local expertise. The Neuse River system provides exceptional inshore fishing opportunities year-round, with redfish being particularly active during summer months when water temperatures create ideal feeding conditions.
Fishing Charter with Ashley King – Rates & Booking
Guide Ashley King of Keep Castin' Charters on Saturday June offers comprehensive inshore fishing experiences starting at competitive rates for up to 3 guests. This Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip includes all fishing gear, expert instruction, and access to prime redfish and striped bass locations throughout the Neuse River system. Licensed and experienced, Ashley provides personalized guidance for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners learning proper technique to seasoned fishermen seeking local hotspots. Book online for immediate confirmation and secure your spot on these productive North Carolina waters.
Highlights of Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
This guided fishing experience targets the Neuse River's most sought-after species using proven techniques like bottom fishing, live bait presentation, and strategic trolling. The trip launches from James City, providing quick access to productive flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore structure where redfish and striped bass concentrate. All tackle and bait are provided, allowing you to focus on the fishing while Ashley handles navigation and fish-finding strategies.
The four-hour duration offers the perfect balance of action and comfort, with enough time to work multiple spots and adapt to changing conditions. Whether targeting shallow-water redfish on the flats or working deeper structure for striped bass, this charter maximizes your chances of success while providing an authentic North Carolina inshore fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in the Neuse River's diverse inshore environment, utilizing shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster bars as primary feeding areas. These copper-colored gamefish are particularly active during summer months when baitfish concentrate in the backcountry waters around New Bern. Their distinctive spotted tails and powerful runs make them a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts, while their willingness to take both live and artificial baits provides multiple angling opportunities throughout the trip.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your inshore fishing adventure begins with a morning launch from James City, where Ashley provides a thorough briefing on techniques, safety procedures, and target species behavior. The charter boat is equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and fish-finding electronics to locate productive areas efficiently. With a maximum capacity of 3 guests, this private charter ensures personalized attention and ample fishing space for everyone aboard. All gear is included, though you're welcome to bring personal tackle if preferred.
Fishing in Neuse River: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by their characteristic eyespots near the tail and their coloration that fades from reddish-bronze on the back to white on the 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 gamefish known for their powerful runs, aggressive strikes, and excellent table fare. They're a cornerstone species of inshore fishing along the Atlantic coast, offering anglers consistent action and memorable fights on light tackle. Their adaptability to various inshore environments makes them accessible to both novice and experienced fishermen.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit shallow coastal waters, preferring flats, backcountry areas, grass beds, and oyster bars where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Around New Bern, redfish utilize the extensive Neuse River system, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper channels based on tides, temperature, and food availability.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches provide excellent sport on light tackle, while larger bull redfish offer trophy-class battles for experienced anglers.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish in shallow water. They often feed with their heads down and tails up, creating distinctive "tailing" behavior that alerts observant anglers to their presence. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters, though smaller fish remain in inshore areas year-round, providing consistent fishing opportunities.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and sight fishing on shallow flats. Bottom fishing near oyster bars and grass beds produces consistent results, while topwater lures create explosive strikes during early morning hours. In June, anglers around New Bern find success working shallow flats during incoming tides and deeper channels during slack water periods.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying, and provides high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Proper handling and quick icing ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work well for artificial presentations.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Bern?
A: Focus on shallow flats, oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths throughout the Neuse River system, particularly areas with moving water and structure.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk provide peak feeding activity, though redfish can be caught throughout the day when targeting appropriate structure and depth.
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!
