Fresh Premium Redfish Trip New Bern NC

Redfish Adventures on New Bern's Coastal Waters

Redfish caught light tackle fishing in New Bern NC

The sun rises over the Neuse River. A boat glides through calm waters. Rods are prepped. Bait is set. The air is thick with anticipation. A redfish takes the line. The reel sings. The fight begins. The angler stands firm. The fish darts left. It darts right. It tires. The net is ready. Victory is near. The redfish is landed. A picture is snapped. Memories are made. The day is young. More fish await. The adventure continues.

Trip lead by the Guide

Ashley King

New Bern, NC

Cast Trout, Drum & more w/ a seasoned professional

Summary

New Bern, North Carolina offers anglers an exceptional light tackle fishing experience for the prized Sciaenops ocellatus, commonly known as red drum or redfish. As you set out on the pristine waters surrounding this historic coastal town, you'll be greeted by a picturesque landscape of marshy shorelines and meandering estuaries. The Neuse River and its tributaries provide the perfect habitat for these powerful gamefish, known for their distinctive spot near the tail and copper-red coloration. Skilled guides navigate the shallow flats and grass beds where redfish prowl, often revealing their presence with "tailing" behavior as they search for crabs and baitfish in mere inches of water. The thrill of sight-casting to these giants in crystal-clear shallows is unmatched, requiring stealth and precision. As you work your light tackle, feeling the subtle take of a redfish followed by a blistering run is an adrenaline rush like no other. The fight of a bull red can test both angler and equipment, often resulting in screaming drags and memorable battles. Whether you're casting soft plastics, fly fishing, or using live bait, the redfish of New Bern offer year-round action with peak seasons in fall and spring. Beyond the fishing, the charming town of New Bern provides a perfect backdrop for your angling adventure, with its rich colonial history and Southern hospitality. A day on the water targeting these bronze beauties is not just about the catch, but also about immersing yourself in the stunning coastal ecosystem and creating lasting memories in one of North Carolina's premier fishing destinations.

Serene Coastal Waters

The image showcases the tranquil beauty of New Bern's coastal waters. A calm bay stretches out before us, its surface smooth as glass, reflecting the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. The shoreline is visible in the distance, dotted with lush vegetation that speaks to the rich ecosystem of North Carolina's coast. This pristine environment provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable fishing experience, especially for those seeking the prized Sciaenops Ocellatus, commonly known as red drum or redfish.

Light Tackle Fishing Adventure

Anglers in New Bern often opt for light tackle when pursuing redfish, as evidenced by the fishing rod visible in the foreground of the image. This approach offers a thrilling and intimate connection with the fish, allowing anglers to feel every tug and run. The clear, shallow waters of this area are ideal for sight fishing, where keen-eyed fishermen can spot their quarry before casting, adding an extra layer of excitement to the hunt for Sciaenops Ocellatus.

Natural Habitat of Redfish

The serene waters depicted in the image are prime territory for redfish. These adaptable creatures thrive in the diverse habitats of New Bern's estuaries, from oyster beds to grass flats. The calm conditions shown are perfect for redfish to cruise the shallows, searching for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. As the sun's rays dance on the water's surface, anglers can often spot the telltale signs of feeding redfish, such as tailing or pushing water, making for an unforgettable light tackle fishing experience in this picturesque North Carolina setting.

Specie explored in this image

Redfish

Species Name: Redfish

Species Family: Sciaenidae

Species Order: Perciformes

Habitat: Onshore, Flats, Backcountry, Nearshore

Weight: 10 - 45 pounds

Length: 30" - 61"

The Sciaenops Ocellatus, commonly known as the Red Drum or Redfish, is a prized catch in the waters of New Bern, NC. As we set out on the Neuse River, the anticipation builds. The partly cloudy sky casts a soft light on the water, perfect conditions for spotting the telltale signs of these powerful fish. Our rods are rigged with a mix of live bait and artificial lures, ready for action. The first hit comes suddenly - a strong tug that bends the rod dramatically. The fight is on! The Redfish's strength is immediately apparent as it makes powerful runs, testing both the angler's skill and the equipment's durability. Its distinctive copper-red color flashes beneath the surface as it tries to shake the hook. After an exhilarating battle, we finally bring the fish alongside the boat. Its large, iridescent scales glisten in the sunlight, and the signature black spot near its tail confirms our catch. As we carefully lift the Redfish for a quick photo, we admire its robust body and broad tail - adaptations that make it such a formidable opponent in these inshore waters. With a sense of accomplishment, we release the fish back into the Neuse, watching it disappear into the depths, ready to give another angler the thrill of a lifetime.

More species you can explore on this trip

Redfish

Striped Bass

Other customer memories from this trip

The 25-foot center console fishing boat is ideal for both nearshore and offshore charter trips. It features a sturdy fiberglass hull designed to handle choppy waters while providing a smooth ride. The spacious deck offers ample room for up to six anglers to fish comfortably. The boat is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics including GPS navigation sonar fish finders and VHF radio for safety and communication. Multiple rod holders are strategically placed around the gunwales and there's a large live well to keep bait and catches fresh. The T-top provides shade and additional storage for gear. At the helm a comfortable captain's chair faces the control panel with all necessary gauges and instruments. The boat is powered by twin outboard engines ensuring reliability and good fuel efficiency. Below deck there's a small cabin area with basic amenities for longer trips. This versatile vessel is well-maintained and fully rigged for successful fishing excursions in various conditions and targeting a wide range of species.