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Caught a Redfish Inshore in New Bern
Redfish Inshore 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 Atlantic coastlines. - These fish 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 inshore fishing charter combines expert local knowledge with prime New Bern waters, offering anglers the perfect opportunity to experience North Carolina's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're bottom fishing the flats or working live bait near structure, our guided trips provide all necessary gear and techniques to maximize your success on these productive inshore waters. The Neuse River system offers exceptional year-round fishing opportunities, making it ideal for both seasoned anglers and families looking to create lasting fishing memories in one of the state's most reliable fishing locations.
Fishing Charter with Ashley King – Rates & Booking
Guide Ashley King of Keep Castin' Charters on Saturday June offers comprehensive Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip experiences starting at competitive rates for up to 3 guests. Our licensed guide provides all fishing gear, expert instruction, and access to prime Neuse River fishing spots where redfish and striped bass thrive. Each charter includes bottom fishing tackle, live bait setups, and trolling equipment to cover all productive techniques. Book online for immediate confirmation, or contact us directly to discuss custom trip options and seasonal availability. We operate year-round from James City launch, with morning and afternoon departure times available to match your schedule and the best fishing conditions.
Highlights of Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
This guided fishing experience targets the Neuse River's most sought-after species using proven techniques that consistently produce results. Our approach combines bottom fishing for structure-holding redfish with live bait presentations that trigger aggressive strikes from cruising striped bass. The trip covers multiple productive zones, from shallow flats where redfish feed to deeper channels where stripers patrol. All equipment is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, ensuring you're properly equipped regardless of experience level.
The Neuse River system offers exceptional fishing diversity within a short boat ride from our launch point. During summer months, partly cloudy conditions create ideal fishing weather, with comfortable temperatures and reduced glare that helps spot fish movement in shallow water. Our local knowledge ensures we're fishing the most productive areas based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns that influence fish behavior throughout the year.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in New Bern waters are renowned for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, particularly when targeted in the shallow flats and backcountry areas of the Neuse River system. These copper-colored gamefish prefer water depths of 1-4 feet, where they feed actively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish along grass beds and oyster bars. During summer months like June, redfish become more active in early morning and late afternoon hours, making them ideal targets for our charter timing. The Neuse River's mix of fresh and saltwater creates perfect habitat conditions, supporting healthy redfish populations that range from slot-size fish to impressive bull reds that provide unforgettable battles on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with all fishing equipment and safety gear provided for your convenience. We launch from James City and typically start early morning to take advantage of prime feeding times when redfish and striped bass are most active. The trip includes multiple fishing techniques - bottom fishing for structure-oriented fish, live bait fishing for cruising predators, and trolling to cover water efficiently. Captain Ashley brings extensive local knowledge of seasonal patterns, tide movements, and productive fishing spots that consistently produce results for anglers of all skill levels.
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 black eyespots near the tail and their red-bronze backs that fade to white bellies. 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 aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are found throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They're known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by muscles vibrating against their swim bladder, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. The Neuse River system near New Bern provides ideal habitat with its mix of saltwater and freshwater influences, creating productive feeding areas where redfish hunt crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish.
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 caught in North Carolina waters, while trophy bull reds exceeding 40 inches provide legendary battles for experienced anglers.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and menhaden in shallow water. They often feed with their heads down and tails up, creating visible disturbances called "tailing" that alert observant anglers. Peak feeding occurs during moving tides, particularly in early morning and late afternoon hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper water, creating spectacular fishing opportunities for those who know where to find them.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with spoons and soft plastics, bottom fishing with cut bait, and live bait fishing with shrimp or finger mullet. In June around New Bern, anglers find success using gold spoons over grass flats and live shrimp near oyster bars during incoming 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 shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits, while gold spoons and soft plastic jigs work excellent as artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Bern?
A: Look for redfish around oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow backcountry areas of the Neuse River system, particularly during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have excellent flavor with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide the best redfish action, especially around structure like oyster bars and grass beds.
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!
