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Striped Bass Fishing Guide in New Bern
Striped Bass Inshore in New Bern
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The Morone Saxatilis belongs to the order Perciformes and family Moronidae. It typically measures between 20 and 55 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 81 lbs. Habitat: river, lake, onshore, near shore. - Popular game fish for recreational and commercial fishers. - Also known as Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider. - Distinguished by seven to eight stripes running down the sides of its body.
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 exceptional Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip targeting Striped Bass along the Neuse River. This premier inshore fishing experience combines expert local knowledge with prime fishing spots around New Bern, offering anglers the perfect opportunity to tangle with North Carolina's prized gamefish. Our guided trips provide top-quality gear, proven techniques like bottom fishing and live bait tactics, and access to the most productive waters in the area. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, these tailored excursions maximize your chances of success while creating lasting memories on some of the best inshore fishing waters North Carolina has to offer. The Neuse River's diverse structure and seasonal patterns make it an ideal destination for targeting Striped Bass and other inshore favorites year-round.
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. Our Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip includes all necessary tackle, bait, and expert instruction from a licensed local guide with extensive knowledge of Neuse River fishing patterns. Trip duration provides ample time to work multiple productive spots using proven techniques like bottom fishing, live bait presentations, and strategic trolling. Book online for immediate confirmation and secure your preferred date—we provide detailed pre-trip instructions and flexible scheduling to accommodate your group's needs.
Highlights of Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
This guided fishing experience targets the Neuse River's most sought-after species in prime inshore waters around New Bern. Our trips launch from James City, providing quick access to productive fishing grounds where Striped Bass and Redfish thrive in diverse habitat ranging from shallow flats to deeper channels. The combination of expert local knowledge and quality equipment ensures maximum fishing time in the most productive areas.
Each trip includes comprehensive tackle selection, fresh bait, and personalized instruction tailored to your skill level. Whether you prefer the excitement of live bait fishing or the precision of bottom fishing techniques, our approach adapts to current conditions and seasonal patterns for optimal results.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass represent the premier gamefish of North Carolina's inshore waters, offering exciting fights and excellent table fare for visiting anglers. These powerful fish inhabit the Neuse River's varied structure throughout the year, with peak activity occurring during early morning and late afternoon periods when water temperatures and tidal movements create ideal feeding conditions. In June, anglers around New Bern find them actively feeding near channel edges, oyster bars, and creek mouths where baitfish concentrate during tidal changes.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip accommodates up to 3 guests with all necessary equipment provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. Trips typically begin early morning to take advantage of prime fishing conditions, with flexible start times available based on tidal schedules and weather patterns. The boat features comfortable seating, safety equipment, and fish cleaning facilities to ensure a complete fishing experience from launch to dock.
Fishing in Neuse River: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), commonly known as Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Moronidae. This iconic gamefish features seven to eight distinctive horizontal stripes running along its silvery sides, with coloration ranging from light green and olive to brown and black on the back, complemented by a shimmering white belly. In New Bern waters this June, these powerful fish have been actively feeding in the Neuse River's diverse inshore habitat.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass represent one of North America's most prized gamefish, combining impressive size potential with aggressive fighting ability and excellent table fare. These anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn, making them accessible to both saltwater and freshwater anglers throughout their range.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in rivers, lakes, nearshore, and offshore environments along the Atlantic Coast from Canada to North Carolina. In the Neuse River system around New Bern, Striped Bass utilize diverse structure including channel edges, oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they ambush schools of baitfish during tidal movements.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 81 pounds for trophy specimens. Most fish caught in North Carolina inshore waters measure between 24 and 36 inches, providing excellent sport on light to medium tackle while offering substantial fillets for the dinner table.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on small fish including menhaden, anchovies, herring, and silversides, along with crabs, worms, and other marine invertebrates. Striped Bass are most active during low-light periods at dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are favorable, particularly during moving tides.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in freshwater rivers during spring months when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. During this period, large schools of fish migrate upstream, creating exceptional fishing opportunities in tidal rivers and their tributaries as they stage before and after spawning activities.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective methods include live bait fishing with menhaden or eels, bottom fishing with cut bait near structure, and trolling with umbrella rigs or large spoons. Light tackle spinning gear with 15-20 pound test line provides optimal sport, while circle hooks help ensure proper catch and release practices. In June, anglers around New Bern find success working channel edges during moving tides with live bait presentations.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor and versatile in preparation. The fish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other gamefish species. Popular cooking methods include grilling, baking, broiling, and pan-searing.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live menhaden, eels, and spot are top choices, while cut bait including mullet, bunker, and bloodworms also produce excellent results when fished near structure during moving tides.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near New Bern?
A: The Neuse River offers prime habitat including channel edges, oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where these fish ambush baitfish during tidal changes throughout the year.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass provide excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's high in protein and omega-3s while being relatively low in mercury compared to many gamefish.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides typically produce the best action, though these fish can be caught throughout the day when conditions and bait concentrations are favorable.
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!
