Premium New Bern Striped Bass Fishing Trip

Chasing Striped Bass in New Berns Coastal Waters

A striped bass caught while light tackling in New Bern

The sun glints off the Neuse River. A charter boat cuts through calm waters. Excited anglers cast lines. Rods bend. Reels sing. A striped bass breaks the surface. Silver scales flash. The fish fights. The angler grins. The guide offers advice. Another cast. Another hit. Fish after fish comes aboard. Photos are snapped. High fives are shared. The day flies by. Memories are made. The river keeps its secrets. But the anglers leave with full hearts. And plans to return.

Trip lead by the Guide

Ashley King

New Bern, NC

Cast Trout, Drum & more w/ a seasoned professional

Summary

New Bern, North Carolina, offers an exciting fishing adventure for anglers seeking the prized Morone saxatilis, better known as striped bass. As you set out on the Neuse River, the historic waterfront of New Bern fades into the distance, replaced by the serene beauty of coastal waters. The early morning mist slowly lifts, revealing the lush greenery lining the shores. Experienced local guides navigate the boat through the river's bends, sharing their knowledge of prime fishing spots and techniques. The brackish waters here provide an ideal habitat for striped bass, which can grow to impressive sizes in these nutrient-rich estuaries. As you cast your line, the anticipation builds with each passing moment. The gentle lapping of waves against the boat and the calls of nearby waterfowl create a tranquil backdrop for your fishing expedition. Suddenly, there's a tug on the line - the telltale sign of a striped bass taking the bait. The fight begins, as you work to reel in your catch, feeling the power of this magnificent fish. With patience and skill, you finally bring the striped bass alongside the boat, its distinctive horizontal lines gleaming in the sunlight. After a quick photo opportunity, you release the fish back into the water, contributing to the conservation efforts that help maintain the striped bass population in these waters. As the day progresses, you may encounter other species that call the Neuse River home, but the thrill of catching striped bass remains the highlight of this New Bern fishing trip.

Sunset Fishing in New Bern

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the waters of New Bern, North Carolina, anglers prepare for an evening of striped bass fishing. The tranquil scene is set against a backdrop of gentle waves and a lighthouse standing sentinel in the distance. This picturesque coastal town provides the perfect setting for pursuing the prized Morone Saxatilis, commonly known as striped bass or rockfish.

Light Tackle Techniques

With the fading light creating ideal conditions, fishermen employ light tackle techniques to entice the striped bass. The calm waters near the lighthouse offer an excellent opportunity to cast lures or live bait, mimicking the natural prey of these powerful fish. As the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges and purples, the anticipation builds for the telltale strike of a hungry striper.

Conservation and Sustainable Fishing

While enjoying the beauty of New Bern and the thrill of the catch, responsible anglers practice catch and release to ensure the longevity of the striped bass population. This commitment to conservation helps maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and preserves the fishing heritage of the region for future generations to enjoy. As night falls, the lighthouse beam sweeps across the water, guiding both ships and fishermen alike in their pursuits on these bountiful waters.

Specie explored in this image

Striped Bass

Species Name: Striped Bass

Species Family: Moronidae

Species Order: Perciformes

Habitat: River, Lake, Onshore, Near shore

Weight: 10 - 81 pounds

Length: 20" - 55"

The Morone Saxatilis, commonly known as striped bass, is a prized catch for anglers along the Atlantic coast. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and their ability to grow to impressive sizes. As we set out on the Neuse River, the anticipation builds. The early morning mist is just lifting off the water, revealing a glassy surface that promises good fishing conditions. Our guide expertly maneuvers the boat to a spot where he knows the stripers like to congregate. We bait our hooks with live menhaden, a favorite food of these predatory fish. The wait isn't long before the first rod bends double. The fight is on, and it's clear this is a good-sized fish. After several minutes of give and take, a beautiful striped bass breaks the surface. Its silver sides gleam in the sunlight, dark lines stark against its pale body. As we bring it aboard, we admire its powerful build and sharp teeth. Measuring just over 30 inches, it's a respectable catch that has everyone on the boat grinning. We quickly photograph and release it, watching as it disappears back into the depths. The day continues with more catches, each one bringing its own excitement. The striped bass prove why they're such a popular gamefish, offering strong fights and beautiful views as they leap from the water. As the sun begins to set, we head back to shore, tired but satisfied with a day well spent on the water.

More species you can explore on this trip

Redfish

Striped Bass

Other customer memories from this trip

The fishing vessel "Sea Breeze" is a 32-foot center console sportfishing boat designed for both offshore and nearshore trips. Built with a deep-V hull for stability in choppy waters, it features a spacious open deck layout perfect for multiple anglers. The boat is powered by twin 250 horsepower outboard engines, providing ample speed and maneuverability. Onboard equipment includes state-of-the-art fish finders, GPS navigation, and marine radios for safety and communication. The "Sea Breeze" is equipped with multiple rod holders, a large live well for bait, and ample storage for tackle and gear. A T-top provides shade and mounting points for additional equipment. The vessel can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers plus the captain and mate. With its reliable performance and well-maintained condition, the "Sea Breeze" offers an excellent platform for both experienced anglers and novices looking to enjoy a day of fishing on the open water.