Expert-Guided Fishing in New Bern | Keep Castin'

Land a Trophy Bull Redfish in New Bern

Get ready for some serious rod-bending action on the Neuse River! Our private 5-hour fishing trip puts you right in the middle of New Bern's legendary Bull Redfish run. These bruisers show up in force from late August to early October, giving you a shot at hooking into the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to cross that trophy catch off your bucket list, our expert guides know exactly where these giants like to hang out.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll hit the water early to beat the crowds and find the best spots. Our captain will get you dialed in on the latest patterns and techniques that are working for these big bulls. You'll be using heavy-duty tackle to handle these brutes – we're talking about fish that can easily top 40 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking. The Neuse River's brackish waters create the perfect hunting grounds for these redfish, and we know all the honey holes where they like to stack up. Just be ready to hold on tight when one of these monsters decides to make a run!

Techniques That Land Giants

When it comes to battling bull reds, finesse goes out the window. We'll be using stout rods paired with high-capacity reels spooled with heavy braid. Large chunks of cut bait or live mullet are the ticket for enticing these big boys to bite. We'll set up on promising structure like channel edges or over oyster beds where the bulls like to hunt. Sometimes we'll anchor up and fan cast, other times we might drift with the current, always keeping our eyes peeled for signs of feeding activity. The key is patience and being ready to spring into action when that rod doubles over.

Top Catches This Season

Our anglers have been putting some serious bends in their rods lately. Just last week, Tom from Raleigh hooked into a 48-inch bruiser that took him on a 20-minute sleigh ride before we could get it to the boat. Sarah and her dad from Charlotte tag-teamed a pair of 30-pounders on back-to-back casts – talk about a father-daughter memory! And let's not forget about Bill's 52-inch monster that nearly spooled us before we could turn its head. These fish are no joke, and the stories from this season are already legendary.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about bull red fishing in New Bern that keeps our clients coming back year after year. Maybe it's the heart-pounding adrenaline rush when that line starts screaming off the reel. Or the breathtaking sight of a massive red breaking the surface in a shower of spray. For many, it's the sheer challenge of going toe-to-toe with one of the strongest inshore game fish around. And let's be honest – those grip-and-grin photos with a bull red are pretty much guaranteed to break the internet. Whatever your reason, once you experience the thrill of New Bern's bull red run, you'll be hooked for life.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bull Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) are the stars of the show here in New Bern, and for good reason. These copper-colored brutes are the mature, spawning-age members of the redfish family, typically ranging from 27 to 45 inches long and weighing anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds or more. They earn their "bull" nickname from their impressive size and strength – hooking into one feels like trying to stop a freight train with a piece of string.

Bull reds start showing up in the Neuse River in mid-summer, but the real action kicks off in late August. These fish are on a mission, heading upriver to their spawning grounds, and they're hungry. They'll chase down large baitfish, crabs, and even small sharks, making them susceptible to a variety of fishing techniques.

What makes targeting bull reds so exciting is their power and stamina. When hooked, they'll often make long, blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line from your reel in seconds. Their large, rubber-like mouths and powerful jaws make them challenging to hook and land, adding to the thrill of the fight.

While bull reds are catch-and-release only in North Carolina waters (to protect the breeding population), the memories and photos you'll take home are trophies in their own right. And don't worry – we'll make sure you get plenty of time to admire and document your catch before safely releasing it to fight another day.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen up, folks – the bull red run in New Bern is no secret, and prime dates fill up fast. If you're dreaming of battling one of these giants, now's the time to lock in your trip. We've got a limited number of slots available during peak season (late August to early October), and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action.

Remember, this isn't your average fishing trip. We're talking about a chance to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest fish the inshore waters have to offer. Our experienced guides will put you on the fish and give you the best shot at landing that trophy bull red you've been dreaming about.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get you hooked up with some New Bern bulls. These fish aren't getting any smaller, but our open dates sure are. Don't be the one telling stories about "the trip you almost took" – book now and start practicing your fish tales. We'll see you on the water!