New Bern Striped Bass & Redfish Charter Adventure

Reel in Stripers & Reds in New Bern's Backwaters

Get ready to chase some of North Carolina's most prized inshore gamefish on this full-day adventure out of New Bern. We'll be targeting striped bass and redfish in the skinny waters and narrow creeks that make this area a light tackle angler's paradise. Our 16-foot technical poling skiff lets us sneak into spots bigger boats can't reach, putting you right on top of the action. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this trip offers the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at 7 AM to catch the best bite of the day. Our 8-hour trip gives us plenty of time to explore different spots and really dial in on the fish. I'll provide all the rods, reels, and lures you'll need - just bring your fishing license, some sun protection, and a good attitude. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, but I find 1-2 is the sweet spot for really working these backwaters effectively. Don't forget to pack some snacks and your favorite drinks to keep you fueled up (I'll have some water and sodas on board too).

Skinny Water Tactics

Get ready for some run-and-gun fishing as we pole and drift through shallow creeks and flats. We'll be sight-casting to fish when conditions allow, which adds a whole new level of excitement to the game. Light tackle and fly fishing are the name of the game here - there's nothing like watching a big red crush a topwater lure or seeing your fly line come tight on a chunky striper. I'll show you how to work soft plastics, jigs, and flies effectively in these waters. The shallow draft of our skiff lets us sneak right up on fish without spooking them, giving you shots at fish that most anglers never get to see.

Top Catches This Season

Our target species are striped bass (locally called "rockfish") and redfish (also known as red drum). Both put up an awesome fight on light tackle. Stripers in these waters typically run 18-30 inches, with some bigger fish mixed in. Redfish can range from little "rat reds" up to bruiser bull reds over 40 inches. We also catch speckled trout, flounder, and black drum as bonus species throughout the year. The variety keeps things interesting - you never know what might grab your lure next!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish are a favorite target for good reason. They hit lures aggressively and put on acrobatic displays when hooked. In our waters, they're typically most active in cooler months from fall through spring. Stripers love to ambush bait around structure, so we'll focus on creek mouths, fallen trees, and depth changes. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big striper crushing a topwater lure at dawn.

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the ultimate shallow water gamefish. They have incredible power for their size and will test your drag system and knot-tying skills. We find them year-round, but fall is prime time as big schools push into the shallows. Redfish feed heavily on crabs and small baitfish, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root around on the bottom. Sight-casting to tailing reds is one of the most exciting things you can do with a fishing rod.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The combination of light tackle action, beautiful scenery, and the chance to target multiple species keeps folks coming back year after year. There's always something biting in these waters, and the peaceful backwater setting is a great escape from the daily grind. Many of my repeat customers tell me this trip reminds them why they fell in love with fishing in the first place. Whether you're looking to bend a rod or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, we've got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in one of North Carolina's most scenic areas, it's time to lock in your date. These trips are popular and dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, I'll make sure you have a blast and learn something new along the way. Don't miss your chance to experience the incredible fishing New Bern has to offer. Book now and get ready to make some memories on the water!