Family-Friendly Neuse River Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip for families up to 3 guestsTarget redfish, striped bass, and speckled trout on Neuse RiverCaptain provides quality gear, bait, and instruction for all ages
When you're looking for that perfect family fishing day that keeps everyone happy—from grandpa to the youngest angler—this Neuse River charter hits all the right notes. Captain and crew at Keep Castin' Charters know exactly how to balance serious fishing with family fun, creating those moments that turn into stories you'll tell for years. The Neuse River system offers some of North Carolina's most reliable inshore action, and this 4-hour private trip gives your family exclusive access to the captain's local knowledge and prime fishing spots without the crowds.
Your private charter starts with a relaxed pace that lets everyone settle in comfortably. The captain begins with a quick safety rundown and then gets everyone set up with quality rods and reels that match each angler's size and experience level. Kids get lighter tackle they can actually handle, while adults fish with gear that can muscle in bigger fish. The beauty of this trip lies in how it adapts—if someone's struggling with casting, the captain switches to simpler techniques. If the kids are getting antsy, he moves to spots with faster action. The Neuse River's protected waters mean you're not battling big waves or rough conditions, so seasickness rarely becomes an issue. Instead, you're cruising scenic stretches where cypress trees line the banks and osprey patrol overhead. The captain's local expertise shines as he reads the water, watching for signs of feeding fish and adjusting tactics throughout the day. He'll explain what he's looking for—bird activity, current breaks, bait schools—turning the trip into a mini fishing education that gets everyone more involved in the hunt.
The captain employs proven inshore techniques that produce consistent results while keeping things simple enough for beginners. Live bait fishing forms the backbone of most trips, using mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet rigged on fish-finder rigs or under popping corks. This approach lets novice anglers feel confident while giving experienced family members plenty of action. When conditions allow, light tackle casting with soft plastics and spoons adds excitement—there's nothing quite like watching a kid's face light up when they hook their first redfish on a paddle tail. the Neuse River's structure provides endless opportunities, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise during high tide to deeper channel edges where stripers ambush baitfish. Oyster bars scattered throughout the system create natural feeding stations, and the captain knows which ones hold fish during different tidal phases. The river's brackish nature—where salt and fresh water mix—creates an incredibly productive environment. This mixing zone concentrates baitfish, which in turn attracts predators. During the trip, you'll likely fish multiple spots as the captain follows the bite, explaining how tide, wind, and structure influence where fish position themselves.
Striped Bass represent the Neuse River's marquee species, and for good reason. These powerful fighters can range from schoolie-sized "puppy drum" perfect for kids to handle, up to hefty 20-plus pound specimens that'll test an adult angler's skills. Stripers are most active during spring and fall migrations, but resident fish provide action throughout the warmer months. They're ambush predators that lurk near structure—bridge pilings, oyster bars, channel drop-offs—waiting for baitfish to get careless. When a striper hits, there's no mistaking it. The initial strike often comes as a solid thump, followed by a determined fight as the fish makes runs toward structure. Kids love stripers because they fight hard but don't usually jump, making them easier to control on lighter tackle. The species also has excellent table fare, so families often take a few home for dinner.
Redfish, or red drum, bring their own brand of excitement to Neuse River fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are perfectly designed for shallow water hunting, with downward-facing mouths for rooting out crabs and shrimp from oyster bars and grass flats. Reds typically range from 18 to 27 inches in these waters—perfect slot-sized fish that fight way above their weight class. What makes redfish special for families is their predictability. Once you understand their patterns, you can often sight-fish to them in shallow water, watching their backs and tails break the surface as they feed. The visual aspect gets everyone engaged, turning fishing into a team sport as family members spot fish and direct casts. Redfish also have incredible stamina, making long, powerful runs that get everyone's attention. Their distinctive black spots and bronze coloration make for great photos, and they're excellent eating when prepared fresh.
This family-focused Neuse River charter delivers exactly what most families need—quality time together doing something genuinely fun, with enough fishing success to keep everyone engaged. The captain's patient teaching style and the river's consistent action create the perfect environment for building confidence and creating memories. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or reconnecting as a family away from screens and distractions, this trip provides the foundation for lasting fishing traditions. The Neuse River's reputation as a top-rated North Carolina inshore fishery speaks for itself, and Keep Castin' Charters' local expertise ensures you'll experience the best it has to offer. With only 3 guests per trip, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get on the fish. Don't wait too long to secure your dates—the best family fishing experiences book quickly, especially during prime seasons when both weather and fishing align perfectly.
This 2019 Sea Hunt BR22 brings serious fishing power to the Neuse River with its 200-horsepower Yamaha engine. At 22 feet, she's built for families who want to chase redfish, striped bass, and speckled trout in North Carolina's productive inshore waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long fishing sessions. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, this boat handles the river's shallow waters with ease, getting you to those hard-to-reach honey holes where the big fish hide. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or battling a trophy striper, this Sea Hunt delivers the stability and performance you need for a successful day on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are fantastic targets in the shallow waters of the Neuse River system, typically running 20 to 30 inches with that beautiful copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. These fish love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in 2 to 6 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. They feed aggressively in warmer months but bite consistently year-round here. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll use every bit of shallow water to their advantage. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key to success is staying quiet and watching for their wakes or tails in skinny water. When you spot one, cast well ahead of where they're heading and work your bait slowly along the bottom - patience pays off with these wary fish.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are one of our most reliable targets here on the Neuse River, running anywhere from 18 to 35 pounds on average. These silver-sided fighters with their distinctive black stripes love structure - you'll find them around creek mouths, drop-offs, and submerged timber where the current brings baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their strong, steady fight - they don't jump much but they'll test your drag with long runs. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. My local tip: when the water's moving and you see baitfish getting nervous near structure, that's striper country. Cast just upstream of the commotion and let your bait drift naturally into the strike zone.
New Bern, NC