New Bern Multi-Species Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target five species including redfish, trout, and striped bassProfessional guide provides all equipment and fishing licenses includedRiver fishing accommodates up to three guests per charter
When you're looking for variety on the water, few places deliver like the waters around New Bern, North Carolina. This top-rated multi-species fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast, where the Neuse River system creates perfect habitat for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, striped bass, and bluefish. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. With gear, licenses, and local expertise all included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Dave at the marina as the sun's coming up and the water's still calm. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait that's proven to work in these waters. You'll fish a variety of spots throughout the day, moving from grass beds where trout like to feed, to deeper channels where stripers cruise, and around structure where redfish ambush baitfish. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you might catch three different species in three different spots, each requiring different techniques and presenting unique challenges. Captain Dave adjusts the plan based on tides, weather, and what's biting, so every trip feels fresh and productive.
This charter covers all the classic inshore techniques that make Carolina fishing so rewarding. You'll work soft plastics around grass lines for trout, bounce bottom rigs in deeper holes for flounder, and cast topwater plugs when the stripers are busting bait on the surface. Captain Dave provides medium-action spinning rods perfect for the mix of species you'll target, spooled with braid for sensitivity and fluorocarbon leaders to fool wary fish. Live bait like mud minnows and shrimp are always on board, plus a selection of proven artificials including paddle tails, spoons, and hard baits. The captain reads the water and conditions to decide which technique to use where, teaching you the why behind each choice so you're learning while you're catching.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in these waters and pull like freight trains once hooked. They're most active during moving tides, cruising shallow flats and grass beds looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes them special here is their year-round availability – while other species come and go with the seasons, reds are always around. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or hear them crashing bait near docks and structure.
Speckled trout bring finesse fishing to the mix, requiring lighter tackle and more subtle presentations. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots typically run 14-20 inches in the Neuse River system, with bigger specimens possible in cooler months. They're structure-oriented, relating to grass beds, drop-offs, and creek mouths. Trout bite best on soft plastics worked slowly near bottom, and they're incredibly good eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Flounder fishing adds an element of precision to your day, as these flatfish are masters of camouflage and require patience to hook consistently. The doormat-sized fish in these waters can stretch the tape to 20 inches or more, and they're prized for their delicate, flaky meat. They ambush prey from sandy bottoms near creek mouths and channel edges, usually taking baits that bounce or drag along bottom. The fight isn't flashy, but landing a keeper flounder always feels like an accomplishment.
Striped bass bring power and excitement when they're in the area, especially during their spring and fall runs through the river system. These silver-sided gamefish can range from schoolie size up to genuine trophies over 30 inches, and they're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They often feed in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Stripers respond to everything from live bait to topwater lures, depending on how they're feeding.
Bluefish round out the slam possibilities with their aggressive attitude and sharp teeth. These voracious predators travel in schools and attack baitfish with a ferocity that makes for exciting fishing. Blues in the 2-5 pound range are common, and they'll hit almost any moving bait or lure. They're fantastic on light tackle, making long runs and fighting hard right to the boat. Just watch those teeth when handling them.
This world-class multi-species fishing experience gives you the best shot at variety and action in the New Bern area. Captain Dave's local knowledge, combined with these productive waters, creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're after your first redfish, looking to complete an inshore slam, or just want to enjoy some of the best fishing the Carolina coast has to offer, this charter delivers. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, making it perfect for small groups or families who want personalized attention. Don't wait on this customer favorite – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when multiple species are feeding heavily.
Captain Dave's 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE is built for serious angling in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound waters around New Bern. This 23-foot motorboat handles the choppy river channels and shallow flats where redfish cruise the grass lines and speckled trout ambush bait. The spacious deck gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work lures around docks and structure where flounder hide and stripers patrol. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots while the multimedia system tracks fish-holding bottom structure. When you're battling a bull red or following schools of bluefish, having reliable electronics makes all the difference. The onboard head means longer days chasing multiple species without cutting trips short. This Parker's shallow draft gets you into the backcountry spots where big trout feed, while the offshore capability handles runs to the sound when stripers are schooling. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or working the river bends for flounder, this boat puts you on fish across New Bern's diverse waters.
North Carolina