Book Your Fishing Charter in New Bern, NC

Get the chance to check out the ‘Athens of the South’ when you plan your next vacation and fishing trip in the riverfront city of New Bern, located in eastern North Carolina’s Craven County. You can get plenty of fishing done in the city as it is sandwiched between rivers filled with freshwater and saltwater fish. You also have immediate access to the Crystal Coast or North Carolina Coast and catch fish from the Atlantic Ocean.

Aside from having a fun fishing adventure, there are lots of things to do and plenty of attractions to see in New Bern. Whether you’re a history buff, a day tripper, or want to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, the city has something for everyone! You can visit The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, explore historic Downtown New Bern, or go boating, camping, hiking, and biking among its beautiful waterscapes and landscapes.

If you’re looking for a destination with prolific fishing and plenty of attractions, head to New Bern!

New Bern Fishing: Prolific Freshwater and Saltwater River Fishing

Whether you want to go inshore or deep sea fishing, New Bern has you covered! Its rivers consist of freshwater, saltwater, and brackish waters that contain a wide array of fish you can hook and bag.

New Bern sits on the confluence of the Neuse River and Trent River, where fishing for striped bass is the main draw for most anglers who come to the city. You can find plenty of striped bass fishing charters that can show you the best ways to catch these fun fish. Saltwater fish species in the rivers include speckled trout, southern flounder, red drum, pinfish, Atlantic croaker, spot, bluefish, gray trout, channel bass, and tarpon. If you want to target freshwater fish, you’ll find largemouth bass, white bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, yellow perch, white perch, bowfin, chain pickerel, common carp, black bullhead, and warmouth. You can access fishing piers and docks found at Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle if you want to stay on land. There are also plenty of ramps where you can launch your fishing boats. Fly fishing for red drum, trout, and bass, jigging for freshwater fish, or baitcasting are the most common ways to catch fish from the rivers.

Head to Brices Creek, where you can be surrounded by a tranquil forest area and have a more relaxing fishing experience. The freshwater fish you’ll find in the Neuse River and Trent River can also be found in the creek. 

Aside from the many striped bass charters, you can find in the city, plenty of other local charter boats offer fishing tours or a personalized guide service that will let you enjoy exploring the rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. You can book charter services like Salty Anchors Charters, Old North State Fishing, Aunt Bee Sportfishing, and Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures, which all offer top-notch state excursions. Ready your fishing license before booking a fishing charter service.

Sites to See in New Bern

1. Visit the Tryon Palace

The Tryon Palace is a museum that contains historic homes and beautiful gardens that you can explore. The vast grounds offer a view of the city’s waterfront. It is also where you can find the North Carolina History Center and its special exhibits. It is located at 529 S Front Street and is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 12 NN to 5 PM.

2. Seek Respite in the Croatan National Forest

The Croatan National Forest is the only coastal forest in the east. It is made up of lush pine trees, saltwater estuaries, bogs, and pocosins bordered on three sides by the tidal rivers and Bogue Sound. The forest and its surrounding waters provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.