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RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern 

4.3
(6 reviews)
•
vob.svg 
Veteran Owned
 542–598 NW Craven Middle School Rd, New Bern, NC 28562, United States–
+31
+28

RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern 

New Bern, NC, United States
–
20 ft
2
4.3
(6 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

Spend the day with RiverBass Guide Service and let our Captain show you what makes the fishing in New Bern so memorable! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Shawn can tell you all about them.

These waters are known for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and more – with any luck, you'll find out for yourself!

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. You're welcome to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be dropping lines from a 20' Ranger Z520R bass boat with space for 2 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. You’re always welcome to bring your lucky fishing pole.

Before coming aboard, it will be necessary to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the Captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

Don't forget to bring sunblock (non-spray), a hat, and sunglasses. There will be water on offer, but let the Captain know if you wish to bring your own drinks. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Get in touch with Captain Shawn below and start planning your trip today! (RiverBass LLC, DBA RiverBass Guide Service)

Spend the day with RiverBass Guide Service and let our Captain show you what makes the fishing in New Bern so memorable! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Shawn can tell you all about them.

These waters are known for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and more – with any luck, you'll find out for yourself!

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. You're welcome to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be dropping lines from a 20' Ranger Z520R bass boat with space for 2 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. You’re always welcome to bring your lucky fishing pole.

Before coming aboard, it will be necessary to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the Captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

Don't forget to bring sunblock (non-spray), a hat, and sunglasses. There will be water on offer, but let the Captain know if you wish to bring your own drinks. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Get in touch with Captain Shawn below and start planning your trip today! (RiverBass LLC, DBA RiverBass Guide Service)

Shawn Keene
Captain
Shawn Keene
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour
What this charter offers
Live bait
You keep catch
Drinks
Child friendly
Rods, reels & tackle
What this charter offers
Live bait
You keep catch
Drinks
Child friendly
Rods, reels & tackle

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Bass Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 15 - Oct 31
Bass (Largemouth)
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
Bluegill Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 15 - Oct 31
Catfish
Sunfish
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
Crappie Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (7:30 AM, 12:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Nov 15 - Mar 15
Crappie
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.3
6 reviews
4.3
Boat & equipment
4.3
Captain & crew
4.3
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (12)

Reviews (6)

  • Chris Holmes
    Chris Holmes
    us
    Washington D.C., US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Time!

    Bass Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp on May 31, 2026 • 2 adults

    My Son and I went out with Capt. Keene and had a blast. It wasn't just a fishing trip, it was an educational experience, learning how to fish waters we've never been to. Capt. Keene is very knowledgeable, patient, and skillful... never had a guide position me to catch a 3+lbs bass in the first 10 minutes of fishing! My Son and I enjoyed our trip and the conversations with Capt. Keene. Highly recommend!

  • Michael Nietes
    Michael Nietes
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Tough day and still got results

    Crappie Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp on March 22, 2026 • 2 adults

    Lifelong fisherman and student of all things fishing, I knew going into this trip was going to be difficult based on recent weather patterns and the spring transition patterns. Captain Shawn was determined to get us on fish and it was a true pleasure to fish alongside him and see firsthand how good he is at what he does. After poking around several spots we finally found fish willing to participate. Captain Shawn was a great host , very accommodating and makes a good fishing charter regardless of experiece. Will definitely book another trip again.

  • William Hughes
    William Hughes
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Sunday Fishing on Neuse River

    Evening Trip (Neuse River) on July 27, 2025 • 2 adults

    Shawn was very response and clear all communications. His Ranger bass boat is super cool and well organized. Aside from my grandson and I catching several 1-2 lb. bass, we enjoyed hearing about the Neuse River ecosystem, local fish migration trends, and also tourneys in which Shawn competes. Look forward to another trip in early fall.

  • Maria Gutierrez
    Maria Gutierrez
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Shawn is the coolest guy!

    Evening Trip (Neuse River) on August 2, 2025 • 2 adults

    I booked this trip to propose to my fiancé and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Shawn is super knowledgeable and was genuinely a cool guy to chat with! He helped make it special by taking us to different spots he knows and made sure we caught quite a few fish! Highly recommend to anyone :)

  • Amy Fulwiler
    Amy Fulwiler
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Full Day Trip with Captain Shawn

    Full Day Trip – Multi Species on February 22, 2025

    Captain Shawn was incredibly knowledgeable about the local waters and kept us on fish all day. We are new to fishing and he was patient and gave excellent instructions to catch fish. My son and I are looking forward to our next trip. Great with kids and very polite.

  • Chris Carey
    Chris Carey
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    1.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Shawn

    Day Trip (Nesue River) - 1:45 PM on March 22, 2026 • 2 adults

    I was never offered anything out side of a drop shot worm. Asked for a shallow crankbait and got a weak excuse. Ievn asked if i should bring tackle and was told no. The guide fished out of the front of the boat casting to every spot and fish he saw on ffs before i had a chance. Waste of money.

FAQs about RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern

RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - Bass Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp (5 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Bluegill Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp (5 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Crappie Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp (5 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Crappie Trip - Spring Gardens Ramp - 12:00 PM (5 hours)
When you book a trip with RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
Trips booked with RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Only for Bluegill Trips)
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Water)
RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing (Neuse River)
RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Sunfish

Your captain

Shawn Keene
Shawn Keene
New Bern, North Carolina, United States
4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
33 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2025
Shawn's passion for fishing began at a young age, growing up alongside his father who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sport. With over 25 years of experience, Shawn has honed his skills and developed a comprehensive understanding of freshwater fishing techniques. Throughout his fishing journey, Shawn has competed at regional and national levels, gaining valuable insights from each tournament experience. This competitive background has equipped him with the knowledge and strategies necessary to excel on the water, allowing him to adapt to various conditions and target a wide range of species. In addition to his love for fishing, Shawn is dedicated to sharing his expertise with others. He enjoys educating fellow anglers on effective techniques, tips, and best practices to enhance their success on the water. Whether through one-on-one mentoring, group workshops, or online content, Shawn is passionate about helping others cultivate their skills and foster a greater appreciation for the sport. His commitment to fishing and community has made him a respected figure among local anglers and enthusiasts alike.
Our Team
Shawn K.
Shawn K.
Captain
Shawn Keene
Shawn Keene
Fully verified
US veteran
4
reports
33
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
Shawn's passion for fishing began at a young age, growing up alongside his father who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sport. With over 25 years of experience, Shawn has honed his skills and developed a comprehensive understanding of freshwater fishing techniques. Throughout his fishing journey, Shawn has competed at regional and national levels, gaining valuable insights from each tournament experience. This competitive background has equipped him with the knowledge and strategies necessary to excel on the water, allowing him to adapt to various conditions and target a wide range of species. In addition to his love for fishing, Shawn is dedicated to sharing his expertise with others. He enjoys educating fellow anglers on effective techniques, tips, and best practices to enhance their success on the water. Whether through one-on-one mentoring, group workshops, or online content, Shawn is passionate about helping others cultivate their skills and foster a greater appreciation for the sport. His commitment to fishing and community has made him a respected figure among local anglers and enthusiasts alike.
The crew
Shawn K.
Shawn K.
Captain

The fish you can target

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Catfish
Crappie
Crappie
Sunfish
Sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Catfish
Crappie
Crappie
Sunfish
Sunfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene river.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Chris H.
    Chris H.
    My Son and I went out with Capt. Keene and had a blast. It wasn't just a fishing trip, it was an educational experience, learning how to fish waters we've never been to. Capt. Keene is very knowledgeable, patient, and skillful... never had a guide position me to catch a 3+lbs bass in the first 10 minutes of fishing! My Son and I enjoyed our trip and the conversations with Capt. Keene. Highly recommend!
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake at sunrise.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Michael N.
    Michael N.
    Lifelong fisherman and student of all things fishing, I knew going into this trip was going to be difficult based on recent weather patterns and the spring transition patterns. Captain Shawn was determined to get us on fish and it was a true pleasure to fish alongside him and see firsthand how good he is at what he does. After poking around several spots we finally found fish willing to participate. Captain Shawn was a great host , very accommodating and makes a good fishing charter regardless of experiece. Will definitely book another trip again.
  • A couple enjoying a moment on a boat in a serene fishing environment, surrounded by lush greenery.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Maria G.
    Maria G.
    I booked this trip to propose to my fiancé and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Shawn is super knowledgeable and was genuinely a cool guy to chat with! He helped make it special by taking us to different spots he knows and made sure we caught quite a few fish! Highly recommend to anyone :)
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a bass boat on a calm river.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    The Neuse River continues to offer excellent opportunities for bass fishing this summer. Anglers have been reporting consistent catches both in the morning and late afternoon hours. The river's diverse habitats, including submerged structures and cypress trees, are attracting a healthy population of largemouth bass. Water Conditions: • Temperature: 86°F - 90°F • Clarity: Stained due to recent rainfall • Current: Mild, which is ideal for targeting bass in eddies and backwaters Fishing Techniques: • Lures: Anglers have seen success with both artificial lures and live bait. Search for fish using: • Topwater baits during early morning and late evening hours • Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits around cypress trees • Texas-rigged worms and jigs in heavier cover • Live Bait: Shad and minnows have proven effective when fished near drop-offs and submerged structures. Best Locations: • Back of Taylor Creek • The Creek Mouth by Kettle Landing • The Mouth of Greens Creek Anglers have reported catching bass averaging 2 to 2.5 pounds, with some larger bass exceeding 4 pounds. Tips: • Consider fishing during overcast days for the best chances, as bass tend to be more aggressive in low light conditions. • Don’t hesitate to change up your lure colors and sizes to match the prevailing baitfish. Conclusion: The Neuse River is currently a promising destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, anglers can anticipate a productive day on the water. Always check local regulations and practice catch and release to help sustain the river's fish populations. Happy fishing!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing in a scenic freshwater environment.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    William H.
    William H.
    Shawn was very response and clear all communications. His Ranger bass boat is super cool and well organized. Aside from my grandson and I catching several 1-2 lb. bass, we enjoyed hearing about the Neuse River ecosystem, local fish migration trends, and also tourneys in which Shawn competes. Look forward to another trip in early fall.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2023
Boat manufacturer
Ranger
Boat type
Bass boat
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
60 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
What's included & add-ons
INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Only for Bluegill Trips
Lures
Drinks
Water
TRIP ADD-ONS
Available extras – arranged and paid directly to your captain.
Catch Cleaning & Filleting
US $50
per trip
optional
Catch Cleaning & Filleting
optional
US $50
per trip
•

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
Age 6 and up.
You keep catch
Cleaning and Filliting available for small fee
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 50% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 50% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash

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