RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington 

5.0/5 (23 reviews)
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Veteran Owned
 220 Sutton Lake Road, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington 

Wilmington, NC, United States
20 ft
2
5.0/5 (23 reviews)

If you're ready to get hooked on fishing in Wilmington, look no further than RiverBass Guide Service.

You'll fish for aggressive Largemouth Bass on Wilmingtons popular power plant lake.
You'll target your catch by light tackle fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Young ones are welcome, so feel free to make a family day out of it! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Also remember to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be casting lines from a 20' Ranger Z520R bass boat with room for 2 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Capt. Shawn has rods and reels for you, along with lures.

You will need to purchase a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain.

It's always wise to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock (non-spray). Water is included, free of charge. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to 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)

If you're ready to get hooked on fishing in Wilmington, look no further than RiverBass Guide Service.

You'll fish for aggressive Largemouth Bass on Wilmingtons popular power plant lake.
You'll target your catch by light tackle fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Young ones are welcome, so feel free to make a family day out of it! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Also remember to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be casting lines from a 20' Ranger Z520R bass boat with room for 2 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Capt. Shawn has rods and reels for you, along with lures.

You will need to purchase a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain.

It's always wise to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock (non-spray). Water is included, free of charge. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to 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

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
Forward Facing Sonar Lessons
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
23 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (63)

All reviews (23)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 23 reviews
Brandon Benegasi
Brandon Benegasi
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Awesome day of fishing with Captain Shawn!
4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton on May 16, 20262 adults

My 70 year old father and I originally booked a trip with Captain Shawn back in April. Unfortunately due to weather and unforeseen circumstances the trip had to be rescheduled a couple of times. Captain Shawn was extremely communicative, honest and outgoing throughout the entire process. When the stars aligned and we finally made it out on the water we had an awesome day. There must have been 30 fish caught between us in 6 hours of fishing. The Captain’s boat and gear are top notch and he knows the water like the back of his hand. We couldn't be happier and hope to schedule another trip with him out on the Neuse River at some point. Thank you Captain Shawn!

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Shawn Keene
Response from Captain

I’m happy to hear you and your dad enjoyed yourselfs and look forward to fishing with you both again soon. Tight lines! -Captain Shawn

Jeffrey Kotzan
Jeffrey Kotzan
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2022
25 trips
5.0
Verified
Another Great Day!
4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton on May 23, 20262 adults

6 hour bass fishing trip at Sutton Lake! Bass were biting like crazy! We caught over 20 bass and had a great time…..at one point my son and I were both hooked up with identical 3lb fish! Captain Shawn has a safe and fast bass boat and knows where the fish are hiding. The Captain is very knowledgeable and patient and very family friendly! He teaches my son new techniques on every trip……..Highly recommend Captain Shawn Keene and RiverBass guide service.

Shawn Keene
Response from Captain

Thank you Jeff! It is always a fun time fishing with you and your Son! See you guys again soon. -Tight Lines

Jeffrey  Kotzan
Jeffrey Kotzan
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2022
25 trips
5.0
Verified
New Personal Best!
4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton on April 4, 20262 adults

Half day morning on Lake Sutton with Captain Shawn of RiverBass guide service……What a day! Beautiful weather! We hauled in a beautiful 24 inch 6.7 pound largemouth bass. The biggest I’ve ever seen in person! My son was very exited! We are having a replica mount made. We always have fun with Captain Shawn. We caught plenty of bass in the 1-3 pound range which was a blast! Do yourself a favor and fish Sutton lake with RiverBass Guide service and Captain Shawn!

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Shawn Keene
Response from Captain

Thank you Jeff! Its always a pleasure fishing with you and your Son. I’m thrilled that a new personal best was caught and your able to get a replica made! See you next time!

Michael Janow
Michael Janow
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Perfect Day
4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton on September 28, 20252 adults

Went on a 6-hour trip to Sutton Lake with Captain Shawn. We were there a little early, and Shawn already had the boat in the water and ready to go. We started catching fish immediately at the first spot, and it was nonstop from that point. Every 10 minutes we had a fish on. Thirty-plus fish later, it was time to head back. My 18 year old daughter caught the most, with an average weight between 2.5 and 3 pounds. the largest we pulled in was 4 pounds. Couldn't ask for a better trip. Shawn knows his fishing, knows the lake and is very personable and easy to talk to. His equipment is top notch. You won't go wrong trusting him with your next fishing trip.

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Shawn Keene
Response from Captain

Michael, thank you for letting me be your guide. Hope to see you both again soon. Tight lines!

Jeffrey Kotzan
Jeffrey Kotzan
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2022
25 trips
5.0
Verified
Big Bass!
4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton on August 24, 20252 adults

Went with Captain Shawn of RiverBass guide service. My 15 yo son was with us…..what a great day of fishing! Was supposed to rain but never did! The cloud cover was nice. Captain Shawn has a fast bass boat that is loaded with everything needed to catch bass! Captain Shawn is a professional bass fisherman and he lets us pretend we are in a bass tournament……we weigh the fish and keep the top 5 just like we are fishing a tournament……my son loves that! The boat has a great live well that circulates water and keeps the bass healthy. We caught over 20 bass for the day….lots of younger SUPER aggressive smaller bass that punched way above their weight class and were lots of fun! We caught many bigger bass up to around 4 pounds! Then we took a picture and safely released the bass! Highly recommended!

Shawn Keene
Response from Captain

Thank you, Jeff. It's been a pleasure fishing with you and your son. Always an enjoyable time. Looking forward to seeing you both again soon! Tight Lines.

FAQs about RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington

RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - 4 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton (4 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Forward Facing Sonar Lessons (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton (6 hours)
When you book a trip with RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
Trips booked with RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Water)
RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing (Sutton Lake)
RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington offers the following fishing technique:
  • Light tackle (Finesse)
Top targeted fish species with RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)

Your captain

Shawn Keene
Shawn Keene
Shawn Keene

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
29 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

4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
29 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

The fish you can target

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass

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?

Lake Fishing
Sutton Lake

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Finesse

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Drinks
Water

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
6 and up
Catch and release mandatory
Due to the historical context of the lake and the known elevated levels of heavy metals present in the fish, it is highly recommended that you catch, photograph, and release them.

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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