Fishing in New Bern, NC can be as laid-back or challenging as you make it. The city is located right where the Neuse River joins the Trent River. Here, the current slows down and the riverbed becomes one of the widest in the US. All of this makes conditions just right for a variety of fish species to inhabit the river year round. This fishing heaven attracts anglers of all skill levels, including complete novices.
Inshore trips close to New Bern will take you after Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Striped Bass. As you won’t go too far from your departure point, you can catch lots of fish even on a half day trip. Some guides focus on trophy-sized fish and offer specialized trips for one species only, such as Redfish or Black Drum.
Head a few miles downstream, and target bigger saltwater species. Nearshore trips can get you Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Mako Shark, Cobia, and Little Tunny. These trips are more season-dependent and are best during summer.
Feeling competitive? Test your luck and skill in one of the local fishing tournaments. In July, anglers compete in catching Redfish, in September they are trying to land the biggest Bass, and in October they gather for the annual NRBWO fishing tournament. Join a local guide who has all the local tricks up his sleeve, catch a few fish, and you may even earn a prize in the end!