Captain
Shawn Keene

Member since February 2025 New Bern, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
Shawn preferred fishing techniques focus on a balanced approach that incorporates both finesse and power fishing. Finesse fishing emphasizes subtlety and precision, utilizing lighter tackle, smaller lures, and delicate presentations. This method is particularly advantageous in clear waters or heavily pressured environments where fish may be more cautious. The key to finesse fishing lies in patience and skill, allowing you to create natural movements that entice wary fish to bite. In contrast, power fishing involves a more aggressive strategy, employing heavier tackle and larger lures to cover greater distances quickly. This technique is effective in situations where fish are actively feeding and can include techniques like casting crankbaits or using spinnerbaits. Power fishing allows for a more dynamic approach, as it capitalizes on the fish's aggression and helps to locate them efficiently in various water conditions. By integrating both finesse and power fishing techniques, you can adapt to changing conditions and target a wider range of species, ultimately enhancing your overall fishing experience. in

Hey, I'm Captain Shawn Keene

New Bern, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
Shawn preferred fishing techniques focus on a balanced approach that incorporates both finesse and power fishing. Finesse fishing emphasizes subtlety and precision, utilizing lighter tackle, smaller lures, and delicate presentations. This method is particularly advantageous in clear waters or heavily pressured environments where fish may be more cautious. The key to finesse fishing lies in patience and skill, allowing you to create natural movements that entice wary fish to bite. In contrast, power fishing involves a more aggressive strategy, employing heavier tackle and larger lures to cover greater distances quickly. This technique is effective in situations where fish are actively feeding and can include techniques like casting crankbaits or using spinnerbaits. Power fishing allows for a more dynamic approach, as it capitalizes on the fish's aggression and helps to locate them efficiently in various water conditions. By integrating both finesse and power fishing techniques, you can adapt to changing conditions and target a wider range of species, ultimately enhancing your overall fishing experience. in
Our Team
Shawn K.
Captain

My Charter Listings

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
New Bern
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $300
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Wilmington
 Last booking: 1 day ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Fishing Reports

Neuse River Fishing Report (New Bern)
Neuse River Fishing Report (New Bern)
Jul 28, 2025 New Bern
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: โ€ข Temperature: 86ยฐF - 90ยฐF โ€ข Clarity: Stained due to recent rainfall โ€ข Current: Mild, which is ideal for targeting bass in eddies and backwaters Fishing Techniques: โ€ข Lures: Anglers have seen success with both artificial lures and live bait. Search for fish using: โ€ข Topwater baits during early morning and late evening hours โ€ข Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits around cypress trees โ€ข Texas-rigged worms and jigs in heavier cover โ€ข Live Bait: Shad and minnows have proven effective when fished near drop-offs and submerged structures. Best Locations: โ€ข Back of Taylor Creek โ€ข The Creek Mouth by Kettle Landing โ€ข The Mouth of Greens Creek Anglers have reported catching bass averaging 2 to 2.5 pounds, with some larger bass exceeding 4 pounds. Tips: โ€ข Consider fishing during overcast days for the best chances, as bass tend to be more aggressive in low light conditions. โ€ข Donโ€™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!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 12 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (32)
Fun time!
Fun time!
From 'Just Trying to Catch One' to 'I Can\u2019t Believe I Caught That!'
+29
Angler rating
12
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 12 reviews
Jeffrey K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Big Bass!

VERIFIED   NEW  Full Day Trip (Sutton) on August 24, 2025
Went with Captain Shawn of RiverBass guide service.ย  My 15 yo son was with usโ€ฆ..what a great day of fishing!ย  Was supposed...
Jeffrey K. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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Jeffrey K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bass were hungry!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip (Sutton) on May 25, 2025
Six hour bass fishing trip on Lake Sutton with Captain Shawn of RiverBass TV.ย  Weather was perfect. It was a little cooler...
Jeffrey K. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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Jeffrey K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bass were biting!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip (Sutton) on April 27, 2025
6 hour bass fishing guided trip on Lake Suttonโ€ฆ.. what a beautiful day and what a beautiful lake !ย  Captain Shawn of RiverBass...
Jeffrey K. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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Jeffrey K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bass!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip (Sutton) on March 23, 2025
This was my second time chartering with Captain Shawn of RiverBass guide service.ย  Very nice and fast bass boat! The first...
Jeffrey K. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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Jeffrey K. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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Edward P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

From 'Just Trying to Catch One' to 'I Canโ€™t Believe I Caught That!'

VERIFIED   NEW  Evening Trip (Sutton) on August 24, 2025
If youโ€™re looking for the best day on the water, look no further. From the get-go, Shawn was super friendly, professional,...
Edward P. recommends RiverBass Guide Service โ€“ Wilmington
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