New Bern
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $400
Captain
Shawn Keene
New Bern, United States
Veteran owned
25+ reviews
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.
Shawn K.
Captain
Charters
- WilmingtonInstant ConfirmationTrips fromUS $400
Rating
4.9
30 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (78)
What anglers say
97%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
All reviews (30)
Showing 1 – 5 of 30 reviews
Jeffrey KotzanRepeat angler5.0VerifiedNEWLake Sutton Bass
5 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton • 2 adults5 hour bass fishing trip starting at 7am. The day was beautiful…..forecast called for rain but we didn’t see a drop! The first hour was slow and we thought that might mean a slow day. But Captain Shawn figured out that the bass were holed up in shallow water near the shore. We started casting to the shallows and it was on! We caught at least 30 bass ranging from 1- 5 pounds. The bass were extra fiesty…….when we hooked the one pounders we thought we were hooked into a much bigger fish! My 16 yo son was with us and Captain Shawn takes extra time with him and he learns new techniques every time! If you are looking for a family friendly fishing charter you have to try RiverBass guide service with Captain Shawn Keene!
Response from CaptainJeff, im happy to hear you both enjoyed yourselves. Was a fun day of fishing. Looking forward to our next trip! -Captain Shawn
Brandon Benegasi5.0VerifiedAwesome day of fishing with Captain Shawn!
5 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton • 2 adultsMy 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:
Response from CaptainI’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 KotzanRepeat angler5.0Verified
Another Great Day!
5 Hour Trip - Lake Sutton • 2 adults6 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.
Response from CaptainThank you Jeff! It is always a fun time fishing with you and your Son! See you guys again soon. -Tight Lines
Chris Holmes5.0VerifiedAwesome Time!
Day Trip (Nesue River) • 2 adultsMy 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!
Reported catch:Response from CaptainThank you Chris, glad to hear you both enjoyed yourselves! Looking forward to fishing with you guys again soon. Tight Lines! -Captain Shawn
Robert WebsterRepeat angler5.0VerifiedFirst Class Experience
Day Trip (Sutton) - 11:00 AM • 2 adultsMy 13-year-old son and I spent an afternoon with Shawn fishing for bass and everything from our initial communication with him through the end of our trip was first class. Shawn was not only professional but extremely knowledgeable along with possessing an easy going and friendly personality. His bass boat and equipment were top notch and made for a very enjoyable day catching a large number of bass including nice sized ones despite some challenging weather with very strong winds. Highly recommend Shawn and next time we are in the area will definitely schedule another trip.
Response from CaptainScott, thank you for letting me be your guide! Hope to see you both again soon. Tight lines! -Captain Shawn
Real catches shared by our community
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – New BernNew Bern, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – New BernNew Bern, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
- RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
Our Fishing Locations
What's biting with RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern in New Bern
Carolina anglers gather in New Bern for the annual NRBWO tournament. Join the game or, if you prefer, ignore the hype and take a fishing trip just for yourself.
Top catches for October
Fishing reports
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:
• 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!
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Post Spawn - Lake Sutton
Apr 6, 2025 • Wilmington
April is here on Lake Sutton! The lake is experiencing promising post spawn fishing with Largemouth Bass pulling out to ledges and deep grass.
The water temperatures are continuing to rise, currently ranging in the mid to upper 70s, which is ideal for late spawning activities of various species and the post spawn feed up!
Largemouth Bass: Anglers are reporting good catches of largemouth bass, particularly along the channels near structure such as fallen trees and submerged vegetation. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times, with glide baits, swim baits, and drop shot working well.
Fishing Tips: It's advisable for anglers to be out during the early hours or later in the evening for the best chances. Remember to check local regulations for any specific rules or restrictions.
Overall, Lake Sutton offers a vibrant fishing experience this spring, with a variety of species actively biting. Be sure to wear sun protection and stay hydrated while enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature that the lake has to offer. Happy fishing!
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Spring Fishing Lake Sutton
Mar 23, 2025 • Wilmington
As we are closer to April, Lake Sutton is experiencing a promising spring fishing season.
The water temperatures are gradually rising, currently ranging from low to mid 60s Fahrenheit, which is ideal for the spawning activities of various species.
Largemouth Bass: Anglers are reporting good catches of largemouth bass, particularly in the shallow areas near the banks and around structure such as fallen trees and submerged vegetation. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times, with glide baits and drop shot working well.
Fishing Tips: It's advisable for anglers to be out during the early hours or later in the evening for the best chances. Remember to check local regulations for any specific rules or restrictions.
Overall, Lake Sutton offers a vibrant fishing experience this spring, with a variety of species actively biting. Be sure to wear sun protection and stay hydrated while enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature that the lake has to offer. Happy fishing!
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March Fishing Report for Lake Sutton, No
Mar 3, 2025 • Wilmington
As March rolls in, Lake Sutton offers a mix of opportunities for anglers as the water temperatures begin to rise and fish become more active. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect this month:
Largemouth Bass: Bass fishing is picking up as the fish start moving toward shallower areas in preparation for the spawn. Look for them around submerged structures, stumps, logs, and grassy areas. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective lures this time of year. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times.
Water Conditions: Water temperatures are gradually rising, typically ranging from low 60s to 70(°F) in March. Clarity is 12+ feet of visibility, but windy days can affect water clarity. Be sure to check local conditions before heading out.
Tips for Success:
• Focus on areas with structure and cover, as fish are starting to move into shallower waters.
• Adjust your tactics based on water temperature and weather conditions.
• Be mindful of local regulations and ensure you have the proper licenses.
Overall, March is a great time to get out on Lake Sutton and enjoy the improving fishing conditions. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, there's plenty of action to be had. Tight lines!
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