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Shawn Keene
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.
Shawn K.
Captain

Charters

Rating

4.9
33 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (33)

Showing 1 – 5 of 33 reviews
  • Jeffrey Kotzan
    Jeffrey Kotzan
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2022
    28 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Lake Sutton Bass

    5 Hour Trip – Lake Sutton • 2 adults

    5 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 Captain

    Jeff, im happy to hear you both enjoyed yourselves. Was a fun day of fishing. Looking forward to our next trip! -Captain Shawn

  • Marlo Yeager
    Marlo Yeager
    us
    Alaska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Trip!

    5 Hour Trip – Lake Sutton • 2 adults

    I decided to take my dad out on a bass fishing charter while he was visiting and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! The boat is extremely well kept and a comfortable ride. Shawn knew all the places to go for catching fish, is extremely knowledgeable, and moved us around the lake to experience different spots. We had beautiful weather, caught lots of fish and just had an amazing overall experience. We definitely would recommend him to anyone who wants a great personal experience!

    Reported catch:
    Largemouth Bass
    Response from Captain

    Marlo, thank you so much for the 5 stars! Having you and your dad on the boat was an absolute highlight for me. Father/daughter trips are always special, and you two were a joy to guide - great attitudes, great laughs, and great fishing. I'm so glad I got to be a small part of a memory you both will have for a long time. Thank you for trusting me with your day on the water. Let's do it again soon. -Captain Shawn

  • Katherine Dodson
    Katherine Dodson
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    My Teen Anglers Had A+ Time

    4 Hour–Forward Facing Sonar Lessons - 10:30 AM • 2 adults

    Shawn took my two sons- ages 14 & 16- out for a forward facing sonar instructional trip. My boys compete in bass fishing tournaments and wanted to get some professional tips and education on using their forward facing sonar. They loved the trip with Shawn. He was cool, answered all their questions (and I know they had a lot) and they had a great time! Shawn was vey personable and trustworthy. He communicated with me a lot before the trip- and he was easy to talk with and ask questions. 100% recommend!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you, Katherine! I really appreciate the kind words and the 5-star review. It was a great day on the water with your son’s and I am happy they enjoyed the trip. Hope to fish with them again next year! Safe travels!

  • Jeffrey Kotzan
    Jeffrey Kotzan
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2022
    28 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Another Great Day!

    5 Hour Trip – Lake Sutton • 2 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.

    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

  • Brandon Benegasi
    Brandon Benegasi
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome day of fishing with Captain Shawn!

    5 Hour Trip – Lake Sutton • 2 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
    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

Real catches shared by our community

  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Two adult anglers proudly display several largemouth bass on the deck of a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Largemouth Bass
    Marlo Y.
    Marlo Y.
    I decided to take my dad out on a bass fishing charter while he was visiting and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! The boat is extremely well kept and a comfortable ride. Shawn knew all the places to go for catching fish, is extremely knowledgeable, and moved us around the lake to experience different spots. We had beautiful weather, caught lots of fish and just had an amazing overall experience. We definitely would recommend him to anyone who wants a great personal experience!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Young angler holds a largemouth bass on the bow of a bass boat during a freshwater fishing trip, with another angler in the background.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Katherine D.
    Katherine D.
    Shawn took my two sons- ages 14 & 16- out for a forward facing sonar instructional trip. My boys compete in bass fishing tournaments and wanted to get some professional tips and education on using their forward facing sonar. They loved the trip with Shawn. He was cool, answered all their questions (and I know they had a lot) and they had a great time! Shawn was vey personable and trustworthy. He communicated with me a lot before the trip- and he was easy to talk with and ask questions. 100% recommend!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Adult angler holding a largemouth bass aboard a bass boat on a calm tree-lined lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jason V.
    Jason V.
    Captain Sean was excellent knew the lake like the back of his hand very knowledgeable overall just a great experience within 10 minutes of getting off my first trip already booked the second one 
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jeffrey K.
    Jeffrey K.
    5 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!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern
    RiverBass Guide Service – New BernNew Bern, NC
    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!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large catfish while fishing on a river, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Tyler W.
    Tyler W.
    Great time Fishing ,Caught some Nice bass,Captian was knowledgeable of Lake ,would defintley recomend!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    A happy angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jeffrey K.
    Jeffrey K.
    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.
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Largemouth Bass
    Brandon B.
    Brandon B.
    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!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    A young angler and an adult proudly display a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jeffrey K.
    Jeffrey K.
    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!
  • RiverBass Guide Service – Wilmington
    RiverBass Guide Service – WilmingtonWilmington, NC
    Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Lori S.
    Lori S.
    Shawn is extremely knowledgeable and very easy going. He had us on fish from the very beginning until the end of the day. Highly recommend. Thanks again for a great day!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with RiverBass Guide Service – New Bern in New Bern

Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Black Drum rule the river again. With colder temperatures, nearshore fishing slows down.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a bass boat on a calm river.

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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A young angler and an adult proudly displaying their catch of large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a boat.

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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A proud father and son duo displaying their impressive catch of large mouth bass while enjoying a day on the water.

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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A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing with an instructor on a calm day.

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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