Fresh Craven County Fishing Reports

Fun mid morning trip with the Smith/Mitchell clan. We got to watch tarpon for a while then went and put on a redfish clinic. Some first and biggest fish we’re had and they’re having some great dinner while family is in town!!!!!.

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!

Fishing has been very productive recently, if you have the time I would recommend getting on the water now! Here on the Neuse & Pamlico sound we have had good catches of slot, over slot, and old drum. Depending on wind direction and water conditions natural bait & scented artificials have been working well. There are plenty of Trout around… and no shortage of big trout either. Artificial shrimp under a popping cork, and soft plastics rigged on a jig head have been working well. The bigger trout we have caught recently have been on live bait. Black drum are around as well, crab and shrimp as usual are best. Right now there are LARGE Bluefish in the River and in the sound. Definitely fun to catch and give a good pull for young anglers, but when targeting drum i find them to be a nuisance. Short wire leaders on your drum rigs will save you alot of tackle and bring some home for dinner; i like them same day fresh personally. Our last trip out of Beaufort inlet was very productive. there is definitely a reason they call it The Crystal Coast. The visibility was excellent up in the the tower; i could see the bottom in 10ft of water. Spanish and king mackerel, Cobia, Seabass, bonito, gag grouper, and more can be found on good weather days. Summer is right around the corner, feel free to give me a ring if you would like to experience a good slice of what Eastern North Carolina fishing has to offer. Let’s Go Get Em ! -Capt. Jennings

We caught fish all morning long. This father son duo put the beat down on some big gold fish and had a great time doing it.

The sea trout are 3/4 of the way out of the main creeks and headed for the Neuse River. D.O.A. Deadly Combo (popping cork), 3" D.O.A. Swim Baits and top water are all great choices. Vary your approach to cover Top, Mid and bottom. Work windy points from bank to mid channel. They are moving in and out to feed. Some bigger trout are hitting larger profiles and top water along with slot reds now moving into the system. The fishing has been FANTASTIC!

The spring weather has the trout fired up and moving. The “cold stun” event in the New Bern to Oriental, NC area doesn’t seem to have had devestating damagage to the population. One of the most productive early spring in years for the Neuse system. Fish have moved out of the back of creeks and are heading towards the main river. Target mid main creek areas where bait is visable on surface or sonar. Productive baits have been D.O.A. 3” white/chartreuse swimbait, Paul Brown & MRs Purple/yellow or natural colors if 2’ visibility or more. Pay attention to wind direction and the sun for best bank targets to help production efficiency. Focus on points and work from banks out to mid creek. Fish seem to be moving up to feed then back to the “ditch”. Puppy Drum & Striper catches are also a solid possibilty. Vary your reteieves and presentations if bites are slow. Some days they want it a certain way.