&nbsp;Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters offers the best fishing experience in North Carolina! Home of 18 of 24 IFGA World record Redfish. Capt. Dave Hegel has 40 years of experience on the Neuse River, Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound fishing for Old Drum, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Striper &amp; Flounder In his 40-year fishing experience, Captain Dave cherishes the moments he spent fishing with some of the biggest names in the industry. From saltwater legends like George Poveromo and Mark Sosin to professional red fishing teams, and bass icons such as Denny Brauer, Larry Nixon, Guido and Dion Hibdon, Davy Hite, and Bobby and Billy Murray, Dave has had the privilege of learning from the best. These experiences have equipped Captain Dave with invaluable skills and knowledge that only come from fishing with the pros.&nbsp;Ranging from 3-hour to 8-hour trips, this North Carolina fishing charter is sure to cater your budget and availability! Year round, Captain Dave can take you Neuse River fishing, Pamlico River fishing, Pamlico Sound fishing for a variety of species. From July to October, seek the legendary Tarpon and Old Drum (Bull Reds) that come from the Atlantic to spawn. Year round PPFC offers, Slot &amp; puppy Redfish, Striper, Sea Trout, Flounder, Blue Fish and in the summertime, Spanish Mackerel.&nbsp;Your trips with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters will be aboard the gorgeous Skipplett. Skipplett is powered by a 2021 300 HP Suzuki 4 Stroke Outboard with Jack Plate on a 23’ Boca Bay made by AquaSport. The boat also contains a beautiful T-Top shade and 2 live wells. It is equipped with a 12-inch Simrad Side and Down Scan, GPS, Stereo, and a Minn-Kota 36 volt Riptide trolling motor. The magnificent customization of the boat makes it perfect for the conditions and fishing styles of the Neuse &amp; Pamlico Rivers and the Pamlico sound.&nbsp; On your trip with PPFC, you are provided the use of the outstanding Star Fishing Rods, Daiwa BG reels, a Yeti cooler should you bring beverages &amp; snacks. If you plan on keeping your legal catches; we suggest you bring a cooler for your trip home. We recommend Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and suitable attire. NC coastal weather can be very hot and winter can be chilly. Hop on board &amp; book your trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters for the best North Carolina fishing adventure.

Bluefish

Lower Neuse River Fishing 

Striped Bass

Redfish

<div>The drought has the “salt wedge” much further up river than normal, changing the seasonal pattern. Great Rock fishing past the ferry towards New Bern. Reddfish are scattered in the system as well as Bluefish. Bait is moving from the Sound towards the river. Summer pattern expected soon. Covering water is key! </div>

Striped bass catch displayed on fishing boat in Oriental NC waters

EPSG:4269

Striped bass caught during fishing tour in Oriental NC lying on boat deck with measuring board

Striped bass catch from fishing charter in Oriental NC waters

Experience the Finest Pamlico Sound Fishing Adventure with Us!

 Home of 18 of 24 IGFA World record Redfish. Capt. Dave Hegel has 40 years of experience on the Neuse River, Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound fishing for Old Drum, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Striper & Flounder ( We Cover Your Fishing License) 

Make your next fishing adventure unforgettable with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters in Pamlico Sound, NC—where local expertise meets world-class action on the water. Book your trip today and let Captain Dave turn your day into a story you’ll be telling for years to come!

Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters is a premier choice for North Carolina fishing charters, offering unforgettable trips across the Outer Banks, Inner Banks, Pamlico Sound, Neuse River, and beyond. Based in Oriental, NC, and led by legendary Captain Dave Hegel, this top-rated charter service specializes in targeting Old Drum, Tarpon, Striper, Sea Trout, Flounder, and more. With over 42 years of experience in the saltwater fishing industry, Captain Dave brings unmatched expertise from a lifetime spent on the water, competing in tournaments, working with professional anglers, and contributing to fishing TV shows. His knowledge of tides, seasons, and local waters ensures every angler—from beginners to seasoned pros—has the best chance at landing trophy catches in some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. Launching from Oriental, New Bern, and Beaufort, NC, Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters makes it easy to get on the water—your fishing license is included, so all you need to do is step aboard and fish. Whether you’re chasing massive Old Drum in the Pamlico Sound, learning the techniques of inshore fishing, or sharing a family-friendly day on the water, every trip is designed to be fun, educational, and rewarding. Anglers travel from around the world to fish with Captain Dave and experience the rich waters of North Carolina, where world-record redfish and an incredible variety of species await. Book your Outer Banks fishing charter today and see why Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters is the trusted name for unforgettable fishing adventures in NC.

Find answers to popular questions about fishing charters in Pamlico Sound NC with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, including trip details, seasonal species, and what to expect on the water.

Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters The Ultimate Fishing Charter Experience from North Carolina

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Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters The Ultimate Fishing Charter Experience from North Carolina

Captain Dave Hegel, owner and operator of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, brings over 42 years of fishing knowledge to the waters of Oriental, North Carolina. Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Dave grew up surrounded by boating and fishing traditions. His father served in the Marine Corps, and his grandfather owned one of the largest bass boat dealerships in the region, planting the seeds for a lifelong passion. While attending East Carolina University, Dave began his career with Sea Ox Boats, developing expertise in outboards and marine technology that would shape his future on the water. Over the decades, he went on to work in executive positions with outboard and boat manufacturers, collaborating with professional anglers, guides, and even fishing TV shows. Fishing has been more than a career—it’s been a constant thread throughout Dave’s life. He has competed in tournaments ranging from King Mackerel and Marlin to Largemouth Bass and Redfish, honing his skills across a wide range of species and waters. His experiences gave him not only technical ability but also the instincts of a seasoned angler who understands how fish behave under different conditions. Influences from lifelong fishing mentors and his own tournament experiences shaped the strategic approach he uses today as a charter captain. Now based in one of America’s most celebrated fisheries, Captain Dave calls the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River his home waters. This vast estuarine system supports an extraordinary variety of fish, from trophy Red Drum and Tarpon to Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, and Flounder. With the Neuse River holding 18 of the 24 IGFA world-record red drum, Dave knows he’s guiding in waters that are both legendary and highly productive. He values every trip not just for the fishing but for the connections it creates—like the time a 10-year-old landed a stingray to the cheers of nearby campers, turning to his grandfather to declare it the “best day ever.” For Dave, those moments are as important as the fish themselves. <h2>The Boat</h2>Captain Dave runs his trips aboard a 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE, powered by a Yamaha 250HP Four Stroke Outboard. Purpose-built for the waters of Pamlico Sound and the Outer Banks, the boat offers both performance and comfort. Outfitted with a Garmin 12” down and side scan system, Motor Guide trolling motor, live well, cooler, and shaded T-top, it provides every tool needed for success on the water. Whether targeting trophy Old Drum in the sound, casting light tackle along the rivers, or enjoying a family-friendly day trip, this vessel is designed to keep anglers safe, comfortable, and ready for action. With the right boat and a captain who knows the local waters inside and out, guests can fish with confidence in one of the most productive coastal fisheries in North Carolina.

Meet Captain Dave Hegel and Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters!

Parker Offshore  & Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters form alliance!

Contact Dave: pamlicopiratefishingcharters@gmail.com

Meet Captain Dave Hegel

Common Questions: How much does a fishing charter cost in North Carolina?The cost of a fishing charter in North Carolina varies depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, the type of charter, and the amenities offered. On average, prices can range from $415 to $950. Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, led by Captain Dave, offers a range of packages to accommodate different preferences and budgets. Does North Carolina have good fishing?Absolutely! North Carolina is renowned for its fantastic fishing opportunities, and Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, led by Captain Dave, enhances this reputation. Navigating through the Neuse River, Pamlico River, the Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound, Captain Dave's expertise immerses anglers in the largest estuaries globally, creating a prime environment for a diverse range of fish species. What is the best fish from North Carolina?The best fish from North Carolina waters include the prized Redfish, and Captain Dave from Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters is an expert at helping anglers catch them. Navigating through the Neuse River, Pamlico River, Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound, Captain Dave targets trophy Redfish, as well as many other "sport fish"; offering anglers an exciting and rewarding fishing experience. With his extensive knowledge of the area and dedication to creating memorable trips, Captain Dave ensures that anglers have the opportunity to reel in the best catches North Carolina has to offer. Are Pamlico Pirates fishing charters in Beaufort inclusive of fishing gear and equipment, or do participants need to bring their own?We provide all the equipment necessary for anglers to have a succesfull day on the water, if you have interest in fly fishing feel free to bring your own fly rods and flies and we will put you on the big fish! What makes your fishing area special, and why do you love guiding here?This part of North Carolina is home to one of the most unique fishing ecosystems in the country. The Pamlico Sound and surrounding rivers make up the largest estuarine system on the East Coast, with more than 40 miles of shallow, productive water. It’s warm enough to hold southern species while also attracting migratory fish, creating an incredible mix. In fact, 18 of the 24 world-record red drum were caught right here.Along with trophy Redfish, these waters produce Tarpon, Striper, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Multiple rivers feed into the system, building a nutrient-rich, brackish environment that sustains everything from shrimp to gamefish. That variety is what makes guiding here so rewarding—you never know what species is going to bite next. What do you do differently than other fishing guides in your area?My approach is simple: I want my clients to leave as better anglers than when they arrived. Every trip is more than just catching fish—it’s a hands-on, educational experience. I teach anglers how to read sonar, interpret structure, and understand how tides and conditions affect where fish hold.For example, after a major storm, I once located fish on ballast rock that dated back to early shipping days—something even fish and game biologists later confirmed. It’s that kind of local knowledge and attention to detail that helps me put people on fish and teach them something they can take with them long after the trip. What types of fishing trips do you offer, and how are they structured?Trips are built around what’s in season and actively biting. Here’s a general guide:<ul><li>January–February: Speckled Trout and Striped Bass</li><li>March–April: Trout, Striper, and Slot Redfish (with Bonita possible in April)</li><li>May: Bonita and nearshore spring fishing</li><li>June–August: Slot Reds and Trout</li><li>August–October: Bull Drum and “Old Drum” specialty trips (3-hour trophy-focused trips)</li><li>Mid-October: False Albacore and nearshore light tackle action</li><li>November–January: Trout and mixed inshore species</li></ul>I also offer fly fishing and light tackle charters for anglers who want a more technical challenge. When is your peak fishing season, and what makes it so popular?The absolute peak season runs from August 1 through October 10. This is when the giant Old Drum are running, making it one of the best times in the United States to chase trophy Redfish. The weather is stable, the fish are aggressive, and anglers from all over travel here specifically to target these giants. Both tourists and hardcore anglers see this as bucket-list fishing season. Do you offer any hidden gem experiences that people should know about?Yes—one of the most underbooked but unforgettable trips is the late summer Old Drum charter. Landing a massive Redfish on light tackle during this window is something anglers talk about for years.Another hidden highlight is the boat itself. I run a Parker boat built in Beaufort, NC—made for the exact waters we fish. Its comfort, stability, and performance make a big difference, especially on days when conditions get tricky. As a longtime outboard expert, I also get a lot of questions from clients about boat performance and buying advice. Many have chosen their next boat after spending a day fishing with me.

Neuse River Fishing Report on 17th May, 2026

AUTHOR

Dave Hegel

NOTES

Lower Neuse River Fishing

Neuse River

STATS

CATCHES

9 Total Catches

Total catches9

bluefish

Catches - 2

striped bass

Catches - 5

Redfish

Catches - 2

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