Meet Captain Dave Hegel

About the Captain:

Captain Dave Hegel was raised in Charleston, SC during the early 1960s. From a young age, he joined his father, Henry “Skip” Hegel, aboard their boat on excursions across Santee Cooper and the salt marshes of Charleston. Captivated by the thrill of catching Bass and Redfish, known locally as “Spottail” bass, Captain Dave developed a deep passion for fishing. Following his father’s return from multiple tours with USMC 2nd Force Recon in Southeast Asia, he established Berkley Marine Center in Monks Corner, SC, shaping the Hegel family’s lifelong dedication to fishing and boating.

Captain Dave's career path led him through Sea Ox Boats, Johnson/Evinrude Outboards, and Genmar Boat Holdings (which included Ranger, Lund, AquaSports, and Hatteras). In 2019, he played a pivotal role in the launch of Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons. During his tenure as Promotions Manager at Johnson/Evinrude in the mid-90s, Captain Dave oversaw various pro-fishermen, guides, TV shows, and sponsorships, an experience that solidified his enduring passion for fishing.

Among his most cherished memories are the opportunities to fish alongside legends such as George Poveromo, Mark Sosin, Denny Brauer, Larry Nixon, and many others. These experiences, both in saltwater with icons of the sea and in freshwater with bass legends, enriched Captain Dave's skills and knowledge profoundly.

While engaged with Johnson & Evinrude Outboards in the early 1990s, Captain Dave competed in tournaments like the FLW tour and Red Man Tournament Trail. Yet, his heart remained devoted to saltwater pursuits, leading him on fishing expeditions to Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and beyond, where he learned from some of the world's top captains.

Captain Dave’s deep-rooted connections within the industry, shaped by his father’s roles with Hydra-Sports, Donzi, Chris Craft, and later Mercury Marine, as well as his sister Kim’s involvement with Boston Whaler and World Cat Boats, have been pivotal throughout his career. The moniker "Pirate" pays homage to the rich maritime history of the region and Captain Dave’s alma mater, East Carolina University, known as the Pirates

Boat Details

Captain Dave is proud to be sponsored by and runs a 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE. Powered by a Yamaha 250 HP Four Stroke Outboard, Motor Guide Trolling motor, Garmin 12” down & side scan, GPS, VHF radio, Wet Sounds sound system, Power Pole, a fiberglass T Top for sun protection, Consol Portable head (toilet), live well, cooler & swim ladder.

Parker Offshore Boats is Located along the Outer Banks of Beaufort, NC, an area world renowned for over 200 years in the tradition of hand-crafted boat building. Quality, Strength & Seaworthiness, these three worlds exemplify what the Parker Boat family stands for. It was right here in our demanding coastal waters that in the late 1960’s Parker Offshore was born.

Captain Dave Hegel is proud that Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters is sponsored by Parker Offshore Boats. “The amount of stress put on my vessel with year-round fishing in these waters is indescribable. There are very few brands that are designed to withstand day in and out the ‘duty’ asked of a boat to charter in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. Parker was built here with these waters in its DNA. We choose Parker Offshore because no other boat can withstand what we do daily and last for years and years. Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters believes offering our clients a day on the water in a Parker Offshore, places us in the elite category for having a pleasurable, safe & comfortable vessel for your day on the water.