New Bern's Premier Multi-Species Fishing Charter

Cast a Line in New Bern's Inshore Paradise

Ready for some serious fish action in the heart of North Carolina? Hop aboard with Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters for a day of non-stop angling excitement on the Neuse River. With four decades of local know-how and daily fishing trips, Capt. Dave knows exactly where the hotspots are hiding. Whether you're after bull redfish, speckled trout, or stripers, this multi-species adventure has got you covered. Grab your crew (up to 3 anglers) and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the historic waters of New Bern on a brand spanking new 2025 Parker 23SE - part of Capt. Dave's role as Parker Offshore Prostaff. This bad boy is set up for comfort, so you can focus on what matters - reeling in the big ones. We're talking a full day of chasing whatever's biting, from slot redfish to bluefish and everything in between. Capt. Dave's motto? "Catching fish" is the name of the game. No fancy-pants meals included, just pure, unadulterated fishing fun. Bring your A-game and maybe a sandwich, 'cause we're here to fill the cooler, not your belly.

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. The Neuse River is a year-round playground for anglers, but each season brings its own MVP lineup. In the warmer months, those bull reds (aka "Old Drum") are the talk of the town. These bruisers can tip the scales at 40+ pounds and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. When fall rolls around, speckled trout take center stage - nothing beats the thrill of a gator trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn. Winter? That's striper season, baby. These hard-hitting bass cousins love the cooler water and put on a show that'll have you forgetting about the chill in the air. And let's not forget about the year-round residents like flounder and blues - always ready to keep things interesting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason Capt. Dave's been in this game for 40 years. It's not just about catching fish (though that's a big part of it). It's about the whole package. You've got the picturesque backdrop of historic New Bern, a comfortable ride on a top-notch boat, and a guide who eats, sleeps, and breathes these waters. Capt. Dave doesn't just take you fishing; he gives you a masterclass in inshore angling. You'll pick up tips and tricks that'll up your game whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro. Plus, with the variety of species on offer, no two trips are ever the same. It's like fishing roulette, but the house always pays out in fins and scales.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum): The crown jewels of the Neuse, these copper-colored beauties come in two flavors - the slot reds (18-27 inches) and the bulls (over 27 inches). Slot reds are your bread and butter, perfect for a fish fry. But those bulls? They're the stuff of legend. Hooking into a 40-pounder is like trying to stop a freight train with a piece of string. They love to hang around oyster beds and creek mouths, and fall is prime time for the big boys.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you; there's nothing small about the fight these guys put up. Known for their spotted patterns and delicate mouths, specks are the ninjas of the inshore world. They're ambush predators, so working a lure along grass lines or under docks can trigger explosive strikes. Spring and fall are your best bets, but a good trout bite can happen any time of year.

Striped Bass: Ah, the landlocked cousins of the big ocean stripers. Neuse River stripers might not reach the mammoth sizes of their saltwater relatives, but what they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. These fish hit like a freight train and don't know when to quit. Winter is prime time, with fish congregating in deeper holes. Trolling with live bait or casting big swimbaits around structure can lead to some serious rod-bending action.

Flounder: The masters of camouflage, these flatfish are the ninjas of the bottom. They might not look like much, but hook into a big doormat, and you're in for a treat. Flounder fishing is an art form - slow and steady wins the race. Dragging a live bait or soft plastic along the bottom near structure is the ticket. Summer and early fall are peak seasons, with fish fattening up before their offshore migration.

Bluefish: The pit bulls of the sea, blues are all attitude and teeth. These chomping machines will hit just about anything that moves and fight like fish twice their size. They're here year-round but really show up in force during the warmer months. Chasing schools of blues on light tackle is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on. Just watch those fingers when you're unhooking them - they don't play nice.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're still reading this, you're probably already imagining yourself bent over the rail, hauling in a monster red or battling a feisty striper. So why wait? Capt. Dave's calendar fills up faster than a hot new restaurant on a Friday night. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a newbie wanting to learn from the best, this trip's got you covered. The Neuse River is calling, and Capt. Dave's got the keys to unlock its secrets. Don't be the one telling stories about "the trip that got away." Grab your crew, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you bragging for years to come. The fish are waiting - are you ready to answer the call?