%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F8615%2Fimages%2F1767814862355355879891_10231248734826913_8079466979329632599_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Bluefish Inshore in Oriental Oriental
Bluefish Fishing in Oriental, NC
%2F%2Fusers%2F792382ab-206e-4089-a7cf-5e417b469da6%2Fimages%2Fbluefish-light-tackle-11283.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Bluefish belongs to the order Perciformes and family Pomatomidae. It typically measures between 15 and 51 inches in length, with a weight range from 3 to 15 lbs. Habitat: nearshore, onshore waters along the Atlantic coast. - Bluefish is a common game fish known for its delicious taste. - This warm-water migratory species ranges from Nova Scotia to Argentina. - In Oriental waters, bluefish arrive during warmer months and provide excellent light tackle action.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dave Hegel in August
Meet your Captain Dave Hegel
- The Ultimate North Carolina Fishing Trip!
Summary
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Saturday May offers exceptional inshore fishing opportunities in Oriental's productive waters. This multi-species fishing charter targets bluefish, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass along the Neuse River system and surrounding coastal areas. With all gear, licenses, and local expertise included, anglers of every skill level can experience the diverse inshore fishery that makes North Carolina's coast a premier fishing destination. Book your guided fishing trip and discover why Oriental's waters consistently produce exciting multi-species action throughout the season.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave Hegel – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Saturday May provides comprehensive inshore fishing experiences targeting multiple species in Oriental's productive waters. This guided charter includes all fishing gear, licenses, and expert instruction for up to 3 guests. The trip focuses on bluefish, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass using light tackle techniques around river channels, grass lines, and structure. Captain Dave's local knowledge of the Neuse River system and surrounding waters ensures productive fishing throughout the season. Contact Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters directly for current rates, availability, and booking information.
Highlights of New Bern, NC Multi-Species Fishing (Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Striper & Blues)
This inshore fishing charter delivers exceptional variety with opportunities to catch five different gamefish species in a single outing. The Neuse River and surrounding coastal waters provide diverse fishing environments, from shallow grass flats perfect for redfish to deeper channels holding striped bass and bluefish. Captain Dave's expertise in reading water conditions and fish behavior maximizes your chances of landing multiple species throughout the trip.
The charter operates from convenient launch points like Lawson Creek Park, providing easy access to prime fishing areas. Light tackle fishing keeps the action exciting while allowing anglers to feel every strike and fight. Whether you're targeting trophy-sized redfish in the shallows or working structure for aggressive bluefish, this multi-species approach ensures consistent action and memorable catches.
Local Species Insights: Bluefish
Bluefish arrive in Oriental waters during the warmer months, bringing aggressive feeding behavior and exciting light tackle action. These powerful predators patrol the Neuse River channels and nearshore areas, often feeding in schools that create spectacular surface activity. Captain Dave positions the boat near current breaks and structure where bluefish ambush baitfish, using live bait and lures to trigger strikes from these hard-fighting gamefish. The 16-inch bluefish caught during this trip represents typical size for the area, with fish ranging from schoolies to larger specimens throughout the season.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your multi-species fishing adventure begins with a convenient launch from established boat ramps in the Oriental area, with Captain Dave providing all necessary fishing equipment and North Carolina fishing licenses. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of room to fight fish. Trips typically run 6-8 hours depending on conditions and fish activity, with flexible scheduling to match tides and weather patterns. Captain Dave supplies a variety of tackle options from light spinning gear to conventional setups, ensuring the right equipment for each target species and fishing situation.
Fishing in North Carolina: Bluefish
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are aggressive predatory fish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Pomatomidae. These powerful gamefish are distinguished by their streamlined bodies, sharp teeth, and voracious feeding behavior that makes them a favorite target for inshore anglers. In Oriental waters this May, bluefish provide exciting light tackle action as they patrol the Neuse River channels and nearshore areas.
Bluefish Overview
Bluefish are highly migratory pelagic fish known for their aggressive nature and excellent table fare. They travel in schools along the Atlantic coast, following baitfish migrations and providing consistent fishing opportunities for charter boat anglers. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws make them formidable predators capable of cutting through fishing line and putting up impressive fights on light tackle.
Bluefish Habitat and Distribution
These warm-water fish inhabit nearshore and onshore waters throughout the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia to Argentina. Along North Carolina's coast, bluefish frequent river mouths, inlets, and coastal waters where they hunt schools of menhaden, anchovies, and other baitfish. The Neuse River system around Oriental provides ideal habitat with its mix of deep channels, shallow flats, and abundant forage.
Bluefish Size and Weight
Bluefish typically range from 15 to 51 inches in length, with weights between 3 and 15 pounds. Smaller "snapper" bluefish under 12 inches are common in summer months, while larger "chopper" blues exceeding 10 pounds arrive during fall migrations. The 16-inch specimen caught during this Oriental charter represents a typical mid-sized fish that provides excellent sport on light tackle.
Bluefish Diet and Behavior
Bluefish are voracious predators that feed primarily on schooling baitfish including menhaden, herring, anchovies, and silversides. They hunt in coordinated schools, often driving baitfish to the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies. During May around Oriental, bluefish actively feed throughout the day, with peak activity occurring during moving tides when baitfish are most vulnerable.
Bluefish Spawning Season
Bluefish spawn in offshore waters during spring and summer months, with peak spawning occurring when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. Juveniles move into nearshore waters and estuaries like the Neuse River system, where they find abundant food and protection. This seasonal movement brings excellent fishing opportunities to Oriental waters from late spring through early fall.
Bluefish Fishing Techniques
Successful bluefish fishing requires wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Popular techniques include casting spoons, poppers, and jigs to feeding schools, or trolling with diving plugs and umbrella rigs. Live bait such as menhaden, mullet, or eels produces excellent results when fished near structure or current breaks. In May, anglers around Oriental find success working the river channels and nearshore waters where bluefish ambush baitfish along current seams.
Bluefish Is It Good to Eat?
Bluefish are excellent table fare when properly handled and prepared fresh. The meat has a rich, distinctive flavor with firm texture that works well grilled, baked, or smoked. Smaller bluefish tend to be milder in taste, while larger fish have a stronger flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings. The fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers.
Bluefish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for bluefish?
A: Live menhaden, mullet, and eels are top choices, while artificial lures like spoons, poppers, and jigs also produce excellent results when bluefish are actively feeding.
Q: Where can I find bluefish near Oriental?
A: Bluefish frequent the Neuse River channels, nearshore waters, and areas with strong current flow where baitfish concentrate, particularly around structure and drop-offs.
Q: Is bluefish good to eat?
A: Yes, bluefish are excellent eating when fresh, with rich flavor and firm texture that works well grilled, baked, or smoked, especially smaller fish under 5 pounds.
Q: When is the best time to catch bluefish?
A: In Oriental waters, bluefish fishing peaks from May through October, with moving tides and early morning or late afternoon periods often producing the most action.
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Get ready to explore the diverse inshore fishing opportunities of New Bern, North Carolina aboard our comfortable and well-equipped boat. With room for up to three anglers, we'll cruise the Neuse River and surrounding waters in search of prized gamefish like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, striped bass, and bluefish. Our experienced captain knows all the local hotspots, from grass flats to river channels to productive structure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you'll enjoy hands-on instruction and access to some of coastal North Carolina's best fishing grounds. We provide all the necessary gear and licenses, so you can focus on reeling in a variety of exciting catches. Join us for a day packed with action as we target multiple species and showcase the abundance of New Bern's inshore fishery.
