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Caught a Red Fish Red Drum Inshore in
Red Fish (Red Drum) Inshore in Oriental
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Red drum are North Carolina's premier inshore gamefish, thriving in the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound system. These copper-colored fighters inhabit grass flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks throughout the Neuse River area. - Slot fish (16-27 inches) provide excellent table fare and exciting fights. - Bull reds (over 27 inches) are catch-and-release trophy fish that can exceed 50 pounds. - Peak feeding occurs during moving tides around structure and baitfish concentrations. - Spring through fall offers the most consistent action in Oriental's waters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dave Hegel in December
Meet your Captain Dave Hegel
- The Ultimate North Carolina Fishing Trip!
Summary
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Wednesday April offers premier inshore fishing adventures targeting red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass in Oriental's productive waters. Operating from the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, this fishing charter combines light tackle and fly fishing techniques to maximize your catch ratio. With a brand new 2025 Parker SE designed for shallow water access, Captain Dave's local expertise puts you on the best seasonal bite whether you're after bull redfish, slot reds, or whatever species are running hot. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary gear for a comfortable day targeting North Carolina's premier inshore gamefish.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave Hegel – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Wednesday April runs multi-species inshore charters targeting red drum, speckled trout, striped bass, flounder, and bluefish. This full-day adventure accommodates up to 3 guests aboard a custom 2025 Parker SE designed specifically for shallow water fishing. All tackle, bait, and safety equipment are included, with both light tackle and fly fishing options available. Captain Dave's local knowledge of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound ensures you'll fish the most productive waters for the current season. Book online or call to secure your dates and discuss specific target species preferences.
Highlights of NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.)
This charter focuses on whatever species are biting best, with red drum being a primary target throughout the year. The Neuse River system offers incredible variety, from bull redfish in deeper channels to slot reds working the grass flats. Captain Dave's approach adapts to seasonal patterns, targeting speckled trout during their active feeding periods and striped bass during their migration runs.
The 2025 Parker SE provides the perfect platform for this style of fishing, with its shallow draft capability allowing access to prime redfish habitat that larger boats can't reach. Whether you prefer casting flies to tailing reds or working live bait around structure for stripers, Captain Dave has the setup and experience to put you on fish.
Local Species Insights: Red Fish (Red Drum)
Red drum are the crown jewel of North Carolina's inshore fishery, with the Pamlico Sound system supporting both juvenile slot fish and massive bull reds. These copper-colored fighters inhabit grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges throughout the Neuse River area. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish feeding aggressively in the warming waters. Captain Dave targets them using live bait around structure and sight-fishing techniques when conditions allow, making each encounter with these powerful gamefish a memorable experience.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter begins with a safety briefing and tackle selection based on target species and conditions. The Parker SE's shallow draft design allows Captain Dave to position you in prime fishing locations that deeper-draft boats cannot access. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring personal gear if preferred. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 anglers with plenty of casting room and fish storage. Captain Dave provides local insights on techniques and seasonal patterns, ensuring both novice and experienced anglers have a productive day on North Carolina's premier inshore waters.
Fishing in North Carolina with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters
More species you can explore on this trip
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Captain Dave runs a brand new 2025 Parker SE specifically designed for North Carolina's inshore waters. This shallow-draft boat excels at accessing the skinny waters where red drum, speckled trout, and other gamefish feed along grass flats and oyster bars. The Parker SE's design allows us to sneak into areas that larger boats can't reach, giving you access to prime fishing spots in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. With comfortable seating for up to 3 anglers and plenty of storage for tackle and fish, this boat is perfectly set up for our multi-species inshore charters. The shallow water capability means we can follow the fish wherever they're biting, from deep channels to skinny flats.
