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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Oriental Oriental
Redfish Inshore in Oriental
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The Redfish belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish can be identified by having one or more eyespots near the tail. - They have a red-colored back which fades to a white belly. - This species is very popular among fishermen and prized as food for its light flavor.
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 Thursday July delivered an action-packed inshore fishing charter targeting redfish in Oriental's productive waters. The Neuse River and Pamlico Sound offer year-round fishing for multiple species including redfish, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Using live bait and popping corks, anglers landed quality redfish including a solid 17-inch red under partly cloudy skies. This multi-species fishing adventure showcases why Oriental, NC ranks among the top inshore fishing destinations on the Atlantic coast. Captain Dave's local expertise and brand new 2025 Parker SE provide the perfect platform for stalking these prized gamefish in shallow waters. Whether targeting slot reds or exploring the diverse fishery, this charter delivers consistent action for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave Hegel – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Thursday July guides up to 3 anglers through the productive waters of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. This NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure targets redfish, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass using proven techniques like live bait fishing and popping corks. All gear is provided along with local expertise from a licensed captain who knows these waters intimately. The charter runs on a brand new 2025 Parker SE designed specifically for shallow water fishing, ensuring access to prime redfish habitat. Book online or call to secure your spot for this premier inshore fishing experience in Oriental, NC.
Highlights of NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure
The Neuse River offers fantastic year-round fishing with redfish as the primary target alongside bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Captain Dave focuses on whatever species are "hot" during your trip, maximizing your chances of consistent action. His Parker Offshore Prostaff vessel excels at sneaking into shallow flats where redfish feed, providing the highest catch ratio for the season.
Recent trips have produced quality redfish including 14-inch and 17-inch specimens using both bottom fishing with live bait and popping cork techniques. The partly cloudy conditions common in summer actually benefit fishing by providing cover without reducing visibility. Captain Dave shares water reading tips and fish spotting techniques throughout the day, making this both educational and productive for anglers of all experience levels.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Oriental's shallow waters, particularly around the flats and backcountry areas of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. These copper-colored gamefish prefer depths of 1-4 feet where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Summer months offer excellent redfish action as water temperatures warm and bait becomes abundant. Captain Dave targets both slot-sized reds and larger bull redfish depending on seasonal patterns and regulations. The distinctive black spots near their tails make redfish easy to identify, while their fighting ability and light, flaky meat make them a prized catch for both sport and table fare.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and bait aboard Captain Dave's 2025 Parker SE. The vessel accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably with features designed for shallow water fishing success. Early morning departures typically provide the best fishing conditions before afternoon weather patterns develop. Captain Dave provides instruction on techniques, helps with fish handling, and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience on the water. The multi-species approach means you'll target whatever is biting best, whether that's redfish on the flats, speckled trout in grass beds, or bluefish in deeper channels.
Fishing in North Carolina: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier gamefish found along Atlantic Ocean coastlines from Massachusetts to Florida. This member of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family displays distinctive copper-red coloration that fades to white on the belly, with one or more black eyespots near the tail. In Oriental waters this July, redfish provide consistent action for anglers targeting the shallow flats and grass beds of the Pamlico Sound.
Redfish Overview
Redfish represent one of the most sought-after inshore species due to their aggressive feeding habits, strong fighting ability, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and grow quite large, with mature fish reaching impressive sizes. Anglers prize them for their accessibility in shallow water and willingness to take both live and artificial baits.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit coastal waters from shallow flats to nearshore reefs, preferring areas with structure like oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths. Around Oriental, NC, they frequent the extensive shallow water systems of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River, where depths of 1-4 feet provide ideal hunting grounds for crabs, shrimp, and small fish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish (usually 18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 27 inches are often released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They often feed in very shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed as they root around oyster bars and grass flats. Peak feeding times occur during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon when bait is most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning season, large schools of bull redfish gather in deeper channels and inlets, creating exciting fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp, crabs, or cut mullet, as well as artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Popping corks work exceptionally well in grass beds, while sight fishing with spoons or jigs produces exciting visual strikes. In July around Oriental, anglers find success working the shallow flats during incoming tides when redfish move up to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with firm, white meat that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or cut shrimp, blue crabs, and mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Oriental?
A: Focus on shallow flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass beds in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River system, particularly areas with 1-4 feet of water.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, though many anglers practice catch and release for larger breeding fish.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide peak action, with summer and fall months offering the most consistent fishing in North Carolina waters.
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 as part of the Parker Offshore Prostaff, specifically designed to sneak into the shallow waters where redfish love to feed. This vessel excels at accessing the flats and backcountry areas of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River that larger boats simply can't reach. The Parker SE's shallow draft design allows us to stalk redfish in 1-4 feet of water while maintaining the stability and comfort you need for a full day of fishing. With all the gear and tackle organized for quick access, this boat is set up to maximize your catch ratio whether we're bottom fishing with live bait or working popping corks over grass beds. The comfortable layout accommodates up to 3 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around safely.
