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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Oriental Oriental
Redfish Fishing in Oriental, North Carolina
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus 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 are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
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 multi-species inshore fishing around Oriental, North Carolina. These guided fishing charters target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, striped bass, and bluefish in the productive waters of the Neuse River system. With light tackle techniques and local expertise, anglers experience the best of coastal North Carolina's inshore fishery. All gear, licenses, and instruction included for up to 3 guests. The warming May waters create ideal conditions for consistent action across multiple species, making this charter perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers seeking variety and excitement on every cast.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Saturday May provides comprehensive multi-species fishing experiences targeting redfish, trout, flounder, striped bass, and bluefish. These full-day charters include all fishing gear, licenses, and expert instruction for up to 3 guests. Launching from Lawson Creek Park, trips focus on productive river channels, grass lines, and structure where multiple species congregate. Book online for current rates and availability, with flexible scheduling to match optimal tide and weather conditions.
Highlights of New Bern, NC Multi-Species Fishing (Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Striper & Blues)
This charter combines the excitement of targeting five different gamefish species in a single outing. The Neuse River system around Oriental offers diverse habitat from shallow flats to deeper channels, creating opportunities for consistent action throughout the day. Light tackle fishing with live bait and lures provides an engaging experience for all skill levels, while Captain Dave's local knowledge ensures you fish the most productive spots based on current conditions.
The variety keeps every angler engaged, whether you're after the hard pull of a redfish, the acrobatic fight of a speckled trout, or the aggressive strike of a bluefish. Each species requires different techniques and locations, making this trip both educational and exciting as you learn to read the water and adapt your approach.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in the shallow waters around Oriental, using grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths as feeding grounds. These copper-colored fighters are most active during moving tides when they cruise the flats hunting for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. In May, warming water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making this an excellent time to target them with both live bait and artificial lures. Their distinctive spotted tails and powerful runs make every hookup memorable, especially when sight-fishing in clear, shallow water.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your trip includes all necessary fishing equipment, from light tackle rods to a variety of baits and lures suited for each target species. Captain Dave provides fishing licenses and handles all the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on the fishing. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with plenty of room to move around and fish effectively. Trips typically run 6-8 hours depending on conditions and fish activity, with flexible timing to take advantage of optimal tides and weather windows.
Fishing in North Carolina: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier gamefish belonging to the family Sciaenidae and order Perciformes. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily recognized by their characteristic black eyespots near the tail and their bronze-red backs that fade to white bellies. In Oriental waters this May, redfish are particularly active as warming temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior along the shallow flats and grass beds of the Neuse River system.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. They're known for their ability to make long, strong runs when hooked, often heading for structure or deeper water. These fish are a cornerstone species of inshore fishing along the Atlantic coast, providing consistent action for both novice and experienced anglers.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters, typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Around Oriental, North Carolina, they frequent the extensive shallow water systems of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, using these areas as nurseries and feeding grounds throughout their lives.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most commonly caught and provide excellent eating, while larger bull reds over 27 inches are typically released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, where their tails break the surface as they root for prey in the bottom. This behavior makes them excellent targets for sight-fishing, especially during calm conditions when their tails are easily spotted.
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 adult fish gather in deeper waters before moving to traditional spawning grounds.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include casting live shrimp or cut bait near structure, using soft plastic lures like paddle tails and scented baits, and topwater plugs during early morning or late evening. In May around Oriental, anglers find success working the grass lines and oyster bars during moving tides, particularly on the incoming tide when baitfish are pushed into shallow feeding areas.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include blackening, grilling, and baking, with the meat holding up well to bold seasonings and sauces.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or fresh-dead shrimp is the top choice, followed by cut mullet, blue crab, and live pinfish. Artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs are also highly effective.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Oriental?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. The Neuse River system and nearby sounds offer excellent redfish habitat.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have excellent flavor with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or baking. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides, especially incoming tide, provide the best action. Early morning and late evening are prime times, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
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.
