%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F8615%2Fimages%2F1767814862355355879891_10231248734826913_8079466979329632599_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a trophy redfish inshore in Oriental
Redfish inshore in Oriental
5.0
12 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F792382ab-206e-4089-a7cf-5e417b469da6%2Fimages%2Fredfish-oriental-nc-fishing-6944.png&w=1200&q=75)
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 game fish along Atlantic coastlines. - 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 Wednesday May offers exceptional inshore fishing adventures targeting redfish, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass in Oriental's productive waters. His brand new 2025 Parker SE is specifically designed for shallow water stalking, allowing access to prime fishing spots in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. The charter focuses on whatever species are biting hottest during your trip date, with light tackle techniques that maximize both catch rates and fighting excitement. May represents prime time for redfish activity as warming waters trigger aggressive feeding patterns. Book online to secure your spot for this multi-species fishing charter that consistently delivers memorable catches and professional guiding expertise in North Carolina's premier inshore fishing destination.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave Hegel – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters on Wednesday May provides comprehensive inshore fishing experiences targeting multiple species across Oriental's productive waters. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary tackle, bait, and equipment for a successful day on the water. Captain Dave's approach focuses on targeting whatever species are most active during your trip, whether that's slot redfish in the shallows, bluefish schools, or speckled trout around structure. His brand new 2025 Parker SE vessel offers the perfect platform for accessing shallow flats and backcountry areas where these fish thrive. Book your charter online to secure preferred dates and experience why local anglers consistently choose this licensed guide for their inshore fishing adventures.
Highlights of NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.)
This multi-species charter stands out for its flexibility and fish-finding expertise. Captain Dave's strategy revolves around targeting the hottest bite available during your trip, whether that means working shallow flats for redfish, drifting deeper channels for striped bass, or sight-casting to cruising schools. The Neuse River and Pamlico Sound system provides year-round fishing opportunities, with each season offering different species at their peak activity levels. May fishing particularly excels for redfish and speckled trout as warming water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity.
The specialized Parker SE boat design allows access to skinny water areas that larger vessels cannot reach, putting you directly on fish that see less pressure. Light tackle techniques maximize the fighting experience while increasing hook-up ratios across all target species. Captain Dave's local knowledge ensures you're fishing the most productive areas based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Oriental waters exhibit classic inshore behavior patterns that make them exciting targets for light tackle fishing. These copper-colored drums prefer shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. May represents an excellent time to target redfish as they become more active in warming waters, often feeding in water so shallow their backs are visible. Captain Dave's approach involves sight-casting to cruising fish and working structure where redfish ambush prey. The 23-inch redfish commonly found in these waters provide excellent sport on appropriate tackle while fitting perfectly within North Carolina's slot limit regulations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter begins with a dock meeting in Oriental where Captain Dave provides a brief overview of the day's fishing plan based on current conditions. The 2025 Parker SE comes equipped with all necessary safety equipment, tackle, bait, and fish-finding electronics. The boat's shallow draft design allows exploration of prime fishing areas that remain inaccessible to deeper-hulled vessels. Expect to target multiple species throughout the day as Captain Dave adjusts techniques and locations based on fish activity. The 3-guest capacity ensures personalized attention and ample room for comfortable fishing. All trips include professional guidance on techniques, local knowledge sharing, and assistance with fish handling and photography.
Fishing in North Carolina: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This iconic game fish is easily recognized by its distinctive copper-red back that fades to a white belly, along with one or more black eyespots near the tail. In Oriental waters this May, redfish are becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise, making them prime targets for inshore anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drums can live over 40 years and grow quite large, with the biggest specimens exceeding 50 pounds. Anglers value redfish for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and willingness to feed in shallow water where sight-fishing opportunities abound.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, oyster bars, and nearshore environments. Around Oriental, they frequent the Pamlico Sound system, Neuse River shallows, and grass beds where they hunt for prey. These fish prefer water depths from 1 to 4 feet, often feeding so shallow their backs are visible above the surface.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. North Carolina's slot limit protects breeding-size fish while allowing harvest of smaller specimens that provide excellent eating quality.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, using their downturned mouths to root out crustaceans from sandy bottoms. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when baitfish are most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall when water temperatures remain warm. Large schools of mature fish gather in deeper channels and inlets to reproduce, creating exciting fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized drums.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight-casting with soft plastics, live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, and topwater lures during low-light periods. Light spinning tackle allows proper presentation in shallow water while providing maximum fighting enjoyment. In May around Oriental, anglers find success working oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides when redfish move shallow to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating quality with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The flesh is versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying, and provides high protein content with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller slot-size fish typically offer the best table fare compared to larger specimens.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or cut shrimp, mullet, and menhaden are top choices, along with soft plastic jigs and topwater plugs for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Oriental?
A: Focus on shallow flats, oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River system.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish provide excellent table fare with firm, mild-flavored white meat that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk offer peak activity, with spring and fall providing the most consistent action 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 specifically designed for Oriental's shallow inshore waters. This specialized boat allows us to sneak into skinny flats and backcountry areas where redfish, speckled trout, and other inshore species feed without spooking them. The Parker's shallow draft design means we can access prime fishing spots that bigger boats simply can't reach, putting you on fish that see less pressure. As part of the Parker Offshore Prostaff, Captain Dave has this vessel rigged perfectly for light tackle fishing with all the electronics and equipment needed for a successful day targeting multiple species in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound system.
