Premium Neuse River Multi-Species Fishing Charter

NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure

Captain Dave Hegel knows the Neuse River like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist charter – Dave's running a brand new 2025 Parker SE that's built to slip into shallow waters where the big reds and stripers like to hide. Whether you're after bull redfish, slot reds, blues, or whatever's biting hot that day, Dave's got one goal in mind: hearing you yell "FISH ON!" The Neuse River delivers year-round action, and with Dave's local knowledge and top-notch setup, you're in for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be fishing from Dave's Parker SE, which is part of why he's on the Parker Offshore Prostaff – this boat was designed specifically for stalking inshore species in skinny water. The shallow draft lets Dave get you into spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to prime redfish flats and striper holes that most anglers never see. Dave keeps his gear dialed in and his boat comfortable, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. He's not the type of captain who sticks to one spot if it's not producing – expect to move around until you find where the fish are feeding. The Neuse River system offers everything from grass flats to deep channels, and Dave knows when and where each species likes to hang out depending on tides, weather, and season.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat

Dave's approach is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. He'll run live bait when the bite calls for it, switch to artificials when fish are aggressive, and isn't afraid to change up the whole game plan if conditions shift. The Parker SE's shallow water capabilities mean you'll be sight fishing redfish in two feet of water one minute, then running to deeper structure for stripers the next. Dave handles all the technical stuff – reading the water, managing the boat position, and keeping everyone's lines from getting tangled. He's particularly good with kids and first-time anglers, taking care of hook baiting and fish handling so everyone can focus on the fun part. When the weather gets rough, Dave's got backup spots and isn't afraid to work harder to make sure your day stays productive.

What Anglers Are Saying

"We had an epic day, Capt Dave fought thru a windy and rough morning, tried 3 spots that were too choppy and said "plan D" and we killed it, limit on Reds, released 3 over the limit back, lots of bluefish, an incredible trout we released after lots of pics and an amazing day...all because he cared to help me make a memory withy 2 sons!" - Denis

"Judge a charter by it's captain. Captain Hegel was a class act weeks before we even got on the boat. Working to make sure species were in the area, keeping up with weather patterns to keep on them as they move, and being flexible with our group's schedule." - Glenn

"Such a fun trip with Captain Dave! He did a great job putting us on the fish and making sure the kids enjoyed the trip. Our whole family had a blast and can't wait to book another trip!" - Samantha

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Neuse River fishing, and Dave knows how to find them year-round. Bull reds – those monsters over 27 inches – show up in big schools during fall and spring, putting up fights that'll test your drag and leave your arms burning. Slot reds between 18-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table and available throughout most of the year. These fish love shallow grass flats and oyster bars, especially on moving tides. What makes reds so addictive is their aggressive strike and the way they'll peel line off your reel in that first run. Dave's shallow water boat gives you access to prime redfish habitat that deeper draft vessels simply can't reach.

Striped bass bring a different kind of excitement to the Neuse River system. These silver bullets are pure muscle, especially the larger fish that move in during cooler months. Stripers are structure-oriented, hanging around channel edges, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. When you hook into a good striper, expect multiple runs and some serious head shaking. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to take fish home. Dave knows the seasonal patterns and can put you on everything from schoolie stripers to keeper-sized fish that'll give you a real workout.

Speckled trout are the bread and butter of North Carolina inshore fishing, and the Neuse River holds some beauties. These spotted gamefish are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round by anglers who know where to look. Specks are ambush predators that love grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges where they can hide and strike at passing bait. They're known for their delicate mouths, so landing them requires a gentle touch – something Dave will coach you through. A good speckled trout dinner is hard to beat, and catching them on light tackle makes for some of the most fun you can have on the water.

Bluefish might be the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound in these waters, and when they're feeding, the action is non-stop. Blues travel in schools and go into feeding frenzies that create some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth, so Dave handles all the unhooking to keep your fingers safe. Bluefish are available most of the year but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. They'll hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for kids an