Top-Rated NC Inshore Fishing for Trophy Redfish

Epic NC Inshore Fishing: Redfish & Tarpon

Ready to tangle with some of North Carolina's most prized inshore gamefish? Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters has you covered with an action-packed day on the water. From June through October, we're chasing trophy redfish (locally known as "Old Drum") and the silver king himself - tarpon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this all-inclusive charter is your ticket to hooking into some serious coastal bruisers.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're gliding across gin-clear flats at dawn, the smell of salt in the air, as Captain Dave points out a massive school of reds tailing in the shallows. Or maybe you're posted up in a prime tarpon run, waiting for that heart-stopping moment when a hundred-pound missile launches into the air, shaking its head in fury. That's just a taste of what's in store on this professional inshore charter.

We'll hit multiple fishing spots throughout the day, targeting both redfish and tarpon. The beauty of this trip is its versatility - one minute you might be sight-casting to bulls in skinny water, the next you could be battling a tarpon in deeper channels. Captain Dave's local knowledge means you're always in the right place at the right time, maximizing your chances at trophy fish.

Gear Up & Get Hooked

Leave your tackle box at home, folks. This charter provides all the top-notch gear you'll need to wrestle with these inshore giants. We're talking sturdy rods, smooth-drag reels, and an array of lures and bait that these fish can't resist. For redfish, we might be tossing soft plastics on jigheads or freelining live bait. When it comes to tarpon, be ready for some heavy-duty gear - we're using circle hooks with live mullet or big plugs to entice those silver beasts.

Don't sweat the license, either. Captain Dave's got you covered for up to three anglers. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat - we'll handle the rest.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Awesome trip! Had a great time! Great captain! Achieved our objective of catching a trophy drum! Couldn't have asked for more!" - David

"My buddy and I are avid fishermen and had a fantastic trip and time with Captain Dave Hegel fishing for Old Drum on the Neuse during our two day charter! I can't say enough good things about him. He put us on the bait and fish both days, and covered a very large area. We had a blast!" - Robert

"We had a great time on the Neuse River, fishing with Dave! He went above and beyond, making sure we had a good time. Couldn't have asked for a better time on the water." - Cameron

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Old Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in North Carolina's inshore waters. We're talking about trophy-class fish here, folks - "Old Drum" that can tip the scales at 40 pounds or more. These big boys love to hang out in shallow flats, often revealing their location with their signature tailing behavior. When hooked, they'll peel off drag like nobody's business, testing both your gear and your stamina. The best part? They're here year-round, but fall is prime time for the real giants.

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king" for good reason, hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts is like trying to stop a runaway freight train. North Carolina sees a good run of tarpon from June through September, with fish averaging 80-150 pounds. These high-flying acrobats will test every ounce of your angling skill. Be prepared for explosive strikes, heart-stopping jumps, and long, powerful runs. Landing a tarpon is a true bucket-list achievement for any serious angler.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter fishing trip, this ain't it. What we're offering here is a chance to tangle with some of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast, guided by a pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're dreaming of that bull red of a lifetime or itching to check 'tarpon' off your bucket list, this charter delivers the goods.

Remember, we're only running these trips from June through October, and spots fill up fast. Don't be the angler left high and dry, swapping "shoulda been there" stories at the dock. Lock in your date now, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's get you on the water!