Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Customer Reviews

Name: Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters
Brand: Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters
Rating: 4.96875 (64 reviews)

100% would recommend

4.97/5

From 64
verified reviews

Jack AI Customer Experience Snapshot

Captain Dave Hegel consistently delivers exceptional fishing results on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, targeting red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and bluefish with both live bait and artificial lures. Customers regularly land trophy-sized catches, including massive red drum and monster blues, with Dave's extensive knowledge of tide patterns, wind conditions, and prime fishing spots. His 2021 23-foot Boca Bay boat features top-notch equipment including Star rods, 12-inch Garmin depth finder, and remote-controlled Minnkota trolling motor for accessing shallow waters. Dave's tireless work ethic and never-quit attitude shine through even on challenging weather days, often trying multiple spots until finding active fish. Families especially appreciate his patience with children and beginners, while experienced anglers value his willingness to share techniques and local knowledge. His professional yet friendly approach creates lasting memories, with many customers booking repeat trips and bringing friends along for future adventures.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Red Drum

Never Quit Attitude

Knowledgeable

Family Friendly

Trophy Fish

Professional Equipment

Repeat Customers

Challenging Conditions

Photos from Real Customers

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Scenic fishing location with no visible fish

Freshly caught striped bass displayed on fishing boat near wooden bridge structure

Striped bass caught on fishing charter boat

Nice Little Tunny on light tackle! Great day on the water near Finz Grill.

Nice Little Tunny on light tackle today!

Light tackle fishing produced this exciting catch with a yellow lure - what an adventure on the water!

Nice striped bass caught on light tackle in clear conditions.

Nice wiper on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure on the water.

Great catch using light tackle on calm waters today!

Light tackle adventure paying off with this exciting catch in Oriental!

Nice catch on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure.

Nice speckled trout on light tackle today! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure on the water.

Nice striped bass on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure.

Nice striped bass on light tackle in perfect conditions!

Nice striped bass on light tackle today!

Nice striped bass on light tackle in Oriental today!

Nice striped bass on light tackle in Oriental NC! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure.

Nice Yellow Bass on light tackle today! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure.

A person fishing for a striped bass in an unknown location

Nice speckled trout on light tackle today! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure.

Nice striped bass on light tackle with that yellow lure doing the trick!

Reeling in a big Spotted Weakfish with finesse!

Light tackle magic lands a sleek Spotted Weakfish in Oriental!

Light tackle triumph: A bluefish reeled in from Oriental's waters!

Two people fishing at an unknown location

Summer Flounder, a 15-inch fish, caught while fishing

Awesome Redfish snagged on a light tackle adventure!

A thrilling catch of a spotted weakfish on a light tackle adventure in Minnesott Beach!

Landed a feisty spotted weakfish with light tackle under a partly cloudy sky.

Spotted weakfish landed at Minnesott Beach with a light tackle technique on a partly cloudy day.

A mighty bluefish landed with light tackle amid the partly cloudy skies

Hooked a feisty redfish with light tackle on a partly cloudy day in Minnesott Beach.

A mighty redfish hooked on the Light Tackle under partly cloudy skies with late afternoon rain!

Reeling in a big redfish on a partly cloudy day with late afternoon rain.

Reeled in a feisty redfish at 301 Midyette St despite the rainy afternoon weather!

Hooked a feisty bluefish in the afternoon sun!

One Spotted Weakfish caught in partly cloudy weather with late afternoon rain.

Battling the elements with light tackle on a partly cloudy day.

Mastering the art of light tackle fishing on a partly cloudy day

A mighty Redfish reeled in by a skilled angler on a partly cloudy day.

Reeling in a fiery red catch on a partly cloudy day with a chance of late rain

Angler with a 20-inch fish caught while fishing

Enjoying a partly cloudy day with some light tackle angling in Oriental.

Reeling in a hefty black drum on a lightweight tackle setup

Hooked a feisty redfish with Light Tackle in Oriental, NC!

A big redfish caught with expert light tackle skills!

Catching the big one with a clever light tackle technique in Oriental NC.

A spotty weakfish snagged with some light tackle - what a catch!

Angler reeled in a massive redfish on a perfect day!

Tackling the day with a light touch in Oriental, NC.

That redfish sure put up a fight! Beautiful catch in Oriental, NC.

Hooked this spotted weakfish while light tackle fishing on a partly cloudy day.

Reeled in a big redfish with light tackle in Oriental, NC.

Big redfish caught on light tackle on a perfect day!

Mastering the art of light tackle fishing in the picturesque town of Oriental, NC.

Huge redfish reeled in on a brilliant day!

A prized Redfish snatched from the waters using Lightweight Tackle on a partly cloudy day!

Big redfish caught on a partly cloudy day with light tackle!

Hooked the fish of a lifetime at 301 Midyette St under partly cloudy skies!

Spending a peaceful day on the water, reeling in a catch or two.

Redfish caught fishing in unknown location

Striped bass fishing in unknown location

4 spotted weakfish and bluefish caught during fishing outing

Striped bass fishing at unknown location

Impressive haul of 6 bluefish, spotted weakfish, and redfish caught while fishing

Redfish caught while fishing in an unknown location

Three redfish caught in an unknown location

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All Reviews

Stanley Stasiewicz

May 2, 2026

Trip - Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Redfish, Sea Trout, Flounder, Bluefish, Striped Bass, Black Drum & more on May 2, 2026

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Max 2 guests

My son and I met Capt Dave at the Bridgeton Ramp just north of New Bern due to the weather conditions and where the fish were projected to be. For the first half of the trip, it was overcast with a slight breeze and spotty light rain, and the second half was just rainy. Capt Dave took us to the railroad trestle, and we fished around the pylons. We got a few hits, and my son caught two stripers. We were one day past the season, so we had to throw them back. We also got a couple of big blue hits, but weren't able to set the hook. We tried another area for blues around the Trent River bridge and another area for red drum. Given the drought (water salinity) and generally poor weather conditions (cool temperature and rain), the fish were just not interested in anything we were offering. Capt Dave really tried to get us fish by trying different places and different lures, but some days the fish just aren't interested. I guess that's why it's called fishing and not catching! Capt Dave did a great job, and we've decided to come back another time.

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Captain DavidReplied on May 3, 2026

Stanley Stasiewicz, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. i was impressed how fast you guys got the hang of pitching! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣

Paul Engelholm

April 30, 2026

Trip - on April 30, 2026

we targeted stripers today and that was exactly what we caught got over a dozen in the boat and lose just as many as always Capt. Dave found the fish and we landed them he always does his research, and it never disappoints if you want to enjoy a great day catching fish try out Pamlico Pirates Charter you will not be disappointed.

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Captain DavidReplied on May 2, 2026

Paul Engelholm, Thank you! Anybody that likes Marshall Tucker is welcome anytyime! As akways; you were a pleasure! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣

Scott Barbour

April 12, 2026

Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on April 12, 2026

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Max 2 guests

It was a tough day fishing but we had a fantastic time. 3 of us fishing just as hard as we could. Bites were slow and although not the captain Dave's fault, he wanted it make it right for us as clients. He offered to take us on another trip at no extra expense. Talk about a class act!!! I don't know if any other captains would offer to do this but it is greatly appreciated! We'll get em next trip. A trip with great fellowship and new friendships made!!! Captain Dave is great man!!

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Captain DavidReplied on April 13, 2026

Scott Barbour, Thank you! Great crew that took a tough day on the chin! Had a great time.

Dave

Jeff Caviness

March 19, 2026

Trip - on March 19, 2026

Had a great day with Capt. Dave!

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Captain DavidReplied on March 19, 2026

Too kind! Thank you! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣

Chad Coughlin

November 28, 2025

Trip - on November 28, 2025

Myself and two other family members took a charter with Captain Dave earlier today. It was a brisk morning but Captain Dave was there ready to go with a warm welcome. We got out to the first spot and instantly started getting hits. Captain Dave was ready with all the gear you could imagine. He was a great guy to talk to and even if we got skunked I’d tell anybody looking for a charter to go straight to Captain Dave. We caught more fish than we could count and had a blast. I would recommend Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters to anybody looking for a great captain with endless knowledge of the area. Thank you Captain Dave.

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Captain DavidReplied on February 8, 2026

Chad Coughlin, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Tom ONeil

November 28, 2025

Trip - on November 28, 2025

Just finished our trout fishing charter. Captain Dave was awesome. Put us on lots of fish. He was very well versed on the area and a very interesting person. The fishing was a bonus. We really enjoyed our time with Dave and we can’t wait to redfish with him this summer. Thanks for a wonderful day.

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Captain DavidReplied on April 2, 2026

Tom ONeil, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.☠️🏴‍☠️🎣

Ethan Brock

November 2, 2025

Trip - Cape Lookout False Albacore Fishing Charter on November 2, 2025

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Max 4 guests

Catches : 1

Little Tunny
Catches: 1

We were able to go out with Capt Dave for false Albies and man did we have a good time! He is a great captain that communicated throughout the whole process and was able to put us on some great fish. We will definitely be booking with him again.

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Captain DavidReplied on November 3, 2025

Ethan Brock, Thank you! You guys where a great crew & I enjoyed the trip! Great Anglers! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣

Thomas Cozart

November 1, 2025

Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum) and Tarpon (July- August) on November 1, 2025

1:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Max 2 guests

Catches : 2

Yellow Bass
Catches: 1
Striped Bass
Catches: 1

My buddy and I had a great trip with Dave! It was my fourth time fishing with him and he really put us on the trout and striper today.

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Captain DavidReplied on November 1, 2025

Thomas Cozart, Thank you! Really fun day! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣

Michael Carlson

September 21, 2025

Trip - on September 21, 2025

Hardest working Captain I have ever met. Always finds the fish. Caught 13 of 14 Old Red drum hook ups . What a fantastic day. Have hired him many times over the past few years. I have fished with dozens of Captains thru out the years and I can honestly say there is no comparison to the knowledge and skill of Captain Dave in my opinion he is the best I have ever fished with and for sure the best on the Neuse River.

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Captain DavidReplied on September 21, 2025

Yesterday was Special. I am so glad you & Paul had such a fantastic day! Always a pleasure with you guys! “Always catches”; I sure wish that was a fact! 🤣🏴‍☠️☠️🎣

Trent Mallory

September 20, 2025

Trip - on September 20, 2025

David did not disappoint. Two citation drum and two 36”+ males. Good sized blues as well. His gear is top notch and boat is comfortable with plenty of room. You can tell he cares about the quality of his equipment and your experience. He has good restaurant recommendations too. :-)

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Captain DavidReplied on September 21, 2025

Super super trip & people! It was a fun day with great anglers! Thank You!

Paul Engelholm

September 19, 2025

Trip - on September 19, 2025

Let me start by saying I have used over a dozen captains in my 50 years of fishing and there is absolutely no one that I can honestly say works as hard and puts you on more fish than you could ask for then Captain Dave, since fishing with Dave I have not only caught fish every trip over 15 trips I have caught over a dozen trophy Red Drum the last 2 seasons with one trip landing us 13 monsters between two anglers his knowledge of the Neuse River is one of the best for sure If you would like to enjoy a day out fishing then look no further because Captain Dave is you guide. Not only will he put fish in the boat, but he will have you smiling all day with his awesome personality Captain Dave Hegel is one of a kind. Customer for LIFE

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Captain DavidReplied on April 2, 2026

Paul Engelholm, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣

Angelo Baio

September 5, 2025

Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum) and Tarpon (July- August) on September 5, 2025

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Max 1 guest

Today was our fishing club's second yearly trip with Dave and as usual he gave us a great time and we knocked those BlueFish dead on a feeding frenzy as wide as a football field right out of the gate.

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Captain DavidReplied on September 5, 2025

Angelo Baio, Thank you! You folks were awesome as always. Looking forward to our next trip. I think it’s becoming a yearly thing my friend!

Home of 18 of 24 IGFA World record Redfish. Capt. Dave Hegel has 40 years of experience on the Neuse River, Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound fishing for Old Drum, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Striper & Flounder ( We Cover Your Fishing License)

What Guests Are Saying About Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters in Pamlico Sound and the Outer Banks

Our fishing charter reviews highlight why anglers return year after year to fish with Captain Dave and Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Guests consistently praise the quality of each trip, from family-friendly outings to trophy Old Drum adventures. Many reviews mention landing big Redfish, Tarpon, and Speckled Trout in the Pamlico Sound, along with the excitement of nearshore action in the Outer Banks. With over 40 years of guiding experience, Captain Dave’s expertise and local knowledge ensure every guest leaves with lasting memories and a cooler full of stories to share.

Customer testimonials often point out how fun, educational, and stress-free the trips are—whether it’s a first-time angler learning the ropes or a seasoned fisherman chasing a bucket-list catch. Repeat customers value the personalized guidance, top-notch gear, and the chance to fish some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. These reviews prove why Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters is trusted for unforgettable North Carolina fishing experiences. See what others are saying and book your trip today!