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Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Customer Reviews

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4.97/5

From 68
verified reviews

jackAiIconJack 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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Fishing at an unknown locationScenic fishing location with no visible fishPerson fishing in unknown locationFreshly caught striped bass displayed on fishing boat near wooden bridge structureStriped bass caught on fishing charter boatA person fishing for a striped bass in an unknown locationPerson fishing in unknown locationRedfish caught while fishingReeling 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 locationFishing at an unknown locationSummer Flounder fishingSummer Flounder, a 15-inch fish, caught while fishingAwesome 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 skiesHooked 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 dayA 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 rainAngler with a 20-inch fish caught while fishingEnjoying a partly cloudy day with some light tackle angling in Oriental.Reeling in a hefty black drum on a lightweight tackle setupHooked 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.Tackling the day with a light touch in Oriental, NC.Reeled in a big redfish with light tackle in Oriental, NC.Big redfish caught on light tackle on a perfect day!Angler reeled in a massive redfish on a perfect day!review imagesA spotty weakfish snagged with some light tackle - what a catch!Mastering the art of light tackle fishing in the picturesque town of Oriental, NC.Big redfish caught on light tackle on a perfect day!Huge redfish reeled in on a brilliant day!That redfish sure put up a fight! Beautiful catch in Oriental, NC.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 a feisty redfish with Light Tackle in Oriental, NC!Hooked the fish of a lifetime at 301 Midyette St under partly cloudy skies!Reeled in a good one today!review imagesreview imagesSpending a peaceful day on the water, reeling in a catch or two.review imagesreview imagesreview imagesreview imagesreview imagesRedfish caught while fishingreview imagesreview imagesreview imagesRedfish caught while fishingRedfish caught fishing in unknown location4 redfish caught while fishingStriped bass fishing in unknown location4 spotted weakfish and bluefish caught during fishing outingStriped bass fishing at unknown locationImpressive haul of 6 bluefish, spotted weakfish, and redfish caught while fishingFour redfish caught while fishingRedfish caught while fishing in an unknown locationRedfish caught fishing in unknown location4 redfish caught while fishingStriped bass fishing in unknown location4 spotted weakfish and bluefish caught during fishing outingStriped bass fishing at unknown locationImpressive haul of 6 bluefish, spotted weakfish, and redfish caught while fishingFour redfish caught while fishingRedfish caught while fishing in an unknown locationreview imagesThree redfish caught in an unknown location

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All Reviews

HS

Herb Schmidt

June 17, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on June 17, 2026
Clock Icon 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Person IconMax 3 guests

Another great day on the water with Captain Dave despite some tough fishing conditions. He did a great job in educating us and keeping our crew engaged. Looking forward to future trips with him. Highly recommended.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on June 18, 2026
Herb Schmidt, Thank you! It was a grind! I so apirevuate you guys; such a great crew! 
RW

Roger Walden

June 6, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on June 6, 2026
Clock Icon 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Person IconMax 3 guests

Great time with captain David . He is a great guide. We caught the limit for red drum.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on June 14, 2026
Roger Walden, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣 Capt Dave
SH

Stan Honeycutt

May 25, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on May 24, 2026
Clock Icon 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Person IconMax 2 guests

Captain Dave was knowledgeable, energetic and determined to find us some fish, and he came through with flying colors.We caught our share of redfish, trout, and blue fish, and ended the day with a nice sized striper. Dave worked diligently to keep the rods ready, and he and his boat were in great shape and highly organized. I would recommend him highly and look forward to going on another adventure with him down the road.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on May 25, 2026
Stan Honeycutt, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. i had an ball!!! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
review image

Stanley Stasiewicz

May 3, 2026
Trip - on May 3, 2026

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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on May 3, 2026
It was my pleasure and really enjoyed both of you! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
SS

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
Clock Icon 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Person IconMax 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.

Freshly caught striped bass displayed on fishing boat near wooden bridge structureStriped bass caught on fishing charter boat
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Dave Hegel
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! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
PE

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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on May 2, 2026
Paul Engelholm, Thank you! Anybody that likes Marshall Tucker is welcome anytyime! As akways; you were a pleasure! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
SB

Scott Barbour

April 12, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on April 12, 2026
Clock Icon 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Person IconMax 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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Dave Hegel
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
review image

Jeff Caviness

March 19, 2026
Trip - on March 19, 2026

Had a great day with Capt. Dave!

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on March 19, 2026
Too kind! Thank you! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
CC

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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on February 8, 2026
Chad Coughlin, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
TO

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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on April 2, 2026
Tom ONeil, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
EB

Ethan Brock

November 2, 2025
Trip - Cape Lookout False Albacore Fishing Charter on November 2, 2025
Clock Icon 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Person IconMax 4 guests

Catches : 1

  • Little TunnyLittle 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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on November 3, 2025
Ethan Brock, Thank you! You guys where a great crew & I enjoyed the trip! Great Anglers! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
TC

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
Clock Icon 1:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Person IconMax 2 guests

Catches : 2

  • Yellow BassYellow Bass

    Catches: 1

  • Striped BassStriped 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.

A person fishing for a striped bass in an unknown location
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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on November 1, 2025
Thomas Cozart, Thank you! Really fun day! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣

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!

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Home of 18 World Record Redfish!

Make your next fishing adventure unforgettable with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters in Pamlico Sound, NC—where local expertise meets world-class action on the water. Book your trip today and let Captain Dave turn your day into a story you’ll be telling for years to come!

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