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Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Customer Reviews

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5/5

From 30
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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All Reviews

SN

Stan Neighbors

October 26, 2026
Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum): (August- October) on October 26, 2026

Really liked our Captain! Very experienced and fun to be with! Stan and rest of group!

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on October 27, 2026
Stan Neighbors, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
JH

John Hart

October 21, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on October 21, 2026

Great trip! Captain Dave put us on the fish. A wonderful day on the water with the Captain.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on October 22, 2026
John Hart, Thank you! Enjoyed the day immensely. ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
MD

Mark Davis

October 18, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on October 18, 2026

I had a great day with Capt Dave. We caught at least 50 Speckled Trout that day. I’ve never caught that many trout in one day. Very enjoyable trip.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on October 18, 2026
Mark Davis, Thank you! It wS a fun day!  Looking forward to our next trip. 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
CT

Chris Thorn

September 29, 2026
Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum): (August- October) on September 29, 2026

2nd time with captain Dave. Great captain, great communicator, clean boat. Couldn’t ask for morel

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on September 29, 2026
Chris Thorn, Thank you! You guys were a blast! “ Let’s Go!!!” 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
WL

William Leach

September 26, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on September 26, 2026

We had a great time with captain Dave. Very comfortable boat and great equipment.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on September 27, 2026
William Leach, Thank you! Happy Anniversary! both awesome anglers!!! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
HS

Herb Schmidt

September 2, 2026
Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum): (August- October) on September 2, 2026

Dave’s expertise and perseverance shined through on a hot day with not too many fish showing themselves until later in the afternoon. All three of us in the trip caught fish with a 46” fish being the best of the day. Dave’s great to be around and does not hesitate to share his knowledge. Book yourself a trip and find out for yourself.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on September 3, 2026
Herb Schmidt, Thank you! I think we all lost 30 lbs tiday. HOT!! Glad we got ‘em, Fun day my friend! ☠️🏴‍☠️🎣
OS

Owen Son

June 22, 2026
Trip - NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure (Red Fish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder & Striped Bass.) on June 22, 2026

We didn’t catch any fish but Capt Dave didn’t give up. It was a tough day but the family had fun

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on June 22, 2026
Owen Son, Thank you! You are not counting toad fish and rays? Haha, tough day for sure but great crew!!! Thanks Again!
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

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
EB

Ethan Brock

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

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

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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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on November 1, 2025
Thomas Cozart, Thank you! Really fun day! 🏴‍☠️☠️🎣
AB

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

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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Dave Hegel
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!
DR

Doug Reynolds

August 29, 2025
Trip - Professional Inshore Fishing Charter North Carolina for Trophy Redfish (Old Drum/Bull Drum) and Tarpon (July- August) on August 29, 2025

Tough day fishing however Captain Dave absolutely busted his butt trying to get us on a big fish. He was great with my little man on the boat as well. Professional in all he does. Tough day but I looking forward to fish with Dave again in the near future.

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Dave Hegel
Captain DavidReplied on September 5, 2025
Doug Reynolds , Thank you! I enjoyed both of you immensely!  Looking forward to our next trip.

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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