Top-Rated NC Inshore Fishing for Trophy Redfish

Reel in Trophy Reds & Tarpon on the Pamlico

Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime on North Carolina's Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. Captain Dave's inshore charters put you right in the action during peak season for monster Old Drum (bull redfish) and acrobatic tarpon. From July through August, these waters come alive with some of the East Coast's most prized gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, this afternoon adventure delivers non-stop excitement and the chance to land that fish of a lifetime.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Dave's boat, you're in for a treat. These afternoon charters run during the prime summer months when massive schools of Old Drum and tarpon invade the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. We'll hit multiple hotspots, using a variety of techniques to entice these trophy fish. Expect to throw popping corks, work artificial lures, or soak cut bait depending on what the fish are keyed in on that day. The beauty of fishing here is the diversity - one minute you might be sight-casting to a tailing redfish in the shallows, the next you could be hooked up to a 100+ pound tarpon that's clearing the water with spectacular jumps. Captain Dave provides all the gear, licenses, and know-how to put you on fish. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to document your catches.

Tactics for Trophy Fish

Targeting Old Drum and tarpon requires some specialized techniques, and that's where Captain Dave's experience really shines. For the bull reds, we often use large chunks of fresh mullet or menhaden fished on the bottom. The key is finding the right depth and structure where these big fish congregate. Sometimes we'll drift expansive flats, other times we'll anchor up near channel edges or creek mouths. When the tarpon are rolling, it's a sight to behold. We'll use heavy spinning gear with circle hooks to present live mullet or menhaden. The bite is often subtle, but once that tarpon feels the hook and goes airborne, hold on tight! Captain Dave will coach you through the fight, helping you land that silver king. Don't be surprised if we also run into some hard-pulling jack crevalle or chunky speckled trout while we're out there. The Pamlico is full of surprises, and that's what makes every trip unique.

What Anglers Are Saying

"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

Old Drum (Bull Redfish): These are the granddaddies of the redfish world. Weighing anywhere from 30 to 50+ pounds, Old Drum are the trophy reds that migrate into the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River each summer. They earned their nickname because of the drumming sound they make during spawning season. Hooking into one of these bruisers is like trying to stop a freight train - they'll peel line off your reel in long, powerful runs. The fight can last 20 minutes or more, testing both your tackle and your stamina. What makes Old Drum so special is their rarity; catching one is a true accomplishment for any angler.

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the world. In the Pamlico region, we typically see fish in the 80 to 150-pound range, though larger specimens aren't unheard of. What sets tarpon apart is their acrobatic nature - when hooked, they often launch themselves completely out of the water in a series of spectacular jumps. Their large, silver scales and massive, bucket-like mouths make for incredible photos. Tarpon have hard, bony mouths, making them difficult to hook, and their endurance during the fight is legendary. Landing a tarpon is a bucket-list achievement for many anglers, and the Pamlico Sound offers some of the best opportunities on the East Coast during the summer months.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing adventure that combines the thrill of battling trophy gamefish with the beauty of North Carolina's coastal waters, this is it. Captain Dave's inshore charters offer a chance to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest fish the Pamlico has to offer. Whether you're dreaming of that bull red of a lifetime or hoping to check a tarpon off your bucket list, these summer afternoon trips deliver the goods. With all gear provided and expert guidance every step of the way, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. Don't let another season slip by - book your charter now and get ready for some epic battles on the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. The fish are waiting, and the memories will last a lifetime.