Next AvailableDec 21

Book with Dave Hegel

Guides > Captain Dave Hegel

Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters

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Oriental NC

Dave Hegel, Captain at Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters

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 Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters offers the best fishing experience in North Carolina! Home of 18 of 24 IFGA 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 In his 40-year fishing experience, Captain Dave cherishes the moments he spent fishing with some of the biggest names in the industry. From saltwater legends like George Poveromo and Mark Sosin to professional red fishing teams, and bass icons such as Denny Brauer, Larry Nixon, Guido and Dion Hibdon, Davy Hite, and Bobby and Billy Murray, Dave has had the privilege of learning from the best. These experiences have equipped Captain Dave with invaluable skills and knowledge that only come from fishing with the pros. Ranging from 3-hour to 8-hour trips, this North Carolina fishing charter is sure to cater your budget and availability! Year round, Captain Dave can take you Neuse River fishing, Pamlico River fishing, Pamlico Sound fishing for a variety of species. From July to October, seek the legendary Tarpon and Old Drum (Bull Reds) that come from the Atlantic to spawn. Year round PPFC offers, Slot & puppy Redfish, Striper, Sea Trout, Flounder, Blue Fish and in the summertime, Spanish Mackerel. Your trips with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters will be aboard the gorgeous Skipplett. Skipplett is powered by a 2021 300 HP Suzuki 4 Stroke Outboard with Jack Plate on a 23’ Boca Bay made by AquaSport. The boat also contains a beautiful T-Top shade and 2 live wells. It is equipped with a 12-inch Simrad Side and Down Scan, GPS, Stereo, and a Minn-Kota 36 volt Riptide trolling motor. The magnificent customization of the boat makes it perfect for the conditions and fishing styles of the Neuse & Pamlico Rivers and the Pamlico sound. 


On your trip with PPFC, you are provided the use of the outstanding Star Fishing Rods, Daiwa BG reels, a Yeti cooler should you bring beverages & snacks. If you plan on keeping your legal catches; we suggest you bring a cooler for your trip home. We recommend Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and suitable attire. NC coastal weather can be very hot and winter can be chilly.


Hop on board & book your trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters for the best North Carolina fishing adventure.

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Trips Available with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters

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

Fishing

Starting At $475

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

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: The Neuse River has fantastic year-round fishing for many species. Bull or "Old Drum" Redfish, Slot Red Fish, Bluefish and Striper are targeted with "catching fish" as the goal for this trip. Whatever is "HOT", is the plan for your charter. Capt. Dave Hegel has the set up on his vessel, for a comfortable day on the water. As part of the Parker Offshore Prostaff, Capt. Dave runs a brand new 2025 Parker SE, designed to sneak into shallow waters and stalk these awesome inshore fish targeting the highest catch ratio for that time of year. Captain Dave loves to hear; "FISH ON!"

North Carolina Fishing Charter: Trophy Bull, "OLD" Drum & Tarpon: June-Oct (Price Includes Three Guests)

Fishing

Starting At $715

North Carolina Fishing Charter: Trophy Bull, "OLD" Drum & Tarpon: June-Oct (Price Includes Three Guests)

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: Join us for an incredible fishing adventure in the inshore waters of North Carolina. On these charters we will specifically be targeting trophy sized Redfish as they move into shallower waters from the middle of summer until the fall. North Carolina and specifically the waters we fish are home to a huge chunk of world record Redfish. There is no better place to target these fish than in the waters. During this time of the year, we also have spawning Tarpon as a bonus! Let's get you hooked up! License is covered by Captain Dave.

Afternoon Bull/"OLD" Drum Excursion (3 Guest)

Fishing

Starting At $715

Afternoon Bull/"OLD" Drum Excursion (3 Guest)

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Inshore

Capacity:

Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: Chase the legendary Neuse River "Old Drum" on an afternoon to twilight trip. Captain Dave Hegel lives on the Neuse River and has been fishing his home waters since 1984. Home to 18 of 24 IFGA World Records for Redfish, the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound offers world class trophy Redfish as they come from the Atlantic Ocean to spawn from July till late October. Afternoon trips can be VERY productive when they move towards the shoal edges to feed at dusk. Fish from 3:00pm until sunset using a variety of methods from chasing bait balls with popping corks to soaking cut bait on shoal edges.

False Albacore Frenzy at Cape Lookout, NC

Fishing

Starting At $715

False Albacore Frenzy at Cape Lookout, NC

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Offshore

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: These amazingly strong & fast gamefish are a "bucket list" for anyone visiting NC in the Fall. When these "tuna" surface it's a race to the school to cast to the "JET" like fish on light tackle. Pound for Pound, one of the best fights in fishing. Little Tunny or False Albacore are a day of drag pulling and laughing!

New Bern, NC Multi-Species Fishing (Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Striper & Blues)

Fishing

Starting At $475

New Bern, NC Multi-Species Fishing (Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Striper & Blues)

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: Fish historical New Bern, NC with 40 years of experience. Captain Dave Hegel is a full-time inshore guide, who lives on the Neuse River & is fishing daily on the system. The Neuse River has fantastic year-round fishing for many species. Bull or "Old Drum" Redfish, Slot Red Fish, Bluefish and Striper are targeted with "catching fish" as the goal for this trip. Whatever is "HOT", is the plan for your charter. Capt. Dave Hegel has the set up on his vessel, for a comfortable day on the water. As part of the Parker Offshore Prostaff, Capt. Dave runs a brand new 2025 Parker SE, designed to sneak i

Cape Lookout Cobia Quest

Fishing

Starting At $715

Cape Lookout Cobia Quest

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: Normally a solitary fish, starting in May, Cape Lookout and the Outer Banks of NC have a fantastic Cobia spawn migration inshore. Using various techniques from live bait to bucktails, Captain Dave is ready with a plan! The NC State record Cobia of 116.5 pounds was caught in 2006, right near Cape Lookout. Cobia have been a "bucket list fish" for many sportsmen, Capt. Lookout is a great place to land one. Departing out of the Beaufort, NC area, you'll spend your day around the famed, "Hook" of Cape Lookout, around the wild horses of OBX and the famed Lighthouse!

NC Coastal Fly Fishing: The Ultimate Challenge (Price Includes 2 Guests)

Fishing

Starting At $475

NC Coastal Fly Fishing: The Ultimate Challenge (Price Includes 2 Guests)

Fishing Area: North Carolina

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: Embark on a challenging and rewarding adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters! Fly Fishing is such a fun and exciting way to target Redfish & Tarpon; our inshore waters of North Carolina offer an abundance of species year-round. Whether we are fishing for Trophy Drum, Tarpon or Slot Drum tailing in the shallows, the excitement is all the same with a fly rod in hand. Make sure to bring your own rod and flies while we guide you to the best spots for inshore fly fishing. We cover your North Carolina fishing license. We look forward to fishing with you, so book your trip today!

Scenic Boat Tour of Oriental, NC (7 Guest)

Tour

Starting At $500

Scenic Boat Tour of Oriental, NC (7 Guest)

Tour Area: North Carolina

Tour: Cruise

Fishing Boat:

Parker • 23' Parker • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: See beautiful Oriental, NC and bask at the views of the gorgeous harbor town off the ICW. Climb aboard a 2025 23' Parker 23SE with Porta Potti. Capt. Dave Hegel will take you on a tour of the area to see nature and the waterway. Dolphin, Birds and occasionally a bear might be seen. Tours are 3 hours and can be selected for a tour start time, between 9AM and 3 PM.

FAQs about Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 35 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 35 recommendations
5
35
4
3
2
1
Our Captain is loved for...
Best Boat
Great For Novices
Great For Top Anglers
Great Guide
Good with Kids
Best Spots
D
DavidFritsch

December 21, 2024

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

T
TIMOTHYMcknight

December 21, 2024

I'm 41 and I caught the biggest redfish I have ever seen in my life! Captain Dave is a great guide and an even better person. So much fun. Thank you again! Justin, Bryce, and Clark

December 21, 2024

I have had the pleasure of fishing with Capt. Dave on numerous occasions. We have caught bluefish, flounder, speckled trout, spanish mackerel and both puppy and bull red drum. He is very knowledgeable of the area, and his boat is well suited for this type of fishing (fast, stable and shallow draft). He will do everything within his expertise to get you dialed in on the fish, and you will have a good time doing it. Don't miss out; give him a try!

December 21, 2024

My wife, grandson and I had an awesome morning fishing with Capt Dave. With the season just heating up and the winds picking up this morning, we had be best morning that we could have and did boat fish despite difficult conditions. Capt Dave willingly shared his knowledge and techniques for us to use on future trips. The boat, equipment, and safety gear were all up to date, clean and ready to do their jobs. Reels were freshly spooled, corrosion free and clearly well maintained. I'd not hesitate to book another trip or recommend him. From first timers, to seasoned fishermen, The Pamlico Pirate has something for everyone, aarrrgggghh. Fair winds and following seas to all.

December 21, 2024

Very knowledgeable about the bulls, hard working, never stops trying to put you on the fish

December 21, 2024

David is an excellent choice to book a fishing charter out on the Pamlico. He’s been on the water fishing his entire life and will put you on the fish. His boat and equipment are top knotch too!