Your Captain
Dave Hegel
Identity Verified
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.
What's Included
Transportation to and from the trip location.
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This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
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Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
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This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
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When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Transportation to and from the trip location.
Show More
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Show More
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
Show More
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Show More
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Fishing
Starting At $715
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $715
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $475
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $715
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $475
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $715
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $608
Description:
Fishing
Starting At $475
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!"
Tour
Starting At $500
Description:
Parker
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
23 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Parker
Model Year:
2025
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Yamaha
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
250
Maximum Cruising Speed:
55
Features: Toilet Multimedia System GPS
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters runs a 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE This boat is perfect for our pamlico sound fishing charters.
Parker
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
23 ft
Vehicle Details
Action-packed day from the get-go! I took Casey and their crew out for some inshore fishing on the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River near Oriental, NC this summer. We launched early in the morning under partly cloudy skies, with a chance of storms later in the day. The conditions were perfect for our target species, and I was eager to show my crew what Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters could deliver. With our gear rigged and ready, we set out to find some redfish. I knew the area well and had a few spots in mind where we could try our luck. We started with some bottom fishing, using live bait to entice the reds. As we worked the area, I shared some tips on reading the water and spotting signs of fish activity. Our patience paid off when Casey hooked into a nice 17-inch redfish - a great catch to start the day! After that initial success, we switched things up and tried popping corks. This technique can be really effective for redfish in these waters, and it didn't disappoint. We had a few more bites and landed another red, keeping the action steady throughout the morning. The partly cloudy weather actually worked in our favor, providing some cover without being too gloomy. We wrapped up the trip with smiles all around, having put some solid redfish in the boat. If you're thinking about coming out to fish the famous NC Pamlico Sound and Neuse River, I'd love to take you out with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. We offer a Multi-Species Fishing Adventure that targets not just redfish, but also bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. It's a great way to experience the diverse fishery we have here in Oriental, NC. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our charters are tailored to give you the best shot at landing some quality fish. We provide all the gear and knowledge you need for a successful day on the water. The summer months are prime time for many of our target species, so don't miss out on the action. Book your NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with us, and let's chase some reds, blues, stripers, flounder, and trout together. With our local expertise and the rich waters of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River, you're in for a real treat. Give us a call, and we'll set you up for an unforgettable day of inshore fishing in one of North Carolina's most productive fisheries.
What a great day on the water we had here in Minnesott Beach, Pamlico County! I took Daryl out for our NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure, and the fishing was absolutely on fire. May is a prime time for inshore fishing in this area, with the warming waters bringing the fish up to feed aggressively. We hit the water right around 8:00 am and started working the shorelines and creek mouths with our light tackle setups. It didn't take long before Daryl's rod bent over hard—he was into a nice Redfish that put up a spirited fight. After getting that one in the boat, the action just kept coming. We landed Spotted Trout, Bluefish, and a solid Black Drum, all putting on a show and keeping us on our toes. The fishing was great, but the best part was just spending a fun day on the water with good company. The weather cooperated beautifully, with partly cloudy skies and a comfortable breeze. Even when the late afternoon rain rolled in, we just hunkered down and kept casting, determined to make the most of every minute. Between the great catches and the incredible scenery of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River, it was the perfect way to experience the best of inshore fishing here in eastern North Carolina. If you're looking to get in on the amazing multi-species action in the Pamlico region, I highly recommend booking a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're targeting trophy Redfish, hard-fighting Bluefish, or any of the other amazing inshore species that call these waters home, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. The NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure is an incredible way to experience it all, so don't hesitate—get in touch and let's get you out on the water!
What a great day of inshore fishing we had with Samantha and their crew out on the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River! As a guide with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, I always look forward to these NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure trips. May is a prime time to target a variety of inshore species like Redfish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Striped Bass in these waters, and the weather was perfect - partly cloudy skies all day. We met up at The Bean and got the group loaded up and headed out.The fishing was on from the moment we started working the light tackle setup. It didn't take long before someone in the crew had a bend in Lynlee age 6; rod - a nice Black Drum had taken the bait! After a solid fight, we got that beauty in the boat and quickly released it. The action stayed steady, with the crew getting in on the Croaker & Pinfish bite. I love watching the excitement when someone hooks into a fish, especially when it's their first time reeling one in. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter makes these trips so rewarding.By the end of the day, we had a great mix of species, a testament to the incredible diversity of the Neuse River fishery. Even when the bite slowed down a bit, we still had a blast, just enjoying the day on the water. The cloudy conditions and calm waters made for a comfortable, relaxing experience, perfect for taking in the beautiful coastal scenery. These multi-species trips are always a hit, giving anglers the chance to target a variety fish and never knowing what might hit the line next.If you're looking to experience the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer, I can't recommend the NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters enough. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting into the sport, we'll make sure you have an unforgettable time out on the water, chasing Redfish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Striped Bass. The Pamlico Sound and Neuse River are world-class fisheries, and we know them like the back of our hand. Book your trip today, and let's get you hooked up!
What a day out on the water! I had the pleasure of guiding Matthew on a NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, and it was one for the books. May is a prime time for inshore fishing in this area, with the Spotted Weakfish and Redfish really getting fired up as the waters warm up. We met up at the dock in Oriental, NC, and got the lines baited and ready to go. The conditions were shaping up nicely - a little stormy in the morning, but the weather was clearing as the day went on, which was perfect for targeting those inshore species. As we started working the light tackle, it didn't take long before we started hooked up. Matthew was into some solid Spotted Weakfish, putting up great fights and filling the cooler. In between those bites, we also managed to land a few feisty Redfish, which are always a blast on the light gear. The fishing stayed strong all day, with a nice steady bite that kept us on our toes. It was just one of those days where everything seemed to come together - the fish were cooperative, the weather held out, and we had great company on board. That's what makes these inshore trips so much fun, you know? Not just the thrill of landing a nice fish, but being out on the water, enjoying the outdoors, and creating some awesome memories with a fellow angler. If you're looking to get in on some incredible inshore fishing action in Oriental, NC, I can't recommend the NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters enough. Whether you're after Spotted Weakfish, Redfish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Flounder or Striped Bass, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. The Pamlico Sound and Neuse River are teeming with amazing inshore species, and our crew knows exactly how to put you on the bite. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and let's get you out on the water!
We had a great day out on the water fishing the famed Pamlico Sound and Neuse River in Oriental, North Carolina. As a guide with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters, I was thrilled to show Denis, our lone guest, the fantastic inshore fishing this region has to offer.The weather was perfect - partly cloudy throughout the day, with great water conditions that had the fish biting. We started off using light tackle, casting and working the shallow flats for spotted trout and redfish. The action was steady, with Denis hooking into several nice reds that put up a great fight before we carefully released them. In between the red action, we also managed to boat a few healthy spotted trout & blues, which always put on an exciting show.The trip had a great flow, with enough action to keep us engaged, but also plenty of time to kick back and take in the beautiful Pamlico Sound scenery. It's hard to beat the thrill of watching a big red aggressively crush a topwater lure, or feeling the powerful runs of a feisty weakfish. Those are the moments that make these inshore trips so special. And of course, the best part is sharing those experiences with fellow anglers and creating memories that will last long after the trip is over.If you're looking to get in on the excellent inshore fishing that North Carolina's Pamlico region has to offer, I can't recommend Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters enough. Whether you're targeting reds, speckled trout, flounder, or a mixed bag of species, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have an unforgettable day on the water. Book your NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure today, and let's go catch some fish!
We had a great day out on the water with Tevin, exploring the beautiful New Bern, NC area with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. May is an excellent time for inshore multi-species fishing around these parts, with the warming waters drawing in Redfish, Bluefish, Trout, and more. The weather was cooperating fully, with clear conditions throughout the day, and the water was in great shape as we launched from Lawson Creek Park. As soon as we hit the river, we started working the light tackle, casting live bait and lures to cover the different structure and current seams. It didn't take long before Tevin's rod doubled over—he had hooked into a feisty Redfish that put up one heck of a fight. After a few tense minutes, we got that beauty in the boat, and it was the perfect start to the trip. The action kept coming, with Tevin landing a scrappy Bluefish shortly after. We worked different spots, and the fish kept coming, making for an exciting and productive day on the water. The scenery around New Bern is just stunning, and being out on the river with the sun shining made the whole experience that much better. Between the great fishing, the beautiful surroundings, and the awesome company, this trip had it all. Tevin was a natural out there, and it was a pleasure guiding him and seeing the joy on his face every time he hooked up. If you're looking to experience the best of inshore multi-species fishing in the New Bern, NC area, be sure to book your trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're after hard-fighting Redfish and Bluefish, or you want to target Trout, Flounder, and Stripers, we've got the knowledge and the gear to put you on the fish. Our New Bern, NC Multi-Species Fishing (Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Striper & Blues) trips are the perfect way to get out on the water and create some incredible memories. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and let's go fish!
Today was an absolute blast out on the water with Erik, exploring the inshore waters around Oriental on our NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure. May is a prime time to target a variety of species in these parts, and that's exactly what we set out to do. We started the day meeting up near Oriental, NC under partly cloudy skies, got our gear ready, and headed out to work the inshore flats and creek mouths. With the favorable weather and great water conditions, we were able to really cover some ground and tap into the stellar inshore bite. Speckled Trout were aggressively feeding, and Erik wasted no time hooking into a nice one That fish put up a spirited fight before we safely released it. As we continued working the area, the Redfish started showing up, and we got Erik dialed in on some sweet light tackle action. He was putting the cast right where it needed to be, and the Reds were absolutely crushing his lures. A few Southern Flounder and Black Drum also made their way into the boat, adding some nice variety to the mix. It was awesome watching Erik's skills shine as he seamlessly switched between fly, bait, and lure presentations to match the fish's moods. All in all, it was one of those days on the water that just reminds you why this is such a special place to chase a variety of inshore species. The conditions were perfect, the fish were willing, and we had a blast together out on the water. If you're looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River have to offer, be sure to book your NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. We'll put you on the fish and make sure you have an amazing time doing it!
It was a beautiful Spring day in Oriental, North Carolina as I welcomed Larry aboard for our NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure. April is a prime time for inshore fishing in these waters, with the warming temperatures bringing the Bluefish, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Stripers into the shallows of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. We set out from the docks, ready to target whatever was biting best. I rigged up with a mix of fly fishing, baitcasting, and light tackle setups, knowing we'd need to be adaptable to find the hot bite. It didn't take long before Larry's rod doubled over - he'd hooked into a feisty Bluefish that put up one heck of a fight. We worked that fish hard, and after a few wild runs, he brought it boatside. Always a fun fish to tangle with! Over the next few hours, we covered a lot of prime inshore water, sight-fishing the flats and working current seams for any signs of life. The fish were active, and we had a blast working different presentations to draw strikes. Though we didn't land any monster Reds or Trout today, the non-stop action on the Bluefish kept us thoroughly entertained. It was one of those perfect days on the water - great weather, excellent water conditions, and steady fishing action. If you're looking to experience the best inshore fishing that North Carolina has to offer, I'd highly recommend booking the NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're after Redfish, Speckled Trout, Stripers, or just want to get in on some fast-paced Bluefish action, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have an amazing day on the water. Can't wait to get you out here and on the fish!
We had a fantastic day out on the water today with Cheryl and the crew, chasing inshore species in the famed Pamlico Sound and Neuse River near Oriental, North Carolina. April is a prime time for this kind of multi-species action, with the warming waters bringing the fish up shallow and keeping them hungry. The weather wasn't ideal, with some wind throughout the day, but we were able to adapt and find the fish. We tried a variety of techniques - fly fishing, bait casting, and light tackle - to cover different depths and target the most active species. While we didn't manage to hook any big Redfish or Speckled Trout, we did find some feisty Bluefish and Stingrays that kept us on our toes. The wind made things a bit tougher, but we stayed positive and just focused on enjoying the day out on the water. Between the occasional hookup, we took in the beautiful Pamlico scenery, admiring the marshes and wildlife. And even without landing any prized inshore species, the camaraderie and overall experience made it a truly memorable trip. If you're looking to get in on the best inshore fishing that North Carolina has to offer, I highly recommend booking a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're targeting Bull Reds, Slot Reds, Bluefish, Stripers, or the ever-elusive Speckled Trout, Captain Dave and his team have the skills and local knowledge to put you on the fish. And with their comfortable, well-equipped boat, you can enjoy a full day on the water in style. So if you're planning a fishing trip to the Pamlico area, don't hesitate to reach out and let us show you an unforgettable day on the water.
It was a beautiful April day when Taylor joined me out on the water for some fantastic inshore fishing around New Bern, North Carolina. The Neuse River is truly a special fishery, and this time of year is prime for targeting a variety of species like Striped Bass and Spotted Seatrout. With clear skies and great water conditions, we knew we were in for an action-packed day. As we launched the boat from Lawson Creek Park and started working the river, it didn't take long before the rods started bending. We tried a mix of techniques, from fly fishing to baitcasting, to see what the fish were keying in on. The Striped Bass were hitting our lures aggressively, putting up a great fight and showing off their impressive size and power. In between the Stripers, we also managed to hook into some nice Spotted Seatrout, which put on an impressive aerial display before we carefully released them back into the river. The fishing stayed consistent throughout the day, and it was just a pleasure being out on the water. Between the great scenery, comfortable boat, and the satisfaction of tight lines, it was the perfect way to spend a day. I've been guiding these waters for over 40 years, and I still get excited every time I get to share the Neuse River with anglers like Taylor. There's nothing quite like watching someone experience the thrill of catching their first Striped Bass or Spotted Seatrout. If you're looking to get in on the amazing inshore fishing that New Bern has to offer, I'd highly recommend booking a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, we'll make sure you have an unforgettable day on the water, targeting species like Stripers, Seatrout, Redfish, and more. The Neuse River is truly a fishing paradise, and I can't wait to share it with you. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and let's go catch some fish!
It was another great day out on the water with Joe, exploring the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound near Oriental, North Carolina. April is a prime time for inshore fishing around these parts, with the Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum, and other species really starting to get active in the warming spring waters. We had partly cloudy skies and great water conditions, perfect for our light tackle and fly fishing adventure. As soon as we got the lines in, the action picked up. Joe was into Spotted Seatrout right away, working his fly presentation perfectly to draw strikes from these feisty fish. Not long after, he hooked into a nice Red Drum, putting up a nice fight before we got it in the boat. We kept rotating through different techniques - baitcasting, light tackle, and fly fishing - picking apart the structure and points to find where the fish were holding. The variety of species had us on our toes, and it was just a blast going after whatever was biting. The trip had a great flow, with steady action and a nice mix of fish. Between the productive fishing, the comfortable ride, and the beautiful surroundings, it was a day that really encapsulated why I love guiding these inshore charters. Joe was a pleasure to have on board, and I could tell he was having a blast trying his hand at different presentations and techniques to get those fish to eat. If you're looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing in North Carolina, I'd highly recommend booking a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're after "Bull" Redfish, slot Reds, Speckled Trout, Flounder, or Striped Bass, we've got the knowledge and the gear to put you on the bite. Our custom Parker SE boat is designed to get you into those skinny, inshore waters without any trouble, and with my years of experience guiding these waters, I'll make sure you have an unforgettable time on the water. So if you're ready to get in on the action, give us a call and let's get you out there!
We had a fantastic day out on the water with Brandon Christner and the crew for a NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. March in Oriental, North Carolina is prime time for inshore fishing, with the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound offering excellent opportunities to target a variety of species like Redfish, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, and Striped Bass. Despite the partly cloudy skies and sporadic rain, the conditions were great, and we wasted no time getting our lines in the water. We mixed it up, trying different techniques like fly fishing, bait casting, and light tackle to see what the fish were responding to. It didn't take long before the rods started bending, and we were into some nice Spotted Seatrout. These fish put up a great fight, stripping line and making acrobatic jumps as we worked to bring them in. The action stayed consistent throughout the day, and we had a blast working the flats and structure, trying to predict where the fish would be holding. In between the bites, we had the chance to take in the scenic waterways and beautiful coastal scenery. It's hard to beat the peacefulness of gliding across the gentle waters, surrounded by nature, and then getting the adrenaline rush of a fish hitting the bait. If you're looking to experience the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer, book your NC Charter Multi-Species Fishing Adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. Whether you're after hard-fighting Redfish, feisty Bluefish, or the elusive Speckled Trout, our expert guides will put you on the fish and make sure you have an unforgettable day on the water. From the moment you step on board, you'll be treated to first-class service, top-of-the-line equipment, and the kind of local knowledge that can only come from true fishing veterans. So don't miss your chance to chase some of the Southeast's most prized inshore species - book your trip today!
Today, anglers aboard the Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters enjoyed excellent fishing conditions in Pamlico Sound. The morning started with a productive session targeting redfish around the oyster beds and marsh grass edges. Using live shrimp and cut bait, anglers found success with several slot-sized red drum ranging from 18 to 27 inches. As the sun rose higher, we shifted focus to speckled trout in deeper channels and around submerged structures. Artificial baits such as soft plastic paddle tails and popping corks with live minnows proved effective, yielding trout in the 14 to 20-inch range. The trout bite remained steady throughout the mid-morning hours. Later in the day, we ventured to sandy flats and sandy-bottom areas to target flounder. Using mud minnows and Gulp! baits bounced along the bottom, anglers hooked into some quality flounder, with notable catches weighing up to 3 pounds.
Spring Trout Bite
Great beginning to the year! Despite the obstacles faced during our fishing expedition in North Carolina, these individuals successfully managed to catch some fish. Our inshore fishing adventure resulted in bountiful catches, including some incredible redfish!
Winter trout bite is HOT! Fish are between creek entrances & as far back as you can get. Fish SLOW & then slow down more. Mid Day seems to be peak. Twitch and pause long enough to check your emails. There are some puppy drum schools running as a bonus catch. Mark deep holes and bait with electronics.
Ratings & Reviews Summary
Best Reviews
July 6, 2025
Had a great time on the water! He was easy to talk to, never bored! Dave was great with our 12yr old son. I love that he used live bait. Highly recommended!
July 6, 2025
Had a great time on the water! He was easy to talk to, never bored! Dave was great with our 12yr old son. I love that he used live bait. Highly recommended!
July 6, 2025
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
July 6, 2025
Awesome trip! Had a great time! Great captain! Achieved our objective of catching a trophy drum! Couldn't have asked for more!
July 6, 2025
My only regret is I cant give this gentleman more stars. This is a trip we should all long to take . I have taken many guided trips and this man went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Thanks again and we will definitely be seeing you again sir.
July 6, 2025
We booked Dave on memorial day which turned out to be a rough day on the water, we decided to call it quits and Dave gave us the remaining hours of our trip today which was a beautiful day on the water!! We had an amazing time caught some great fish and would recommend him to anyone looking for a amazing guide and trip...Can't thank him enough for taking the time with us...
July 6, 2025
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.
July 6, 2025
I have fished with David Hegel multiple times, in the past few years, around the Pamlico area. He has put us on not only the huge red drum, but some nice trout, beautiful flounder, and occasionally s striped bass. We have even caught some healthy largemouth bass further up the rivers. His boat "Skiplett" is a 2021, 23 foot Boca Bay boat, powered by a 300hp 4 stroke Suzuki outboard that is very quiet and has the power to get you fishing fast! The boat is very well maintained and decked out with a 12 inch Garmin depth finder, also a remote controlled Minnkota trolling motor! the T top is nice for a little shade on those hot days. We have been in some very skinny water with it, as well as a very rough Pamlico sound, this boat rides great. David has top of the line fishing gear/ tackle as well. Including Star rods, and every lure you may need on your trip. With David being in the boating and Fishing industries for most of his life, he has some great stories and will definitely keep you entertained. We have shared some great laughs and unforgettable memories out on and around the Pamlico. I highly recommend Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters!