5.0(2 Reviews)Afternoon Bull Red Fishing on Neuse River
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target legendary "Old Drum" redfish in world-record watersFish afternoon to sunset using multiple proven techniquesCaptain Dave brings 40 years local Neuse River expertise
Captain Dave Hegel knows these waters like the back of his hand – he's been fishing the Neuse River since 1984 and actually lives right on the water. When you're looking to tangle with some serious bull reds, this afternoon trip puts you right where the action happens. The Neuse River and Pamlico Sound system is home to 18 of 24 IGFA World Records for redfish, and there's a reason for that. These legendary "Old Drum" move in from the Atlantic to spawn between July and late October, creating some of the best trophy redfish opportunities on the East Coast. This 3-guest maximum trip runs from 3:00 PM until sunset, giving you prime time access to when these fish start getting active.
You'll be fishing during the magic hours when bull reds shift their behavior and start moving toward the shoal edges to feed. Captain Dave has dialed in this pattern over nearly four decades of fishing these home waters, and he knows exactly where to position the boat as the afternoon progresses into evening. The trip covers both the Neuse River system and Pamlico Sound, giving you access to a massive area where these trophy fish roam. Don't expect to just anchor up in one spot – Dave reads the water, watches for bait movement, and keeps you on fish throughout the trip. The afternoon timing is crucial because as the sun starts getting lower, these reds become more aggressive and push into the shallows where you can really get after them. You'll have shots at fish that have been putting on weight in the Atlantic before making their spawning run.
Captain Dave runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are telling him. When you see bait balls getting worked, you'll be throwing popping corks and artificials right into the chaos – nothing gets your heart pumping like watching a 40-pound red blow up on a topwater lure. But Dave also knows when to slow it down and soak cut bait along the shoal edges, especially as the light starts fading. These fish can be finicky, so having multiple approaches in your back pocket is key. The shoal structure in this area is perfect redfish habitat, and Dave positions you to intercept them as they move along these underwater highways. You might be sight fishing one minute and bottom fishing the next, all depending on how the reds are behaving that particular afternoon. The gear is heavy enough to handle these bruiser fish but still gives you the fight you're looking for when you hook into a bull that's been living the good life in the Atlantic.
"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" - TIMOTHY
"Today was my third fishing trip with Dave and it didn't disappoint. We had several big drum hookups on artificial and also caught some monster blues. It was an exciting morning with blowups all around the boat. I've got another trip booked with Dave next month and can't wait." - Thomas
Redfish are the main event here, and when we're talking about the Neuse River system, we're talking about some seriously heavyweight fish. These aren't your typical shallow water reds – the bull reds that show up here from July through October are mature fish that have been feeding in the Atlantic and can easily push 40-50 pounds or more. What makes them so special is their behavior during the spawning run. They're aggressive, they're hungry, and they're concentrated in predictable areas if you know where to look. The best part about targeting them in the afternoon is that as the light changes, they become more active and start pushing into areas where you can actually see them working. These fish are incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system and your arms. The cooler months of the spawning season also mean the fish are at peak condition – they've been bulking up all summer and are at their heaviest weights. Captain Dave's local knowledge puts you on fish that most anglers only dream about, and the 18 world records that have come from these waters prove that this isn't just good fishing – it's world-class fishing.
If you're serious about catching a trophy redfish, this afternoon trip with Captain Dave gives you the best shot at the fish of a lifetime. The combination of his four decades of local knowledge, the proven productivity of these waters, and the prime afternoon to sunset timing creates the perfect storm for big fish. With only 3 anglers per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of shots at quality fish without fighting for rod space. The Neuse River bull red run is a seasonal opportunity that serious anglers travel from all over the country to experience. Book your spot now and get ready to see why this area holds so many world records – and maybe set a personal best of your own.
Captain Dave's 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE is built for serious redfish hunting in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. This 23-footer handles the afternoon chop with ease while you chase those legendary "Old Drum" that made these waters famous for 18 world records. The boat's equipped with GPS to pinpoint productive shoal edges where big reds feed at dusk, plus a multimedia system and onboard head for comfort during those long battles with trophy fish. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work cut bait rigs or chase bait balls with popping corks. The Parker's shallow draft gets you into the spawning areas where Atlantic redfish stack up from July through October, while the reliable motor keeps you positioned perfectly as these bruisers move toward feeding zones at sunset.
5.0 out of 5.0I'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 m...
Had a blast! singing, catching and telling jokes! great crew! see you guys next year! Capt Dave...
Today was my third fishing trip with Dave and it didn’t disappoint. We had several big drum hookups on artificial and also caught ...
Thomas Cozart, Thank you! Love fishing with you!Looking forward to our next trip. Next trip one of u...
North Carolina