Trophy Drum & Tarpon Charter - Peak Summer Action
If you're serious about landing some of North Carolina's most prized gamefish, Captain Dave's summer inshore charter is exactly what you've been looking for. Running afternoons from July through August, this trip targets the massive Old Drum redfish and powerful tarpon that migrate into Pamlico Sound and the Neuse River each summer. You'll fish during the absolute peak of the season when these trophy species are most active and concentrated in our waters. This all-inclusive charter handles everything - licenses for up to four anglers, quality tackle, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working these productive waters. Whether you're after your first bull red or hoping to tangle with a jumping tarpon, Captain Dave will put you in the right spots and coach you through the techniques that consistently produce results.
What to Expect on the Water
Your afternoon starts at the dock where Captain Dave will get you rigged up and briefed on the day's game plan. The beauty of fishing Pamlico Sound and Neuse River during summer is the sheer abundance of baitfish that draws these big predators in from the Atlantic. You'll cover multiple productive spots throughout the trip, adapting your approach based on conditions and fish activity. The captain runs a clean, well-maintained boat that handles the sometimes choppy waters of the sound with ease, keeping you comfortable while you focus on fishing. Expect to move around quite a bit - that's the key to success when chasing these mobile species. Dave's not the type of guide who anchors up in one spot and hopes for the best. He's constantly reading the water, watching for bird activity, and positioning you for the best shots at trophy fish. The afternoon timing is perfect too, as both redfish and tarpon tend to feed more aggressively as the day progresses and the water starts to cool slightly.
Tackle & Techniques
Captain Dave switches up techniques based on what the fish are telling him on any given day. You'll work with popping corks when the fish are feeding aggressively up in the water column - there's nothing quite like watching a massive redfish blow up on a topwater presentation. When conditions call for it, you'll drop down to artificials like soft plastics and spoons, working them through the deeper channels and drop-offs where these big fish cruise. Cut bait fishing comes into play when the bite gets tough or when targeting the real monster drum that prefer a more subtle presentation. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear capable of handling 40-pound-plus fish to the lighter setups perfect for working artificials. You don't need to bring anything except your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks and drinks. The key to success here is being versatile - redfish and tarpon can be finicky, and having multiple approaches ready to go is what separates the productive days from the slow ones. Dave's been working these waters long enough to know when to make the call to switch techniques, and he's great at explaining the why behind each decision so you learn something along the way.
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! Other than his extensive knowledge of the river, fish and ecosystem, he was very personable and just a great, fun guy to fish with. He was very patient, going above and beyond to make sure our trip was a great experience. I have my own boat, but it's not worth the money and trouble/time pulling to the coast when I can simply pack a bag and meet him at the dock for a great day of fishing. I plan to book at least two trips with him next year, and every year thereafter. He'd be great with kids as well. Worth every penny!! Want to thank him personally for everything!!" - Robert. "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." - Doug.
Target Species Breakdown
Old Drum redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina's inshore fishery, and summer is absolutely prime time to tangle with these bronze bulldozers. We're talking about fish that commonly push 40 to 50 pounds, with genuine monsters topping 60 pounds showing up every season. These aren't the smaller "slot" reds you might catch in the shallows - these are mature, ocean-run fish that have moved into our sounds to feed on the abundant baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle and your patience. What makes them so special is their combination of size and attitude - they'll crush a topwater lure one minute and then turn completely stubborn the next. The July through August timeframe coincides perfectly with their annual migration pattern, when they're feeding heavily to prepare for the spawn. You'll find them around structure, in the deeper channels, and often in surprisingly shallow water when they're chasing bait.
Tarpon fishing in North Carolina waters is something every serious angler needs to experience at least once. These silver kings typically range from 80 to 150 pounds in our area, though bigger fish certainly show up. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial display - these fish will jump repeatedly when hooked, often clearing the water completely in spectacular fashion. They're also incredibly strong, capable of long, powerful runs that will have your drag screaming. Tarpon are primarily a July and August fishery here, following the same migration pattern as the big redfish. They're often found in similar areas, feeding on the same baitfish schools, which makes for some interesting mixed fishing opportunities. The key with
4.9(8 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
North Carolina
Target trophy Old Drum Redfish and Tarpon during peak summer season
