Trophy Redfish & Tarpon Charter North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy redfish and tarpon in legendary Pamlico Sound watersFish August through October during peak migration seasonAllinclusive charter provides gear, licenses, and expert instruction
Captain Dave's inshore fishing charter puts you right in the middle of one of the East Coast's hottest fishing opportunities. From August through October, the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River come alive with trophy bull redfish and silver king tarpon that migrate in from the Atlantic. This isn't your typical day of fishing - we're talking about monster redfish that can push 50+ inches and tarpon that'll test every ounce of your strength and skill. With only three anglers max per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Your morning typically kicks off early when the fish are most active, though Captain Dave adjusts timing based on tides, weather, and where the fish are biting best. Some days call for afternoon departures when conditions favor a better bite window. The beauty of fishing the Pamlico Sound system is the variety - we've got expansive flats, deeper channels, creek mouths, and structure that holds different fish throughout the day. You'll cover multiple proven spots during your trip, moving with the fish rather than sitting in one location hoping they show up. Captain Dave provides all the gear you'll need, plus fishing licenses for up to four guests, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. The boat setup is designed specifically for inshore work, giving you the mobility to chase schools and the stability to fight big fish comfortably.
We fish with a mix of methods depending on what the fish are telling us. Popping corks are deadly when redfish are feeding shallow - that distinctive "pop" sound drives them crazy and brings explosive strikes. Lures come into play when we're covering water or working schools of active fish, with soft plastics and spoons being go-to choices. Cut bait has its place too, especially when targeting the bigger bull reds that patrol deeper edges and drop-offs. Captain Dave reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, switching between sight fishing, blind casting, and strategic bait placement. The tackle is sized appropriately for these bruiser fish - medium-heavy to heavy spinning gear that can handle long runs and powerful fights. You'll learn to work different presentations and understand why certain techniques produce at specific times and locations.
The redfish that move into Pamlico Sound during late summer and fall are absolute giants. These old drum, as locals call them, range from 35 inches up to well over 50 inches and can weigh 40+ pounds. They're bronze-colored powerhouses with massive shoulders and the fighting ability to strip line off your reel in long, determined runs. Best fishing typically runs from late July through October, with September being prime time when numbers peak. What makes catching these fish so special is their size combined with their fighting spirit - they're not giving up easy, and in shallow water, they'll use every trick to break you off. The sight of a giant redfish tailing in two feet of water is something that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Tarpon fishing during this same window adds another dimension of excitement. These silver kings average 80-150 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic fights - jumping, gill-rattling, and putting on a show that'll get your heart pumping. They move into the sound following baitfish, and when you hook one, you're in for a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. Tarpon are catch-and-release fish, but the experience of fighting one of these magnificent creatures in the relatively protected waters of the sound is world-class fishing. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, which is why timing your trip right makes such a difference.
This seasonal fishery doesn't last forever, and the best dates fill up fast once word gets out about the bite. Captain Dave's intimate knowledge of the Pamlico Sound system, combined with his commitment to putting you on fish, makes this charter a top choice for serious anglers targeting trophy inshore species. You're not just booking a fishing trip - you're investing in the chance to tangle with some of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast during their peak season. The all-inclusive setup means you show up ready to fish, and Captain Dave handles the rest. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience what world-class inshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait - prime fall dates are booking now, and you don't want to miss your shot at the fish of a lifetime.
Captain Dave's 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE is built for serious trophy hunting in North Carolina's productive inshore waters. This 23-footer handles the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River like a champ, getting you to those proven redfish and tarpon hotspots where the big bull drums cruise during their summer migration. The boat's equipped with GPS navigation to hit multiple fishing locations throughout your charter, plus a multimedia system and onboard head for comfort during those longer battles with monster old drum. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of deck space to work lures and handle trophy fish without getting crowded. The Parker's shallow draft design lets us access those back-country spots where the giants feed, while the offshore capability means we can chase schools wherever they're biting in the Sound.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull redfish are the real deal – these copper-colored bruisers can push 40-50 pounds and stretch over 40 inches during our August-October season. They migrate into Pamlico Sound from the ocean, and you'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail. Unlike their smaller cousins in the shallows, these trophy fish cruise deeper waters around 8-15 feet, especially near structure like oyster bars and channel edges. What makes them fun to target is their powerful runs and stubborn fight – they'll use every bit of that broad tail to pull drag. Plus, the smaller ones (under 27 inches) make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Local trick: when you see them schooled up, cast past the school and work your bait back through them. They spook easily if you land right on top of them.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what every angler dreams about – picture a 100-pound fish launching 6 feet out of the water right next to your boat. Our North Carolina tarpon run from August through October when they migrate up from southern waters, following baitfish into Pamlico Sound and the Neuse River. Most fish here run 80-150 pounds and about 5-6 feet long. They love the deeper channels and drop-offs where current brings plenty of food. What makes tarpon special is their pure athleticism – they'll jump repeatedly, dive deep, and test every bit of your drag system. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating, but the fight alone is worth it. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. It gives slack and prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild aerial shows.
North Carolina