Pop and Cork Old Drum Action in Morehead City
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target monster red drum on Neuse River using light tacklePop and cork fishing style with experienced Captain JeffreyAccommodates up to 4 guests on scenic river banks
If you're looking to tangle with some serious red drum on the Neuse River, Captain Jeffrey Gaskill's got you covered. This isn't your typical offshore charter – we're talking about stalking monster reds in the shallows using the classic pop and cork method that gets these bruisers fired up. You'll cruise the productive banks and shoals where big drum patrol, armed with light spinning tackle that'll give you a fight to remember. Captain Jeffrey knows every honey hole on this river system, and his local knowledge means you're not wasting time guessing where the fish are holding.
Your day starts early on the Neuse River, where Captain Jeffrey will have you rigged and ready with light spinning gear perfectly matched for the technique. The pop and cork method is all about creating commotion on the surface – that popping sound drives red drum absolutely wild. You'll be working the shallow flats and drop-offs where these copper-colored giants cruise looking for an easy meal. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so bring your buddies or family for a shared adventure. Captain Jeffrey runs a clean operation and knows how to put you on fish without the crowds you'll find on bigger charter boats. The scenic Neuse River backdrop makes for a peaceful setting, but don't let that fool you – when a big red grabs your bait, all hell breaks loose.
The pop and cork setup is pure poetry when it's done right, and Captain Jeffrey will show you exactly how to work it. Your rig consists of a popping cork positioned above a leader with live or cut bait underneath. The magic happens when you give that rod a sharp pop – the cork makes a distinctive sound that mimics feeding activity and calls drum from surprising distances. You'll be casting to structure, grass lines, and drop-offs where these fish ambush prey. The light spinning tackle means every fish feels like a monster, and when you hook into a 40-pound drum on 15-pound test, you better hang on tight. Captain Jeffrey will coach you through the fight, helping you use proper drag and leverage to land fish that outweigh you. The technique works best when you vary your popping cadence – sometimes slow and steady, other times aggressive pops that really get their attention.
Red drum are the stars of this show, and the Neuse River system holds some absolute giants. These copper-sided battlers can push 50 inches and weigh north of 40 pounds, making them one of the most sought-after inshore species on the Carolina coast. Red drum are ambush predators that patrol shallow flats and structure, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they push onto the flats to feed. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run – when a big red takes your bait, it'll strip line off your reel like a freight train. They're incredibly strong fish that use their broad tails to generate serious power, and in shallow water, they'll put on a tail-walking show you won't forget. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fall being prime time when big schools move through the area. The pop and cork method is particularly effective because red drum are naturally curious and aggressive, and that popping sound triggers their feeding response even when they're not actively hunting.
Captain Jeffrey Gaskill has built his reputation on putting anglers on quality red drum using time-tested techniques that work. His knowledge of the Neuse River system and dedication to the pop and cork method means you're getting a specialized experience you won't find with every charter captain. The four-person capacity keeps things intimate and gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish properly. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your pop and cork technique or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer, this trip delivers. Don't sleep on booking – good guides who specialize in specific techniques like this fill up fast, especially during peak red drum season. Contact Swan Point Charters today and get ready to battle some Neuse River giants with one of the area's most knowledgeable captains.
Morehead City