Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental 

5.0
(28 reviews)
Recent reports
 Midyette Street 301, Oriental, NC 28571, United States–

Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental 

Oriental, NC, United States
–
23 ft
4
5.0
(28 reviews)

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If you're ready to experience fishing in Oriental, book a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. With Captain Dave at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Redfish, Tarpon, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and whatever else is biting. On these trips, it's common to spin or even cast a popping cork using light tackle. Capt. Dave also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!

You'll find yourself aboard a 2025 Parker 23SE, a 23' center console that can carry up to 4 fishing passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, as well as lures. Live bait is available, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain. It's never a bad idea to bring bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that daydream into a reality, with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters.

If you're ready to experience fishing in Oriental, book a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters. With Captain Dave at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Redfish, Tarpon, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and whatever else is biting. On these trips, it's common to spin or even cast a popping cork using light tackle. Capt. Dave also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!

You'll find yourself aboard a 2025 Parker 23SE, a 23' center console that can carry up to 4 fishing passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, as well as lures. Live bait is available, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain. It's never a bad idea to bring bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that daydream into a reality, with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters.

Captain Dave Hegel
Captain
Captain Dave Hegel
43 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 15 - Jul 31
Tarpon
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
+5
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Neuse River Winter Fishing (copy)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 15 - Mar 31
Bass (Striped)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
6 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 15 - Jul 31
Tarpon
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
+5
US $750
Entire boat: up to 3 people
6 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 30
Tarpon
Redfish
US $750
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Neuse River Winter Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 15 - Mar 31
Bass (Striped)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $750
Entire boat: up to 3 people
8 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Tarpon
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
+5
US $900
Entire boat: up to 3 people
8 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 30
Tarpon
Redfish
US $900
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
28 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (39)

Reviews (28)

  • Steven Andrews
    Steven Andrews
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Afternoon trip turns late night fight with a old drum

    Trophy Bull Drum Evening Trip on September 16, 2023 • 2 adults

    Excellent trip overall. Would recommend. Our trip took place on a day where we had Dave put us on every bait ball we could find. Stayed committed to finding the older red drum with every strategy in the book. Hooked on at 7:34 and we fought one large fish until 9:40. Dave was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and patient to help us land the fish. Fish came in but outsmarted our man. I’ve never seen such thick line break but guess that’s what happens after a 2:06 hr fight and a few runs around structure, the boat, motor. Hope to fish with Dave again soon! Fishing in Oriental was nothing like I’ve ever done and I’m saltwater fishing 30+ weeks per year.

  • Daniel Murphy
    Daniel Murphy
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2018
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great captain

    6 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on August 23, 2025 • 3 adults

    Captain Dave is a super cool guy, we had a great time. Good conversation and caught the fish of a lifetime. Highly recommended A+

  • Elizabeth  Smith
    Elizabeth Smith
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great birthday fishing trip!

    3 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico on April 28, 2024 • 2 adults

    My husband and I had an awesome 1/2 day fishing trip with Captain Dave. He was an excellent guide, teacher and was very personable. We caught some blues and sea trout. We even saw dolphins! We highly recommend Captain Dave and look forward to our next fishing outing with him!

  • Michael Pincus
    Michael Pincus
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    BIG trophy Red Fish

    8 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on September 23, 2025 • 4 adults

    Great day on the water. Fun captain. Everyone had a great time Caught some huge(trophy size) drum

  • Eva Charbeneau
    Eva Charbeneau
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Dave knows how to put you on the fish!!

    3 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico on October 22, 2023 • 2 adults

    Captain Dave is a super nice and personable guy. Regardless of family issues that should have kept him away, he made a special effort to drive 3 hours back to do our charter for us. We were appreciative but also impressed by his commitment to his charter customers. Once on the water, he made every effort for us to catch fish and we did! We hope to do another charter with him in the future!

  • Xanthan Lee
    Xanthan Lee
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    A great day with Captain Dave!

    3 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on September 29, 2023 • 2 adults

    We had a great day on in the Pamlico Sound with Captain Dave! His experience with all types of fishing and knowledge of the area is amazing. We had no idea we would be spending time with a legend! Will definitely hire him for future trips.

  • Craig Mize
    Craig Mize
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    3 Hr Red Drum trip

    3 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on September 16, 2023 • 3 adults • 2 children

    We didn't get any big red drum today, but it wasn't for lack of effort. Captain Dave made sure my boys got a chance to catch fish and gave us extra time to make sure they were happy.

  • Robert Lewis
    Robert Lewis
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome trip

    6 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on August 5, 2023 • 2 adults

    Dave was a great Captain!!! Worked very hard to get the fish during difficult times. Very knowledgeable and fun to fish with. Definitely planning another fishing trip.

  • Todd Ellis
    Todd Ellis
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Captain works hard

    Neuse River Winter Fishing on November 8, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Dave is great. He works hard to make sure you have a good time and catch fish.

  • Demetri  Dascalakis
    Demetri Dascalakis
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2020
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Captain

    6 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico on June 15, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Dave took us around multiple areas. He is an interesting person and we enjoyed our morning. Sadly, the fish weren’t biting but he did all he could to find them. We will use him again.

FAQs about Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental

Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 3 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Neuse River Winter Fishing (copy) (3 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Neuse River Winter Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico (8 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet PortaPotty
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (We use both artificial & live bait. The method is selected based on recent productivity of catching, season and amount of anglers. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (NC has slot limits and doesn't allow for cleaning fish on the water or at the ramp. If it's an issue, we can discuss cleaning options.)
  • Fishing license (Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters purchases from NC a blanket license. You're cover on our vessel! )
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (Neuse River in New Bern down river to the Sound. Seasonally we do offer 'near shore' trips out of Beaufort, NC. )
  • Flats fishing
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Captain Dave Hegel
Captain Dave Hegel
Oriental, North Carolina, United States
14 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
35 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2023
Capt. Dave grew up in his father's boat dealership in Charleston, SC. For the last 40 years, Dave worked at various outboard and boat companies and fished all over the world with famous anglers. Dave has fished Eastern NC since 1983.
Captain Dave Hegel
Captain Dave Hegel
Fully verified
14
reports
35
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Dave grew up in his father's boat dealership in Charleston, SC. For the last 40 years, Dave worked at various outboard and boat companies and fished all over the world with famous anglers. Dave has fished Eastern NC since 1983.

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Adult angler proudly holding a large speckled trout aboard a fishing boat under a partly cloudy sky.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Speckled Trout
    NEUSE RIVER FISHING REPORT (not a single day report but the last couple weeks) The secondary creeks throughout the Neuse River are holding impressive numbers of Speckled Trout and Flounder, with some reds mixed in. One of the most encouraging signs has been the sheer number of smaller trout in the 10–13” class. That’s great news and an encouraging indication that last winter’s cold stun may not have had the widespread negative impact on the trout population that many of us initially feared. What’s Working: Most fish have been caught on the DOA Deadly Combo, DOA Jerk Shads, and artificial shrimp rigged on a 1/16 oz jighead. Topwater presentations have also been drawing some attention from larger trout, with fish in the 20–24” class showing up. These bigger fish have been more scattered and isolated, primarily holding around points and ledges. Where to Look: Focus on the mouths of secondary creeks along the river, as well as feeder creeks branching off those systems. Fish appear to be gradually transitioning toward their winter holding areas, following their seasonal movement into these creek systems. The Takeaway: There’s plenty of life in the creeks right now, and the numbers of smaller trout are particularly encouraging. As the seasonal transition continues, expect fish to concentrate more around their winter patterns. Good fishing, and we’ll see you on the water! Captain Dave Hegel
  • Two anglers celebrating a successful catch of a Redfish aboard a fishing charter in calm waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Michael P.
    Michael P.
    Great day on the water. Fun captain. Everyone had a great time Caught some huge(trophy size) drum
  • A proud angler holding a large Redfish while seated on a boat, showcasing a successful day of fishing in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Daniel M.
    Daniel M.
    Captain Dave is a super cool guy, we had a great time. Good conversation and caught the fish of a lifetime. Highly recommended A+
  • Young angler proudly holding a large Redfish while seated on a boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Tanner C.
    Tanner C.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Bluefish while fishing from a boat in a scenic coastal environment.
    Patrick C.
    Patrick C.
    Great trip. Capt Dave was outstanding.
  • Adult angler wearing sunglasses and a bright fishing shirt proudly holding a large speckled trout over the water.
    Fish 1
    Speckled Trout
    The sea trout are 3/4 of the way out of the main creeks and headed for the Neuse River. D.O.A. Deadly Combo (popping cork), 3" D.O.A. Swim Baits and top water are all great choices. Vary your approach to cover Top, Mid and bottom. Work windy points from bank to mid channel. They are moving in and out to feed. Some bigger trout are hitting larger profiles and top water along with slot reds now moving into the system. The fishing has been FANTASTIC!
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while seated on a boat, enjoying a calm day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The Neuse River & Pamlico Sound are still producing Trophy Drum. This 48” monster came off a; DOA Cork & Cal Swim Bait white/chartreuse. Leader was 90 lbs braided wire to prevent blue fish from stealing your cork. Small schools are still roaming the river eating the plentiful shrimp, menhadden & mullet. Most fish are bewteen Bay River and the Ferry. As with past years, the blue fush schools usually have a trophy drum near by. All traditional methods are working but expectations should be limited based on the fresh water preventing huge numbers of fish to enter the river during the spawn. Look for a couple more weeks of the last class to stay until that NE cold front hits the sound & signals the drum to head back to the Atlantic. Captain Dave Hegel reports that cork bites are limited and still will use cut bait if he cant find baitfish on the surface. ☠️?☠️? #pamlicopiratefishingcharters
  • An enthusiastic angler proudly displaying a large Striped Bass while fishing on a scenic waterway.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Striped Bass
    The 1st 2 weeks in May; have been as good a May as I can remember. There are Over Slots, Old Drum, Slots, Big Striper and big Trout from Kennel Beach to South River both sides of the Neuse. Don't be surprised if the Blue fish invade your area, there's 4 & 5 pound blues all over the river. Fun to catch but have wire leaders ready if using artificial bait. For Reds, focus on sandy banks with a flat near deeper water. Watch for menhaden and those reds will be there. Best bait options are a DOA Curl tail "gold Rush" color if sunny and Root beer if cloudy. Also, the DOA Bait Buster same colors if there is surface activity. Reel on pace to get to the surface, and "kill" the bait, they hit the fall. Smaller "slot" Lupton rigs with live or cut bait is also effective. Find structure or steep drops, you'll catch some fish!
  • An angler proudly displaying a Bluefish caught during a serene day on the water, surrounded by lush greenery.
    Elizabeth  .
    Elizabeth .
    My husband and I had an awesome 1/2 day fishing trip with Captain Dave. He was an excellent guide, teacher and was very personable. We caught some blues and sea trout. We even saw dolphins! We highly recommend Captain Dave and look forward to our next fishing outing with him!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Speckled Trout while on a fishing charter, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
    Great fishing has begun! Water tempature has fluctuated as much as 10 degrees the last few weeks as well as some heavy rains. Adapting to the day is important. The migration of trout out of the creeks is well underway. Up river past New Bern, they are moving to the river, while down river, past the ferry, they are mid-creek moving toward the river. Sunny and warm days look for flats and dark mud spots. Cloudy days and early AM, slow down. Productive methods; corks and retrieving baits like DOA Deadly Combo or the DOA CAL Shad 3”. Colors in clear water use natural and dirty water dark baits. Puppy Drum and Slot Reds are showing up in the same areas. Blue fish are already in the river and bait is on essentially the move. #pamlicopiratefishingcharters

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2025
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
52 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
PortaPotty
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
We use both artificial & live bait. The method is selected based on recent productivity of catching, season and amount of anglers.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
NC has slot limits and doesn't allow for cleaning fish on the water or at the ramp. If it's an issue, we can discuss cleaning options.
Fishing license
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters purchases from NC a blanket license. You're cover on our vessel!

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Happy to have children, under 13 per NC must wear a life vest. I'll adjust the trip to make sure kids have fun!
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 PayPal
 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Oriental right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental
5.0
(28)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
3 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500

Recent fishing reports