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
Captain Dave Hegel
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
94%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3 Hour Trip – Neuse River & Pamlico on February 9, 2025
Had a great time with Capt. Dave. Even though we didn’t catch any fish we really enjoyed learning a lot from him. We saw lots of birds, dolphins and scenery. Will definitely go w Capt. Dave again when it is a bit warmer.
Had a great time with Capt. Dave. Even though we didn’t catch any fish we really enjoyed learning a lot from him. We saw lots of birds, dolphins and scenery. Will definitely go w Capt. Dave again when it is a bit warmer.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Trophy Bull Drum Evening Trip on October 4, 2024
Dave will work hard to put you on fish
Dave will work hard to put you on fish
Wilmington, NC
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Trophy Bull Drum Evening Trip on September 16, 2023
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.
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...
Dublin, OH
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip – Trophy Redfish/Tarpon on July 14, 2023
This dude knows his stuff. Fishing was great, but beyond that I would say his company is fantastic. Certainly the kind of guy that I'd like to have a couple of beers with. Real personable and friendly - and I've fished with many guides I can't say the same about. Dave knows the fishing but also knows the entire area and history well. Real conversational and talkative. I would take a group of guys out to fish with him again, or even take my young kids as I know he would be great with them, teaching and displaying patience. Can't recommend him highly enough. We'll be back.
This dude knows his stuff. Fishing was great, but beyond that I would say his company is fantastic. Certainly the kind of guy that I'd like to have a couple of beers with. Real personable and friendly - and I've fished with many guides I can't say the same about. Dave knows the fishing but also knows the entire area and history well. Real conversational and talkative. I would take a group of guys out to fish with him again, or even take my young kids as I know he would be great with them,...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Neuse River Winter Fishing (copy) on December 6, 2023
Dave did the best job he could considering the terrible conditions of the day that I had booked. The forecast was always going to be a little windy, but the day turned into a cold wet mess for Garrett and me. Garrett Did manage to catch the only fish that day, but Dave kept trying his best to get us into a position to find more. He also paid close attention to Garrett and did his best to make him comfortable in the cold conditions, which I greatly appreciated. Overall, Capt Dave is an excellent guide and I would recommend him to anyone looking to fish the Pamlico or surrounding areas!
Dave did the best job he could considering the terrible conditions of the day that I had booked. The forecast was always going to be a little windy, but the day turned into a cold wet mess for Garrett and me. Garrett Did manage to catch the only fish that day, but Dave kept trying his best to get us into a position to find more. He also paid close attention to Garrett and did his best to make him comfortable in the cold conditions, which I greatly appreciated. Overall, Capt Dave is an excellent...
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental include:
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following types of fishing:
Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters – Oriental include:
Oriental, North Carolina, United States
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.
River Fishing
Flats Fishing
Light Tackle
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing
Toilet
PortaPotty
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License
Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
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