While windy today, Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters Captain Dave Hegel's client was able to land a nice Old Drum off a shoal near Oriental, NC. The bite has slowed the last few days, but the wind shift should help get the great bite we had last week back on track. While the popping cork was the choice last week, Capt. Dave, because of the windy seas, choose to use cut bait on a ledge. Bait is thick in the river but for some reason not on the surface the last few days like days prior. Blue fish are schooling on glass minnows. Don't pass the blue school because Old Drum can be under the blues looking for an easy meal. Tight Lines!

Large schools of “Old Drum” have entered the river and fish can be caught from Gum Thicket to New Bern. Soaking bait, popping corks and top water are all methods that are working. Focus on shoal areas near deepest parts of the river. Both sides of the river are producing but the North Side has been better for our charters this week. The bite has actually been better for us late morning the last few days. Stay as far away from the bait balls as you can cast. Don’t spook the bait ball.

The Redfish migration first wave got to the Neuse early this year & reached New Bern in early July. The next wave seemed to be delayed verses normal years. The reason could be the anomaly of two full moons in August. This week, there were Old Drum from Gum Thicket & South River to the ferry. The tropical storm has the water way up and lots of oxygen being generated. Look for the Neuse to be on fire in the coming days once the water settles from the storm. ☠️☠️

While the “Old Drum” or Bull drum season is starting to fire up, a nice bonus are there are many Citation size trout being caught. This giant 24” Citation Trout was caught by Angie Lewis on Kenly, NC aboard Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters out of Oriental NC. Bait balls have been scattered but they are here. The full moon a few days ago seems to have kicked things into gear. From New Bern to the Pamlico Sound Bull drum are being caught. If you don’t see bait balls, focus on depth changes near shoals and target fish using your depth finder.

Saw a Tarpon rolling & decided to toss a Tarpon rig. Inside of 5 mins this Bull Drum hit. 42” Old Drum! ?☠️☠️