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

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!

**Neuse River Fishing Report:** **Location:** Oriental, NC: Trout have migrated up the creeks along both sides of the Neuse River. Look for holes at least 5 feet deep on cloudy days, while focusing on muddy shallows during sunny weather. **Technique:** Slow fishing is key. Vary presentations based on the day's conditions. Experiment with the fall, hop, or dead sticking techniques. **Best Times:** Optimal fishing times are on bright, sunny days. **Bait and Lures:** Using 1/8 jig heads with twisty tails and scent has been consistent. Additionally, the trusty MR17 lure is also attracting bites. Remember, adaptability is crucial—vary your presentation and location to optimize your chances of a successful catch!