Fresh oriental Fishing Reports

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

Great day with an awesome family, book your fishing experience today!

**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!

Trout are on the move in the Neuse. Water temps have started to fire up the transition to winter spots. Look for windy areas near creeks that have depth changes. Don’t ignore shallow areas if the sun is out. DOA Deadly Combo & MRs are my preferred choice right now. Pup & Slot Reds are on main river points and wolf packing. Late day seems to be the best action. ☠️?☠️?

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.