Pamlico/Neuse River – September 2025
Donald, of Custom Marine Fabrication, reports that this time of the season puts the old drum bite on the front of anglers’ minds, and the bite has already kicked off. The large amount of rain has kept most of the action pretty far down river (around Oriental) and out into the sound. This could quickly change as it is early in the bite, and better salinity could easily push incoming fish further up the river. For now, anglers are finding that the artificial setups such as popping corks are the more successful (and favored) tactic over the “bait and wait” bite.
Also in the lower Neuse are a bunch of bigger bluefish, which will also hit artificials.
Anglers working the main river shorelines are seeing a good mix of slot-sized red drum, flounder, and scattered speckled trout.
Brad, of Gunny B Outdoors, reports that larger bluefish (6-10 lbs.) are tearing up baits up and down the river. If a school doesn’t get over-pressured, they are staying on top all day long.
Anglers looking for bull reds are finding action in numerous locations, with large Johnson spoons and large swimbaits under popping corks being the most productive setups. The better tactic is to find smaller schools of menhaden closer to the shoreline or over smaller ledges, versus the typical search for bigger bait schools. Another big key right now is to do your best to avoid other boats and anglers—try to find your own school of bait to work that may be holding a group of unpressured fish below them.
Helen Donahue, of Elizabeth City, landed this 46” bull drum in the lower Neuse River on cut mullet. She was fishing with Capt. Dave Hegel of Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters.
Dave, of Pamlico Pirate Charters, reports that the old drum are in. The bite’s not on fire, but plenty of pockets of fish are being found. These fish have been patterned out differently almost every day. Some days it’s popping corks, some days it’s Rat-L-Traps or gold spoons, and some days it’s just bait. Ledges are still the main focus areas, and be prepared to cover a lot of water to find the right signs or to avoid crowds.
Some tarpon are in the area, but due to increased boat traffic, these fish are holding down more often.
Anglers can find slot-sized red drum and keeper speckled trout, especially after a run of NE winds. For this action, work the points along the river and creek banks. Cast shallow for the reds, and out behind you (deeper) for the trout.
Kent, of East Side Bait and Tackle, reports that the red drum bite is now the main focus. Anglers have been catching a bunch of slots and citation-class reds from the river out into the sound. The slot-sized fish are being found up on wind-blown shorelines with any variety of topwater plugs, popping cork setups, and live or cut bait.
The big red drum are also hitting artificials, though natural cut or live baits on Lupton rigs has really been the best bet. Look for the big reds to be working along ledges and points off the shoals.
Flatfish are being found on just about any marsh bank. Live bait or a Gulp shrimp on a lightly weighted jig head will typically do the trick.
Speckled trout fishing has been decent. Temperatures are still warm, so the early morning bite (until the sun breaks the trees) has been best. Topwater plugs are one of the best baits to throw, especially early in the day, with popping corks and paddle tail soft plastics enticing strikes throughout the day.
Mike Spring, of Merritt, NC, caught this 48” red drum on a live mullet in the Bay River.
Gaston, of Kingfisher Charters, reports that lower air temperatures helped cool down the water and made the speckled trout bite really good. The trout seem to be hanging around in the main river and even slowly beginning to work their way towards the creeks. Anglers are having a bunch of success with topwater plugs and Vudu shrimp under popping corks. The best tactic has been focusing topwater efforts near the shallow banks in the morning, and then pushing back off the banks as the sun gets up.
The slot-sized red drum fishing has been good as well, and for the reds, use the same tactics used to target trout. Another tip is to find a drop-off, usually one with 5’ of water or more. The reds have been running that ledge from deeper water into the shallows to feed.
Flounder are all over the place, and a Gulp or Z-Man soft plastic should fool any flatfish.
Zach, of UFO Fishing Charters, reports that good numbers of reds (20-35”) are around. Working wind-blown banks and points in the river are the better starting spots.
Anglers targeting the bull drum have been doing well downriver. Deeper points and shoals (7-12’) are the main areas, with the “bait and wait” tactic producing most of the fish.
Speckled trout are mixed in, but dirty water seems to have pushed these fish down.
A bunch of flounder (2-3 lb. class) are holding on various inshore habitats. Working down the banks with Gulps or similar soft plastics is a good way to entice bites.
Grey, of Hyde Guide, reports that the trout bite has been solid, especially with shrimp getting thick. A cork with a live shrimp is best for these trout, and also any slot-sized red drum that may be around.
The big drum bite has kicked off, with groups of fish being found both deep and up shallow. Bait fishing with fresh mullet in the early evening is the most reliable way to target them. Anglers fishing for slot drum up along the banks should be ready for a surprise hookup as well.
Tarpon (up to 100 lbs.) are still around, too.
