North Carolina Tarpon Charters
Oriental, NC and 1 more
Private trip guided by Gary
Spec Fever Guide Service • 20-29 years of experience
About
We offer Full Day (8 hours): tarpon charters on the Neuse River. Traditionally, tarpon fishing in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound has been centered around bait fishing. Yet, akin to trophy red drum fishing, Capt. Gary has developed a successful technique using artificial lures and fly-fishing. The tarpon found in the Neuse River are significant, typically weighing 100 pounds or more. It's crucial to distinguish tarpon fishing in the Neuse River from that in the Florida Keys as we do not cast to a single fish but to groups or over bait plus we have the added opportunity to land trophy redfish (bull redfish). Trips originate from both New Bern and Oriental.
Targeted species
- Tarpon
What's included
- Rod / Reel
- Tackle / Flies
- Cold Storage
- Dry Storage
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your own lunch / snacks
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Quick-Dry / Sun-protective Clothing
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen (Lotion-based only)
Locations
- Oriental, NC
- New Bern, NC
Exact meeting location will be discussed after booking.
Guided by Spec Fever Guide Service
Oriental, North Carolina • 20-29 years of experience
Captain Gary Dubiel began fly tying and fishing at the age of eight in Western Pennsylvania, inheriting these skills from his father. He fished rivers and streams for trout, as well as lakes for bass and panfish. His interest in saltwater fly fishing sparked in the late 1970s during visits to the Outer Banks, eventually leading him to relocate to North Carolina and begin his career as a guide. His service, named "Spec Fever" after his passion for speckled seatrout, also offers specialized trips for redfish, stripers, false albacore, and other local species. Gary boasts over two decades of experience in guiding.
Always looking to improve his techniques, Gary pioneered the popping cork craze for NC giant red drum, turning what was a nighttime bait fishery into a daytime artificial lure fishery. Progressing one step further, Gary invented the Pop-N-Fly rig and revolutionized fly fishing for these giant reds in North Carolina. He has more recently started developing an artificial lure and fly fishery for tarpon on his home waters.