I'm a small boat fisherman too (11 ft, electric motors only), and enjoy small-medium rivers as well as ponds. If you're willin' to give that a try, consider Contentnea Creek. Launch is in Grifton, NC, just north of you. The creek is about 20-25 yards wide therel, hosts a shad run (and festival) early each year, and widens out gradually as it feeds the Neuse - not too far down the creek. I believe the ramp is NCWRC. Try their site for location/directions.
Also, NCWRC ramps are located in Trenton, on the extreme upper reaches of the Trent River - it's about 25 yards wide there - and in Pollocksville, about midway up the Trent (from New Bern).
Lastly, The Trent River @ New Bern where it conjoins with the Neuse is suitable for small boats (except in very bad weather) even though it's wide there. The water is more fresh than salt but striper, red drum, specks, flounder and other popular saltwater species are found there, as well as common freshwater fish - bass, crappie, catfish, etc. Launch is in a park just off the last exit before you cross the river as you travel down 70. Exit, turn left, cross the bridge over the highway, then make an immediate right. You're in the park.
GuLuk,