[mobilemhd]

What are haystacks exactly. can you buy live shrimp in bait shops in the Beaufort area and would anybody have a phone number for a friendly bait shop that would not mind answering a few questions.

 

[Jeffonc]

It's a large expanse of elevated grass beds with creeks running through it - around a square mile of area.

Tried to make a map here -> Google Maps

Picture attached below. Maybe somebody can expand/clarify...

 

[skooteri]

What/Where is the logical kayak launch for the Haystacks?

 

[Spider Crack]

nearest kayak launch: public pier area just across the hwy70 bridge on the beaufort side -- you can easily see it on your left as you cross the first bridge from morehead over to beaufort. plenty of parking and a sandy beach to drag your yak to the water. less than.5 mile paddle or so to the haystacks area. but no trailer launch here -- in that case, you would have to launch from the public ramp near the beaufort airport. // joel

 

[Spider Crack]

not to be outdone, here's a google earth image of the kayak launch area i mentioned. // joel

 

[keel deal]

For your bait shop question, know of none in Beaufort but some on Atlantic Beach Causeway on the way to Beaufort out of Morehead City. Shrimp are all gone for this season, but mud minnows still around, not expensive. Good luck, trout and reds around all winter.

 

[finstalker]

There is (or used to be) a sign at this access area that states boat launching is prohibited. However I have seen many people launch small watercraft from this point. Last year the pier was extended and has been busy with anglers. Use caution! There is a marina just before the bridge on the left that may give you better access