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kayak fishing in Wrightsville Beach

2395 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  ferhanamuneer432
Hi everyone. I recently purchased angler kayaks for my 12 year old son and I. We have made a few trips to Kerr Lake and Beaver Dam but want to head to Wrightsville this weekend. Any recommendations on where to go for calm waters. He wants to fish for Drum. I am a little nervous as this will be first time taking kayaks into saltwater. Were planning to launch at the ramp under the bridge as you cross over marina. Is that a good place to launch or is boat traffic too heavy? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Angie
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Congrats on the saltwater journey ahead. Fished that area quite a bit from a yak and usually have mixed results. For easy, headache free launching, launch under the bridge (left of the boat ramp).. Launching under the bridge keeps you out of the way of boats trying to use the ramp and also makes it easier imo. There is metered parking on the road about 15 yds from the launch area as well. When you launch paddle straight out from there (past the boat ramp) following the grass line around to the marsh area. You'll see condos on your right and marsh to the left. Hope this helps!
Congrats on the saltwater journey ahead. Fished that area quite a bit from a yak and usually have mixed results. For easy, headache free launching, launch under the bridge (left of the boat ramp).. Launching under the bridge keeps you out of the way of boats trying to use the ramp and also makes it easier imo. There is metered parking on the road about 15 yds from the launch area as well. When you launch paddle straight out from there (past the boat ramp) following the grass line around to the marsh area. You'll see condos on your right and marsh to the left. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much. This is all very helpful!!
Welcome to the forum Angmrazek, I think you'll find a lot of yak support here. Good luck with the saltwater experiment. Be sure to post a fishing report to let us know how you guys made out. Try throwing plastics (Gulps are expensive but worth it, IMO, The pearl white swimming mullet has been really productive for us) using a 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig head right up against the grass line. Slow retrieve jigging it as you go. Flounder, speckled trout and slot reds should still be active. Look for small cuts and creeks emptying into the larger body of water and look for moving water in these areas as they tend to be most attractive to the game fish that frequent those areas. Fish into them and in the shoreline immediately adjacent to them. Also, I should add, if the water clarity is poor, try light colored plastics/baits as they tend to elicit more action when visibility is limited.
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After launching at WB go north about 100 yards past 'palm tree island' right turn in the creek going east fish the creek mouths & banks. Good luck, hope this helps .......ICM
After launching at WB go north about 100 yards past 'palm tree island' right turn in the creek going east fish the creek mouths & banks. Good luck, hope this helps .......ICM
Thank you so much!!
I know this is late but I assume you had a great time and caught some fish, and if so will return!

There is also public access on the North End by Shell Island Resort. Word of advise! Get there early. That spot is now “known” and everyone from kite surfers to beach combers to late night star gazers frequents parking lot #2. You’ll need to drop your kayaks by the side of the road then park, unless you want to carry them 150 yards to the water. This gives you access to many creeks and and Mason’s inlet and access to Figure Eight island. You can also do this from Lot #3, it’s an easy portage but a longer paddle through the creek…beware on extreme low tide you will have to portage through this creek.


This takes a little more work but it’s much less traveled if you‘re into that. There is no free parking on WB anymore so bring Your credit card!
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Wrightsville Beach, located in North Carolina, is a fantastic destination for kayak fishing. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, sound waters, and various fishing spots, you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. Here's some information to help you get started with kayak fishing in Wrightsville Beach:
  1. Fishing Spots: Wrightsville Beach offers several excellent fishing spots for kayak anglers. Here are a few popular options:
    • Banks Channel: This is the soundside area between the barrier island and the mainland. It's known for red drum, flounder, speckled trout, and other inshore species.
    • Masonboro Inlet: The inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a great spot for targeting larger species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and various types of bottom fish.
    • Shell Island Resort: This area offers access to the ocean and is popular for targeting nearshore species such as Spanish mackerel, cobia, and bluefish.
    • Lea Island: Located just north of Wrightsville Beach, Lea Island is a prime spot for targeting flounder, red drum, marine mop and speckled trout.
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