As a kid I went to Ocean Isle every year. If I was going I`d find a way to put in as close to the inlet between O.I. and sunset and fish around there. I am no expert salt guy by far. I would just put a chunk of fresh caught pin fish out and wait for a shark ride. Find you a nearby bait shop and you`ll probably get all the info you want. Make sure when you ask they know you`re not looking for a full fledged boat landing necessarily, just a yak spot. Alot of times you can find a public crabbing pier or park, something like that and have the place to yourself.
If you get near the inlet watch the tide . I can attest it really rips through there.--------stu