[Big Al]

My son in law is looking forward to going after some red drum this year with the kids. He has a bass boat and plans on fishing out of or near the Hampstead area. Unfortunately I have no experience as to where, how, or when for reds, so I can't help him out. Any and all info on how and where to go for reds would be appreciated. Hopefully, the grandchildren will get to do some good fishin' this year.

 

[speckhunter80]

There are a number of good locations near Hampstead. I do not fish this area but I do know the marshes around Riches Inlet are very good as are the marshes south and north of there. I would recommend that you install Google Earth which is free on your computer and "scout" the area. Also you can get more specific info on that area at NC Fishing Charters :: Marker 39 SportFishing Charters and Topsail Angler's blog. Hopefully TA will see this post and give some more specific answers.

 

[Topsail Angler]

Uttley Channel in the Summer. Docks in banks channel (behind south end of Topsail Beach) about anytime after April and before Jan. Long Point Creek oyster beds in the summer and fall. Way up in the creeks (like the one by your house) right now. Riches inlet in the fall and early winter. Topsail Channel in the Summer and fall. How's that for starters?

Here's a few pictures from those locations:

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Most of the feeder creeks will hold reds. Catch some live fresh finger mullet and use carolina rigs. If a drum is anywhere close he will hammer the offering.

tight lines <*)))))>{

 

[Big Al]

TA, Thats a great start! Terrific pictures too. I'm sure my son-in-law will get a kick out of knowing that reds are right under his nose! Thanks, for the info, and very much appreciated!

 

[Big Al]

Scott, thanks for the info! If the grandchildren catch a few, I'll do my best to post the pictures!!

 

[Requiem_449]

Im a kayak/canoe fisherman......i was wondering if there is a place in the Hampstead area to launch from. I have just started Inshore fishing last year and still learning but been fishing since i was 4. I fish the swansboro area ALOT and wanted new places to explore....any info will be great. Thanks guys

 

[Jeffonc]

The only place in Hampstead I've launched is Scotts Hill Marina on Scott's Hill Loop Rd. Good ramp, but they can be picky in the busy season - have heard of them asking folks to drop in off the docs rather than use the ramp. They also charge $12 or $15 to park the car there. Practically unlimited supply of oyster toads, lizardfish and pinfish just a short paddle away, with a few trout, flounder & drum thrown in for good measure!

 

[fishyfishy]

Scotts Hill is a good place to launch or you could ask a dock owner for permission. The marsh in that area is a maze and offers miles of creeks and channels to explore. Got turned around one night flounder gigging and could'nt find my way out until daylight. Good Luck

 

[Requiem_449]

Jeffonc and fishyfishy i appreciate the info. Im in the military and getting ready to deploy to iraq this sept so im trying to get as much fishing in as i can. i was at ft fisher for 2 weeks of training last year and i always wanted to go fishing there, so this week im going to be taking my yak down that way. thanks again for the info. guys

 

[scottshillfisher]

Check with some of the kayak shops in Wilmington, they might know somewhere in Hampstead to launch a kayak. Scotts Hill Marina is $12 on weekdays and $15 weekends and holidays and was so busy last year actually saw them turn people away!

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Ft Fisher has a good ramp for the military right there. Easy access and good spots to catch some trout, flounder or drum.

tight lines <*)))))>{

 

[Topsail Angler]

Jeffonc and fishyfishy i appreciate the info. Im in the military and getting ready to deploy to iraq this sept so im trying to get as much fishing in as i can. i was at ft fisher for 2 weeks of training last year and i always wanted to go fishing there, so this week im going to be taking my yak down that way. thanks again for the info. guys

Being military, you might also want to consider Camp Lejeune. Thjey have a half dozen or more ramps along the creeks of the New River as well as one near the ICW. There is some great fishing there.

 

[fishyfishy]

I would like to thank you and all of our armed forces for protecting what every american takes granted,our freedom. Thanks,FishyFishy