We stay at Ocean Isle and put in at the wildlife ramp there at the fishing center then dock the boat at the house for the time we are there. You will be fine with the sandbar just look for it at low tide. Drifting, get close to it. You can also drift the Shallote Inlet as mentioned earlier. If you feel comfortable with it, you can run the whole river and catch some good fish in the creeks along the way. PM me and I will be able to give you better information for the week after being there a few days.