My bf and I are looking at taking a trip over a weekend this summer, probably in June. We are both very outdoorsy. Right now, we are thinking of going to Lake Mattamuskeet and Lake Phelps/Pettigrew State Park to bass fish, birdwatch, and generally be out in the boat. I have been to both before, Mattamuskeet several times, Lake Phelps only once a long time ago. He has never been to either. We're taking either two kayaks, his small aluminum boat with a 15 horse Mercury, or the boat and the kayaks. We would like to stay in eastern NC just because we'll probably only have a weekend to do it (he is working full time M-F, we both live near New Bern/Havelock). Anybody have any other good suggestions for trips?

5/10/2008 10:30:05 PM

Oriental has alot of creeks and places for fishing and kayaking right off the neuse river. They also have alot of cool bed and breakfasts on the waterfront and is good for a weekend, especially during the croaker festival during July 4th.

[Edited on May 11, 2008 at 4:06 AM. Reason : croaker fest]

5/11/2008 4:04:51 AM

Why not go deep sea fishing? That's always fun. You could go camping on the Outer Banks and grill whatever you catch

5/11/2008 8:08:42 AM

deep sea fishing on a lake boat probably wouldn't be such a good idea

5/11/2008 2:54:36 PM

Go camping on Hatteras Island. Its about 80% national seashore, and has all the outdoor water things you could want to do.

I reccomend the tri-village area, or south past Hattteras Village.

5/11/2008 6:40:09 PM

Id go to Hammocks beach state park. Its probably like an hour south of New bern. Paddle out to bear Island and camp out and fish. Its not really a difficult paddle out there and the Island is pretty cool. Just bring some bug spray and water.

[Edited on May 11, 2008 at 7:03 PM. Reason : bug spray]

5/11/2008 7:02:25 PM

Thanks yall for the suggestions so far! I love Oriental, and I haven't done much paddling there. That's something to look into. We probably won't stay in a bed and breakfast (even though I'd love to), just because of the dinero. We're thinking camping or the next cheapest option. Deep sea fishing = cash monies; we'll probably go with my neighbor sometime though. I haven't ever camped on the Outer Banks, just fished all over during day trips, so I will look into that more. I agree that Bear Island and Hammocks Beach are great. I haven't ever camped out there, but I know the bugs are pretty bad. We also have the option of taking a bigger boat if we go out to the Outer Banks, my Dad would probably let us use our 18 foot center console Atlantic with a 70 horse Suzuki.

[Edited on May 12, 2008 at 9:18 AM. Reason : forgot about the shrimp boat]

5/12/2008 9:15:08 AM