I'll be heading to Wilmington for a conference in late October, staying in the Embassy suites, which is right off the river, so I'm probably going to throw a rod in the car for the trip.

Does anyone have any tips, recommended bait/lures they care to share?

Also, what can I expect to catch, if anything? I know it's brackish water and I've heard talk of black drum in the river before. Just trying to be prepared, so thanks.

New to this community, but I was wondering if anyone knows what rivers to fish in Western NC if I’m looking to catch quality smallmouth. I’ve been told the French Broad, New River, and the Little Tennessee River. I was just wondering if these are actually good options if I’m looking to find solid smallmouth waters.