Portsmouth Island, NC OBX

[silasvirus82]

If anyone is interested in a remote fishing destination I'm headed to Portsmouth Island most likely in late-September. I'm gathering intel now, so I'll firm up dates when I know what's going on. Getting there is a bit of challenge, and don't expect any amenities including power or water. There is a campground on the island run by NPS, but I plan to camp right on the beach. If you're driving you'll need 4x4 and the ferry is $75. Right now I'm fairly certain my truck will be full with one other person + gear, but if that is not the case I should have room for one more. I'm bringing solar power to charge batteries and run my various truck camper items, but I should have some spare power for small electronics. Water will be my main bottleneck and I do not plan to have extra. Keep in mind whatever you bring in, you'll bring out, so minimalism is best.

As far as fishing is concerned, expect red/black drum, pompano, flounder, and others. I also plan on doing some shark fishing at night from the beach.

Other info:

http://www.portsmouthislandfishing.c...nc-ferry.aspx#

https://www.outerbanks.com/portsmouth-island.html

[Redfish12]

Expect blood/soul sucking bugs too. Sounds like an awesome trip please post up a report on how it goes!

[silasvirus82]

Expect blood/soul sucking bugs too. Sounds like an awesome trip please post up a report on how it goes!

I’ve heard bring the strongest bug spray you can find, like 1970s Vietnam G.I. In places like that I find it easier to just cover up, including a bug net head cover, but hopefully there will be a decent enough breeze to keep them at bay. Eastern Montana still ranks as the worst for me.

I take it you’ve been?


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[Redfish12]

I’ve been Ocracoke and Cape lookout... hope for some wind. At least by then the sand flies (noseeums) will likely not be that bad.

[ronaultmtd]

Yellow flies, horse flies, black flies and the most humongous marsh mosquito...the mosquito drinks blood...everything else eats meat...Watkins lotion made in Canada is the only thing I have found that works...bought several tubes when I went archery bear hunting in Quebec...white creamy lotion...

[silasvirus82]

Are y'all trying to protect your favorite fishing hole? This sounds like an apocalyptic insect nightmare and I'm starting to reconsider an extended trip, haha.

[toadfinger]

Also consider permethrin treated clothing and take some picaridin repellent (in addition to DEET and others mentioned), which works well for flies, chiggers and ticks! You can also get very inexpensive insect netting suits from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

[yakscientist]

Are y'all trying to protect your favorite fishing hole? This sounds like an apocalyptic insect nightmare and I'm starting to reconsider an extended trip, haha.

I've never been to Portsmouth Island, but farther up on the Outer Banks, mosquitoes are no joke. You better be either right next to the ocean, or off the beach completely by dusk. If not, walking through the dunes to get back to the house is a gauntlet, and you won't emerge with less than 15 bites. I also remember one night after a kayak fishing charter, starting up the car and having clouds of mosquitoes come in through the A/C vents, it was horrifying. That being said though, look into a Thermacell John. I have the clip on version which is good for a 15x15' zone, but there are much larger ones that would be good for a campsite. Maybe run one large and one small to be safe, mine seems to work pretty well.