Pamlico Drum

Looking to hit the Pamlico in search of old drum in the next two weeks.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I have always charted when fishing for old drum.  First experience taking my own boat.  

Good luck out there is wish I could go!

What size boat/gear would I need to fish pamlico? I feel like a 10ft yak and medium action gear is askinfor trouble.

I fish from my 19 foot bay boat. It gives some good stability out in the open waters in the area. It don't take much to get the waves started on that area. High winds put even bigger boats back at the dock. I know guys that so use kayaks but they buddy team so no one is left behind.

We fish heavy tackle so we can get the fish back to the boat for a quick release. Last trip I had 7 foot rods that could handle 20-50 lb line, conventional reels with 30lb mono. We could put a good fish to the boat in 5-7 minutes and have it back swimming shortly.

Now is the breeding time for the "big reds". I have a 17' deep side Carolina Skiff. It works well but you have to respect the Pamlico because of it being so open and still shallow. It depends on where you plan to fish. With a NE wind you are better on the north side of the river. I like the area just off Portsmoth Island. A SW wind is not bad there if it is not too strong. Don't forget the special rigs with the barbless circle hooks.

Circle hook rig for Pamlico area.

 http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=bd4a210f-42d4-4a91-a5a5-29aae761129d&groupId=38337

What ramp do ou prefer to use.  I am heading up next Friday morning Nd plan to fish Friday and Saturday.  Any help on where to go would be appreciated.

Where to launch depends on where you plan to fish. I put is at the ferry dock at Cedar Island but that is the south east end of the sound. That puts me near Portsmoth Island.
Lots of people fish the river mouth near Orental. There is a good article in the Aug. issue of NC Sportsman Mag. that will help you with that location.