A clearly marked channel up the Neuse from the ICW will bring you into historic New Bern.  The natural channel runs between 8' and 12' with little noticeable tidal effect. A strong easterly wind will raise the level, while a sustained westerly breeze (25 knots) can lower this level by as much as two feet. Also note the sapling net stakes dotting the river, strung with nets in the early spring and late fall. The Neuse is a very wide river, inviting day or night sailing in addition to motor cruising and water skiing.

The local Coast Guard Auxiliary offers regular courses in basic or advanced coastal navigation, covered are the Nautical Chart and Tools, dead reckoning, piloting, current sailing, currents, RDF, radar, Loran, and tides. Call 1 800 336-BOAT.

Fishing 'round Coastal Carolina

When you live in coastal Carolina, you "dig" fishing. Newcomers are puzzled at first, at the pick-up trucks with swivel chairs mounted over the beds. (think about it... makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Back your truck up to a stream or lake pull out the bait box and sit back and reel 'em in!) The elaborate (some are chrome plated) racks on the front of the truck might stump the inner city dweller, but you

knew that these high tech racks are fishing pole holders, didn't you? They safely hold a number of different poles for whatever is biting. Fishing is serious business. Whether you fish the rivers creeks or ocean, you'll rarely go home with an empty creel.

Fishing is so ingrained in the coastal Carolina, that when the fish are running, you probably won't find a handyman or carpenter---or lawyer who doesn't take off early and go load up the bass boat and cooler.

The youngsters start early. In-town communities with fishing lakes and "throw-back" policies always have boys and increasingly- girls with their rods and worms heading for the water.

Check the local bait stores for info, they will tell you what is running, what they're biting, and the owner might just close up the store and go with you if business is slow.