Family Vacation - How's Topsail Island in July

[Sudsy]

Two weeks in a beach house

A nonfishing vacation for everyone except me (That's if I even go, I may bail and go to M)

How's the surfing?

What is there to do for the kids, two boys age 12 and 14.

Which town would be the best choice ?

Thanks

[jellybear]

Thats my Home!..Topsail is really crowded in July,I dont know about this year though they say its gonna be slow but Topsail is a lot more accessable than the other area beaches,lots of parking nice clean beaches ,warm water.Fishing slows down in July because its just Hot,Offshore isn't too bad.
As far as Kids ,They might get bored down here easy ,there isn't a lot to do but fish,surf,hang out.We do get some good waves so that might keep them busy.If you need more info let me know I can give you more on places to stay and such.

[Fish Hunter]

JB, you forgot to mention the HUMIDITY.

But, its a great place to vacation and kick back.

Ive been going there forever and will continue to do so. Jelly can give you all the right places and right names to have a wonderful vacation. Its just a shame he closed his resturant down, best food on or around the island.

[HASH]

I do ok on the fishing (don't expect a lot) in July and August. If you have a small boat the swing bridge is good early with live bait. Surf can be fun at dusk for smaller sharks or lady fish. For the kids it will be a quite place for them (that can be a good thing) Surf can get up if there is a little disturbance off shore.

[Fillet & Release]

If I rember right they do have a very long fishing pier and we caught small kingfish, shark, sand perch, etc

also hoped on the Vonda Cay head boat for Bottomfish.. will most likley be crowded and fishing might be so so.. from shore

[Longgone]

I've been going there since I can remember and had other family members that were there after the military base closed.One thing that is good is looking for shark teeth best place I've ever been for finding them.Fishing like everyone else said hot & humid but hit the piers early & late for blues & spanish.

[Sudsy]

If I go should I bother bringing my yak ?

[jellybear]

Yep,Definitly or else I have a Friend who owns a Outdoor Sports Place where you can rent them cheap.Theres plenty to see around here in a Kayak.

[Sudsy]

I don't bust my butt paddling to see the sights. That's like running 5 miles for the fun of it
Will it help with the fishing or is it no better then just staying on the beach ?

[Bob fishhead Sproul]

Very cool at the south end. Park on the bayside lot ... 1 mile walk to the point ... shells, fish, etc.

[HASH]

Yep it will help with fishing. Plenty of puppy drum on the flats and marshs. Just watch for no shoulders and gators (not that there are any around).

[Sudsy]

Originally Posted by HASH

Just watch for no shoulders

[jellybear]

No Shoulders, AKA MR.Copperhead

[Sudsy]

[Fish Hunter]

Let's not forget the Canebrake rattlesnake and ol mr cotton mouth. Some of the creeks will have the cottonmouth even with the brackish water.

Gators are making a comeback. Particularly around Goat Island and Virginia Creek and Turkey Creek.

Good founder fishing and puppy drum fishing in a yak behind One Stop and East Coast. Shhhhhhhhh.