North Carolina Boating

Mason Landing Yacht Club was created around boating enthusiasts and their lifestyle. The marina and docks are all deep water and boaters have access at all time, regardless of the tides. The docks are designed with convenience in mind; all docks at Mason Landing are lighted and have freshwater access for rinsing boats, gear, etc...

Where to Boat?

Southeastern North Carolina is the ideal location for any boater. The endless options of where to fish and mild climate make the area a boaters’ paradise. Inshore and offshore fishermen, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys boating will find water in the Wilmington, NC area to meet their needs, and just minutes from your private boat slip in Mason Landing Yacht Club.

The Atlantic Ocean

The Gulf Stream is a common destination for offshore boaters. With the Gulf Stream less than 50 miles off the Wilmington coast, it’s a feasible day trip to catch fish such as grouper and red snappers.
Another popular offshore spot for fishing and diving is the Frying Pan Tower. The tower is about 46 miles south of Masonboro and acts as a marker for the shallow water in the surrounding areas. Large fish such as dolphin, king mackerel and tuna can be found around the structure and numerous species of tropical fish can be seen at the bottom of the tower. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has also created dozens of artificial reefs that are also popular fishing spots.

The Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway stretches about 3,000 miles along the Atlantic coast. Maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, the waterway is a minimum of 12 feet in depth but because of shoaling, minimum depths of seven, six and even five feet can be found.
Much of the waterway in the Cape Fear area travels through inlets, marshes, sounds and barrier islands which make it perfect for both wildlife watching and inshore fishermen. Pelicans, gulls, fiddler crabs and dolphins are just a few of the wildlife species that can be seen around the waterway.

The Cape Fear River

Boaters can access the Cape Fear River from several points including Snow’s Cut Inlet and Southport. Primarily activities on the Cape Fear include sightseeing, freshwater fishing and water skiing.
In the distance from downtown Wilmington to the ocean, the Cape Fear widens to almost two miles and turns into an estuary. Much of the land on both sides of the river consists of marshes and tidal creeks.

Area Islands

Masonboro Island is a popular destination for boaters as it is only accessible by boats and other watercrafts. Masonboro is an 8-mile long island that is comprised of over 5,000 acres, the majority of which is tidal marshes and mud flats. The island is also a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. Island visitors can take advantage of the island’s wildlife and natural beauty. Camping, surfing and other outdoor activities are permitted.
Zeke’s Island is another hot spot for residents to fish, sunbathe and swim. This island is also a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. The island is accessible by boat but island goers are capable of walking to Zeke’s Island using The Rocks during low tide.

Helpful resources

Local Tide Predictions – Choose from over 50 locations on the North Carolina coast for the most accurate tide times

http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/ncarolinasites.html

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Boating Checklist

http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_05_boating.htm

North Carolina Marine Businesses

http://www.ncwaterways.com/businesses/marinebusinesses.asp

Navigational Maps - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/staff/charts.htm

Detailed Wilmington, NC Weather

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=wilmington%2C+nc

Boater’s Planning Guide to Wilmington, NC and the Cape Fear Coast

http://www.cruisingtheicw.com/destination.asp?destID=22