Completly agree drop in at catawba State park, its a very short trip over to the islands, however I must warn you. stay more East of Mouse island when you head, as thats the fairy channel over to PIB. and we like to call it the slop shot, for whatever reason it stays very choppy along there route. Ill be heading out soon in a 19.5Ft. and plan on hittin West side of Kellys good luck, they took the rain outa the forecast too.