Fishing in Onslow County (Jacksonville, Beulaville: live, title, tree)

[Ceezer]

Years ago, when I lived in Jacksonville, there was a spot a buddy and I used to hit frequently and I'm trying to remember where it is. From Jax, I'm pretty sure we headed South out of town but don't remember if we stayed on 17 or veered off West on 24/258 (heck, we may have even been on 53, but remembering the width & condition of the road I'm thinking it was probably 24/258).

Unfortunately, here's all I can remember: heading away from town, this location was on the left side of the road. There were two ponds up front along the road and a driveway between them. If you followed that driveway back (in later years they put up a liability sign) it opened up to another dozen, or so, small ponds that you could drive around and in-between.

My cousin wants me to meet him in Topsail next month and I'd love to be able to take him to this place if I can figure out how to get back there.

Does anyone, by chance, know where I'm talking about? I sure would appreciate any assistance.

[Bill Hitchcock]

don't remember if we stayed on 17 or veered off West on 24/258 (heck, we may have even been on 53....
Well you pretty much got North, South and West covered. Can you give a few more details?? I'd really like to be able to help you out.
Is meeting your cousin in Topsail a tip off to proximity of the ponds?
Bill

[Ceezer]

I'm 99% sure it wasn't North. I know the Maysville rock quarry is up that way off 17, but when I check Mapquest the ponds are on the wrong side of the road and look too large for what I'm remembering. I'm also pretty sure it wasn't 17 South, either, the more I remember. Nor do I think it was 53 (I was just throwing it out there as a reference to my forgetfulness). I'm almost certain we headed West out 24/258. I contacted an old WO of mine and he said there were some ponds out around Beulaville, which sounds like it could be close to what I'm thinking of, but when I look on Mapquest I don't see them. But looking at the map tripped something in my memory. I think I remember that if you went to the point that the road widened, that it meant you went too far and had to turn around.

As to the physical details of the ponds themselves, all I can remember is what I posted above. Heading (west), there were two very small ponds on the left side of the road and a small driveway between them. When I first started fishing here the area was unmarked, but later on someone posted a 'at your own risk' sign on a tree next to the driveway as you entered.

It really has nothing to do with Topsail. I was just saying that I'll be back in the area for that (I've been wanting to return to Onslow Co for years... I miss that area) and when we get together it usually involves fishing, so I was wanting to take him to a couple of my old sweet spots.

[macjr82]

catherine lake?

[macjr82]

catherine lake nc - Google Maps

[Ceezer]

They were the Daphine Ponds. I also posted this question at a NC angling board and a fella from Keenansville was able to help me out. As I thought, they're out 24 West past Beulaville and just after the NE Cape Fear River (I forgot to mention I remembered crossing over a river because the first time we found these ponds we were actually going to fish the NE Cape Fear).

I think I remember that if you went to the point that the road widened, that it meant you went too far and had to turn around.

I was close. The ponds are just after the road widens so you had to take the next turn around to come back and get to the driveway.

Thank you, all, for your assistance.