NC crabbing locations

[blueclawfever]

I am considering moving to NC when I retire in a couple of years.  Are there any areas of the coast that are better than others for crabbing?  I am strongly considering the Ocean Isle area near Wilmington.  But would consider moving north of Wilmington also.  I have never crabbed in NC.  Any advice would be great.  Thanks!

[Brianczaw]

Ocean Isle is nice.  You can crab the shallote river or the ICW.   You can't use trot lines, at least ones that are long enough.      You can catch crabs but it's not the chesapeake bay.  There are not a lot of estuary space unless you are near pamlico or albemarle sound..