Two great shops I can recommend are in Raleigh, a couple of hours from Jacksonville: Great Outdoor Provisions Company (GOPC) and Orvis Raleigh. The first is an NC chain with stores in Raleigh and several other Piedmont cities (has a web site), the second is an actual Orvis store, not a dealer, address on the main web site. In addition to saltwater (wade fishing in inshore waters is extensive, subject to tides), you should check out the great to fantastic warm water fishing surrounding you. The most famous is Currituck Sound, on the coast to the northeast of Jacksonville. Topwater bass fishing, accessible by boat and wading, varies in quality from year to year with grass growth and salinity, but can be about the best there is in good years. Every river in the coastal plain offers a variety of bass and panfishing, and several offer annual shad runs. Check out any body of water you see for bass and panfish. Don't forget that NC has licenses for general freshwater fishing, trout in designated fisheries, and saltwater (even on foot on the bays and sounds). Trout fishing is available throughout the mountain region, not just in the Smokies--the brothers that own GOPC used to be terrific authorities on NC trout fishing, but that was thirty years ago, and they are close to my age, so may or may not be actively engaged in the store day to day anymore. Davidson River Outfitters (in Brevard) and both Hunter Banks Outfitters and Curtis Wright Outfitters (in Asheville and Weaverville) are great sources of advice, tackle, and guided trips in the mountains.

Fishing is virtually year-round in eastern NC--enjoy!
-CC