Fishing the Neuse river NC (or ponds/lakes) near the New Bern/Havelock area

So we don't have a boat, we fish the shores and banks of wherever we can find, which can be hard at times. Especially when I want to catch bass.

The main areas we fish include Martin Marietta, Lawson's Creek, a certain kayak/boat launch and small dock in Pollocksville that I can't remember the name of.

I'd like to keep the driving distances about 35 minutes or less from Havelock/New Bern area.

I've only caught one bass from the rivers. Most of my catches come from ponds or lakes such as Martin Marietta.

So does anyone have any recommendations on where to go? 

Any lakes or ponds would be really nice to find.

I would like to find more access points to the rivers near me as well where bass might be. 

Btw, please don't recommend catfish lake. We avoid that place due to the crazy drivers on that road to get back there