Best Fishing Piers in North Carolina: Expert Tips and Insights

North Carolina is known for the best fishing piers on the East Coast. The long coastline and mild weather provide great fishing conditions. Anglers choose this area because of the diverse waters that offer a variety of fish. 

No matter your skill level, North Carolina's fishing piers have something for everyone. Beginners can learn easily. Experienced anglers can enjoy a significant challenge. Fishing piers in this state guarantee fun for all visitors.

Today, we're diving into the best fishing piers in North Carolina, each offering a unique experience. We'll reveal the top spots, the variety of fish you can catch, and the best times for fishing. With this guide, you can plan an exciting fishing trip, filled with the anticipation of catching a diverse range of fish.

Top Fishing Piers in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to several popular fishing piers, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're a fan of surf fishing, deep water fishing, or simply relaxing by the ocean, you'll find a pier that suits your preference. These stunning locations are perfect for unwinding and enjoying a peaceful fishing experience.

Jennette's Pier

Initially built in 1939, Jennette's Pier was rebuilt after Hurricane Isabel. It stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a section of the North Carolina Aquariums network. Here, visitors can enjoy aquariums and fishing classes. The long pier and educational focus make it a must-visit for anglers and families alike.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Speckled Trout
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening
• Entrance Fee: $15 adults, $10 kids (age 12 and under)
• Address: 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
• Key Benefits: Educational programs, a large pier for fishing, and beautiful views
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, sand fleas

This pier offers fantastic fishing and educational exhibits about marine life. It's an excellent spot for anglers and families looking to combine fishing with education.

Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Fishing Unlimited's 600-foot pier is located near the famous Oregon Inlet. It's known for being one of the most accessible piers on the Outer Banks. Along with the pier, anglers can visit a full tackle shop and enjoy tasty meals at the oceanfront grill. 

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Sunrise, sunset
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959
• Key Benefits: Close to Oregon Inlet, great food, family-friendly
• Recommended Baits: Live shrimp, cut bait, mullet

Outer Banks Fishing Pier is perfect for anglers who want to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks while fishing from one of its most popular piers. It's ideal for those looking for good fishing and a relaxing atmosphere.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of the longest and oldest piers in North Carolina. It is located in a picturesque setting with ocean views. This historic pier attracts anglers of all skill levels. It offers excellent fishing conditions in a welcoming environment. In addition to outstanding fishing, visitors can enjoy local cuisine at the Pier House Restaurant.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Sunrise, sunset
• Entrance Fee: $15 adults, $12 kids (under 12 years old)
• Address: 3335 South Va. Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
• Key Benefits: Scenic location, great for targeting inshore species
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait

For those looking for fishing piers in Nags Head, this pier offers a fantastic opportunity to fish in a beautiful location. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, it provides a peaceful and rewarding experience.

Seaview Fishing Pier

Seaview Fishing Pier, initially known as Salty's Pier, is a 1,000-foot, family-owned, operated pier with excellent fishing and great views. With the full-service pier store, anglers can enjoy a restaurant, motel, and other amenities. The surrounding area is also great for those exploring North Topsail Beach.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening
• Entrance Fee: $17
• Address: 124 Fishing Pier Lane, North Topsail Beach, North Carolina 28539
• Key Benefits: Family-friendly, full-service pier, beautiful views
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, mullet

Seaview Fishing Pier is a fantastic place to catch various species while enjoying a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere. It is open 24/7, and night fishing is an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch fish in quieter conditions. The all-day access allows for fishing under the pier lights. 

Rodanthe Pier

Rodanthe Pier is located on Hatteras Island. This 700-foot pier is a favorite among anglers. Its quiet location makes it perfect for those looking for a peaceful fishing experience.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Pompano
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening
• Entrance Fee: $15 adults, $10 kids (age 10 and under)
• Address: 24251 Atlantic Drive, Rodanthe, NC 27968
• Key Benefits: Quiet location, less crowded, great for family fishing
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, sand fleas, cut bait

The pier's recent upgrades make it an even better spot for a memorable fishing trip. Red Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, and Pompano are among the most popular species here.

Avon Fishing Pier

Avon Fishing Pier is located on Hatteras Island and extends 600 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. One of its unique features is that anglers do not need to purchase a fishing license to fish here. The pier is great for targeting species such as Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Flounder.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Flounder
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, late afternoon
• Entrance Fee: $12 adults, $7 kids
• Address: 41001 Highway 12, Avon, NC 27915
• Key Benefits: No fishing license required, easy access to fish-rich waters
• Recommended Baits: Live shrimp, mud minnows, cut bait

Avon is a destination that offers pier fishing for anglers of all levels. Its relaxed atmosphere and the lack of a fishing license requirement make it an appealing choice for those seeking a hassle-free fishing experience.

Surf City Pier

Surf City Pier, built in 1948 and owned by the Lore family since 1973, is an iconic spot for anglers on the North Carolina coast. The pier features two large fish-cleaning stations, a grill, and an ice cream shop. It's a great destination for families to learn about fishing, enjoy a meal, and soak up the ocean views.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, late afternoon
• Entrance Fee: $12
• Address: 112 South Shore Drive, P.O. Box 2582, Surf City, NC 28445
• Key Benefits: Family-oriented, fish-cleaning stations, educational programs
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, mullet

At 937 feet long, it offers various amenities, providing a well-rounded experience for families who want to enjoy fishing and the natural beauty of Topsail Island.

Jolly Roger Fishing Pier

Jolly Roger Fishing Pier is an 850-foot pier offering excellent fishing and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The pier is located next to lodging and dining, including the Jolly Roger Grill, where visitors can enjoy a great meal after a day of fishing. 

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Bluefish, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening
• Entrance Fee: $16
• Address: 803 Ocean Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
• Key Benefits: Oceanfront Inn, environmental education nearby, great for families
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, sand fleas

Located near the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, this pier is perfect for those who want to combine fishing with environmental education.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Kure Beach Fishing Pier is one of the oldest fishing piers on the East Coast. Built in 1923, it stretches 711 feet into the Atlantic. Here, you can enjoy great views of the ocean. It's a family-friendly spot. 

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, King Mackerel
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, late afternoon
• Entrance Fee: Varies
• Address: 100 Atlantic Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449
• Key Benefits: Historic site, family-friendly, great ocean views
• Recommended Baits: Live shrimp, cut bait, mullet

This spot features a tackle shop, arcade, and snack bar. Kure Beach Fishing Pier is perfect for anglers who appreciate a classic fishing experience.

Johnnie Mercers Pier

Johnnie Mercers Pier is one of the most iconic piers in North Carolina. It stretches 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its beautiful views. The pier also offers a full tackle shop, snack bar, and game area. 

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Flounder
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, late afternoon
• Entrance Fee: $8
• Address: 23 E Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
• Key Benefits: Iconic location, concrete pier, great for families
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, mullet

Because of all this, it is a fun spot for a day of fishing and relaxation in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. With plenty of amenities, it's an excellent place for all anglers.

Carolina Beach Pier

Carolina Beach Pier is a well-loved spot among locals. It offers a variety of dining options, including a full-service bar and restaurant. The pier is also known for its fun events, such as bonfire nights and silent discos. 

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Flounder
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, sunset
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 1800 Carolina Beach Avenue N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
• Key Benefits: Vibrant atmosphere, dining options, family-friendly events
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, live minnows

Carolina Beach Pier is perfect for those who want to experience great fishing and a lively atmosphere. You can expect to catch Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Flounder, and other species here.

Ocean Crest Pier

Ocean Crest Pier is a 893-foot wooden pier known for its excellent fishing and friendly atmosphere. It hosts regular fishing tournaments and has a restaurant nearby.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, King Mackerel, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening
• Entrance Fee: Varies
• Address: 1409 E Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465
• Key Benefits: Great for King Mackerel, tournament-friendly, scenic location
• Recommended Baits: Live baitfish, cut bait, shrimp

This is a known location for serious anglers aiming to land trophy-sized fish. With a friendly community and excellent fishing conditions, this pier on Oak Island is a must-visit.

Sunset Beach Fishing Pier

Sunset Beach Fishing Pier is one of the most peaceful fishing spots in North Carolina. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views. The pier is known for its affordability and friendly staff.

• Species to Catch: Red Drum, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano
• Season: Year-round
• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, sunset
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 101 W Main Street, Sunset Beach, NC
• Key Benefits: Affordable, peaceful environment, great ocean views
• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait, sand fleas

This is also an ideal spot for those looking to fish in a laid-back setting. Red Drum, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, and Pompano are often caught here.

More About North Carolina

North Carolina covers an area of 53,819 square miles. It is the 28th largest state in the U.S. The state has a population of approximately 10.7 million residents. That makes it the 9th most populous in the country.

North Carolina is located in the southeastern United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, South Carolina to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state's diverse geography includes the Appalachian Mountains, rolling Piedmont hills, and coastal plains.

North Carolina has several famous attractions. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an amazing place, offering breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands, attracts visitors with its beaches and history. 

It is also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first flight occurred. Other notable sites include the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in North Carolina

Before you start fishing in North Carolina, it's essential to understand and comply with the state's fishing regulations. These rules are in place to conserve fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Pay attention to the following details:

• Fishing Licenses: Most anglers aged 16 and older need the appropriate NC fishing license for the water they are fishing on. For many ocean piers, anglers are covered under the pier blanket coastal license while fishing on the pier, but rules vary by location. Always confirm current requirements, size, and possession limits on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCDEQ) or from authorized local agents at the site.
• Catch Limits: North Carolina enforces regulations on the size and number of fish that can be caught daily. These limits vary by species and water body. 
• Seasonal Restrictions: Certain fish species in North Carolina are subject to seasonal fishing restrictions, especially during spawning periods. These measures protect vulnerable populations. 

Adhering to these regulations helps conserve North Carolina's aquatic ecosystems. However, remember that this regulation may change over time. For that reason, before fishing, check the NC DEQ Division of Marine Fisheries website for updates.

Final Thoughts

If you have reached this point, you are ready for a new fishing trip in North Carolina. All anglers planning to catch fish here can enjoy the fantastic coastal environment. If you are a visitor, you can enjoy the day by the ocean. If you are an angler, you can target big fish. Shortly, North Carolina has something for everyone! 

Have you already visited North Carolina? Did you fish from any of these piers? Share your experiences and thoughts with us!

Disclaimer: The images used in this article may not be of specific piers, even though we always strive to provide an accurate shot. Our team has manually checked all the data. We strive to keep all information current; some details may occasionally become outdated.