Pier Fishing in North Carolina

• Rodanthe Pier – Provides a peaceful setting with opportunities for catching cobia.
• Emerald Isle Pier – Offers a great spot for king mackerel and a relaxing day out.
• Holden Beach Pier – Known for its friendly atmosphere and abundant sea trout.
• Atlantic Beach Pier – A popular spot for both locals and tourists, with easy access.
• Morehead City Pier – Offers a variety of fish and a welcoming community of anglers.
• Hatteras Island Pier – Known for its excellent surf fishing and scenic beauty.

When it comes to pier fishing, choosing the right rig setup can make all the difference. Bottom rigs are a staple for catching species like flounder and drum, as they keep your bait close to the ocean floor where these fish feed. To set up a bottom rig, attach a sinker to the end of your line and tie a hook about a foot above it. Got-Cha plugs, on the other hand, are perfect for targeting fast-moving fish like Spanish mackerel. Cast them out and retrieve quickly to mimic the movement of baitfish. Experiment with different rigs to see what works best for the conditions and species you’re targeting.

North Carolina’s piers offer a diverse range of fishing opportunities throughout the year. In spring, anglers can expect to see a surge in Spanish mackerel and bluefish as they migrate along the coast. Summer brings an abundance of flounder and pompano, perfect for those looking to catch a tasty dinner. As fall approaches, the waters are teeming with red drum and speckled trout, providing thrilling action for pier fishers. Winter may slow down, but hardy anglers can still find black drum and the occasional striped bass. Understanding these seasonal patterns will help you plan your trips for maximum success.

Pier fishing in North Carolina offers anglers a fantastic way to enjoy the sport without the need for a boat. With miles of beautiful coastline, North Carolina is home to some of the most accessible and productive fishing piers on the East Coast. Whether you’re targeting red drum, speckled trout, or bluefish, pier fishing provides an easy entry point to saltwater fishing for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Why Pier Fishing in North Carolina?

Pier fishing is a popular choice for those who want to fish the Atlantic Ocean without the expense or hassle of owning a boat. North Carolina’s piers are strategically located in areas where fish congregate, making them ideal spots for catching a variety of species. Additionally, pier fishing provides a social, relaxed experience, where anglers can meet others while enjoying beautiful coastal views.

Benefits of Pier Fishing:

• No Boat Required: Fishing piers provide anglers with direct access to deep-water species without needing a boat.
• Variety of Species: North Carolina’s piers are teeming with diverse species such as red drum, flounder, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel.
• Accessibility: Most piers are open to the public and have convenient amenities such as bait shops, benches, and restrooms.
• Family-Friendly: Pier fishing is a great way for families and beginners to enjoy fishing together in a relaxed setting.

Top Pier Fishing Locations in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to numerous fishing piers that stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean, each offering unique opportunities to catch a variety of species. Here are some of the top locations for pier fishing in NC:

1. Outer Banks (OBX)

The Outer Banks is one of the most famous coastal destinations in North Carolina and offers some of the best pier fishing opportunities. With its long stretches of beach and rich marine life, OBX is home to several top piers for anglers.

• Nags Head Fishing Pier: This popular pier offers excellent fishing for species such as red drum, bluefish, croaker, and flounder. The pier extends 750 feet into the ocean, providing ample space for anglers to cast.
• Jennette’s Pier: Located in Nags Head, Jennette’s Pier is a well-known spot for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and sea bass. It also has an educational center for anglers to learn more about local fish and marine life.
• Rodanthe Pier: Known for bluefish and puget sound species, Rodanthe Pier is less crowded and offers a more secluded pier fishing experience.

2. Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, located near Wilmington, is known for its beautiful coastline and productive fishing piers.

• Johnnie Mercer’s Pier: This iconic pier is great for fishing red drum, flounder, and spotted sea trout. It offers easy access from the beach and is known for excellent fishing, especially during the fall when red drum run through the area.
• Wrightsville Beach Pier: Another top fishing spot in Wrightsville Beach, this pier offers access to spanish mackerel, bluefish, and sharks. It’s a family-friendly location with nearby amenities and a great place for catching big game species.

3. Morehead City

Morehead City is a major port town on North Carolina’s coast and offers several great pier fishing options.

• Oceanana Pier: One of the longest piers in NC, Oceanana Pier extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic. It is known for catching red drum, sheepshead, bluefish, and flounder. It’s a great place for both beginner and experienced anglers.
• Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier: Situated in Emerald Isle, this pier offers a wide range of fish species such as red drum, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. The pier is popular for both day and night fishing.

4. Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach offers several piers where anglers can fish for a wide variety of species, with access to the Gulf Stream.

• Carolina Beach Fishing Pier: This pier provides excellent fishing opportunities for spotted sea trout, red drum, bluefish, and whiting. It’s located in a prime spot for fishing both during the day and at night.
• Kure Beach Pier: Known for flounder, bluefish, and sharks, Kure Beach Pier is a great location for anglers looking to catch larger species during their visit.

5. Topsail Island

Located north of Wilmington, Topsail Island provides some of the best off-the-beaten-path pier fishing in North Carolina.

• Topsail Island Fishing Pier: This pier is perfect for catching flounder, red drum, and whiting. Its location on the island ensures that it isn’t as crowded as other spots, making it ideal for a quieter fishing experience.

Popular Species to Target While Pier Fishing in North Carolina

North Carolina’s piers offer access to a variety of species throughout the year. Depending on the season and location, you can target the following species:

Saltwater Species

• Red Drum: Known for their strong fight, red drum are a favorite target for pier anglers. They can be found in the summer and fall months along the coast.
• Flounder: Flounder are often caught near piers, particularly in the fall. They are bottom feeders, so use live bait like minnows or shrimp.
• Spanish Mackerel: One of the most sought-after species during summer months, Spanish mackerel are fast and aggressive. Use jigs or small live bait for the best results.
• Bluefish: Bluefish are aggressive predators found near piers during the warmer months, making them a popular catch for anglers.
• King Mackerel: King mackerel are typically found in deeper waters but can be caught from piers with live bait and trolling techniques.

Other Species

• Croaker
• Whiting
• Spotted Sea Trout
• Sheepshead
• Blacktip Shark (for adventurous anglers)

Pier Fishing Tips for Success in North Carolina

• Best Time to Fish: Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish, especially for species like red drum and bluefish.
• Use the Right Bait: Live baits such as menhaden, shrimp, and crabs work well for many of the species found in North Carolina’s piers. For artificial baits, try soft plastics or spoons.
• Watch the Tides: Tides play an important role in pier fishing. Fishing during incoming or outgoing tides can yield better results, especially for red drum and flounder.
• Check Local Regulations: Always be aware of local fishing regulations regarding size and bag limits for specific species, and make sure you have the proper licenses for fishing in North Carolina.

NC Pier Fishing

Pier fishing in North Carolina offers an excellent way to enjoy the sport of fishing without the need for a boat. With numerous piers stretching along the coast, anglers of all skill levels can target a wide range of species from the shore. Whether you’re fishing for red drum in the Outer Banks or flounder in Carolina Beach, North Carolina’s piers provide some of the best opportunities for saltwater fishing.

DidYouFish.com is here to guide you to the best pier fishing locations and help you maximize your fishing experience in North Carolina. Get out there, cast your line, and enjoy all that the North Carolina coast has to offer!