Outer Banks Fishing Piers

Pier fishing allows for the added luxury being out deeper in the ocean without having to take a boat or paddle out. The distance from the shore that walking out on a pier allows, puts one literally on top of the fish others cast out from the sand to reach.

Pier fishing also brings an opportunity to target larger fish. By fishing from the pier, the line is dropped beyond the outer bar; where the shallower, sandy waters of the inshore end, and the deeper water opens. These deeper waters allow not only for larger, but also more diverse catches. Cobia, Mackerel, and Drum can be caught from the farthest reaches of Outer Banks fishing piers.

The Outer Banks is the home to many fishing piers including Avalon, Nags Head Pier, Jennette's, Outer Banks Fishing Pier, and the newly opened Bonner Bridge Pier.

Anglers of all ages can, for a nominal fee, enjoy fishing prime ocean waters without having to worry about casting distance from the beach. For an idea of where to fish on the pier, use the illustration below to reach targeted fish.

Given the wild nature of marine life and ever-changing ocean conditions, this is intended to only be used as a rule of thumb. This can be used to give fishers a head start on where to make camp for the day!

Most local piers are outfitted with bait & tackle shops, knowledgeable staff, restrooms, snacks — just what families may need for a fun day of fishing!

In addition to the aforementioned offerings, Jennette's Pier in Nags Head also has options for fishing classes, surf school, summer camp, and so forth.

Avalon Fishing Pier

Summer through fall hours are 5am to 2am. In the off-season, hours are 6am until "things start to slow down".

For more information, visit Avalon Pier's website.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Open 24-hours a day in season, which runs from "whenever the fish start biting" in the spring until December.

For more information, visit Nags Head Pier's website.

Jennette's Fishing Pier

Jennette’s is open 364 days a year — only closing on Christmas Day. During the on-season (May-October), the pier is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day: off-season hours vary.

For more information, visit Jennette's Pier's website.