Jennette's Pier (Nags Head)
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head is the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks and has evolved into a unique blend of fishing, education, and recreation. Here are the detailed features:
Location and Contact
Address: 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 16.5, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: (252) 255-1501
History
Originally built in 1939 by Warren H. Jennette Sr. and the Jennette Brothers.
Rebuilt multiple times due to storm damage, including Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
Purchased by the NC Aquarium Society in 2003 and rebuilt as a 1,000-foot-long concrete pier, reopening in May 2011.
Structure and Features
Extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
Hurricane-resistant concrete construction.
Offers spectacular views of the ocean and Nags Head beaches.
Amenities
Fully stocked tackle shop with bait, rigs, lures, and ice.
Rod and reel rentals available.
Blanket fishing license covers all anglers on the pier.
Snack bar with drinks and refreshments.
Bathhouse with outdoor showers and restrooms.
Free parking.
Educational classrooms, live animal exhibits, and alternative energy demonstrations.
Available for special events like weddings or receptions.
Fishing Information
No individual fishing license required (blanket license provided).
Common catches include black drum, bluefish, cobia, croaker, flounder, gray trout, king mackerel, pompano, puffers, rays, red drum, sheepshead, spadefish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, skate, spot, and more depending on the season135.
Techniques allowed: bottom fishing, jigging, pin-rig fishing (pin-rigging requires an additional fee).
Pricing (as of recent updates)
Walk-on fee: Adults $2; Children $1
Daily fishing pass: Adults $14; Children (12 and under) $7
Rod rentals: $12/day; Pin-rigs: $8/day
Annual fishing pass available for $300
Hours of Operation
Open year-round; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
May–October: 6 AM to 10 PM
November & April: 7 AM to 9 PM
December–March: 9 AM to 5 PM
Special Features
Educational programs for families and children.
Sightseeing opportunities with benches along the pier.
Hosts special events such as weddings or business excursions.
Jennette’s Pier is not only a premier fishing destination but also an educational hub operated by the NC Aquarium Society. It combines excellent fishing opportunities with family-friendly activities and stunning ocean views
Avalon Fishing Pier (Kill Devil Hills):
Avalon Fishing Pier, located in Kill Devil Hills, is one of the oldest and most beloved piers on the Outer Banks. Here are the detailed features:
Location and Contact
Address: 2111 N Virginia Dare Trail, Milepost 6 on the Beach Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Phone: (252) 441-7494
History and Structure
Built in 1962, it was the last wooden fishing pier constructed on the Outer Banks.
Approximately 696–700 feet long, extending over 12–15 feet of water.
Owned by Dare Resorts, Inc.
Amenities
Pier House: Includes a bait and tackle shop, rod and reel rentals, snack bar, and arcade.
Arcade features over 70 games, foosball tables, and four pool tables.
Snack bar offers affordable options like hot dogs, pizza, chips, candy, soft drinks, beer, and water.
Fish cleaning stations and weighing station available.
Benches for sightseeing and relaxation.
Onsite parking for pier customers.
Fishing Information
No individual fishing license required (covered by a blanket license).
Common catches: flounder, trout, pompano, stripers (striped bass), blues (bluefish), croaker, Spanish mackerel, mullet, cobia, king mackerel, and spot.
Best fishing times: Early morning or late afternoon (about an hour before sunset).
Bait sold includes bloodworms, squid, mullet, shrimp, and artificial lures.
Designated area at the end of the pier for serious anglers targeting large fish (e.g., cobia or king mackerel) using king rigs.
Pricing (as of recent updates)
Daily fishing pass: Adults $12; Children under 12 $6.
Three-day pass: $33; Weekly pass: $69; Seasonal pass: $300.
Sightseeing fee: Typically free or minimal cost (cash tips encouraged).
Operating Schedule
Open seasonally from March through November.
Peak season hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day): Open daily from 5 AM to 2 AM.
Off-season hours: Open daily from 6 AM to around 10 PM.
Special Features
Live Pier Cam available online for real-time conditions.
Fishing reports shared on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Rustic wooden structure offers a nostalgic ambiance with uneven planks swaying gently over the ocean.
Dolphin and whale sightings are common near the pier.
Nags Head Fishing Pier
Location and Contact
Address: 3335 S Virginia Dare Trail, Milepost 11.5, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: (252) 441-5141
History and Structure
Built in the 1950s, making it one of the longest-standing piers on the Outer Banks.
Extends approximately 750 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
Known for its close proximity to the Gulf Stream, which attracts a wide variety of fish.
Amenities
Pier House: Includes a full-service tackle shop offering bait, tackle, rods, reels, and expert advice.
Rod rentals available for $15/day.
Fish cleaning stations provided.
Restaurant: The Pier House Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with oceanfront dining.
Bar: Features a casual atmosphere with drinks and snacks.
Ample parking close to the pier.
Benches for sightseeing and relaxation.
Fishing Information
No individual fishing license required (blanket license provided).
Common catches: red drum, striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, flounder, trout, cobia, spot, sea mullet, pompano, and more depending on the season.
Pin rigging available for targeting larger fish like king mackerel or cobia ($30/day).
Pricing (as of recent updates)
Sightseeing fee: $2.75 per person.
Daily fishing pass: Adults $15; Children under 12 $12.
Multi-day passes:
3-day pass: $42
Weekly pass: $95
Seasonal pass: $400 (individual) or $525 (couple)
Operating Hours
Open daily from 5 AM to midnight (weather permitting).
Special Features
Lighted for evening fishing.
Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages.
Spectacular ocean views and opportunities to spot dolphins or other marine life.
Nags Head Fishing Pier combines its historic charm with modern amenities to provide a memorable experience for both anglers and visitors seeking relaxation by the ocean. It remains a cornerstone of Outer Banks fishing culture.
Outer Banks Fishing Pier (South Nags Head)
A popular fishing spot with a rich history and various amenities. Here's the information about this pier:
Location: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959 (Milepost 18.5 in South Nags Head)12
Amenities
600-foot long pier
Open 24 hours a day during peak season
Fully stocked tackle shop with bait, lures, rods, and reels
Rod and reel rentals available
Oceanfront grill open for breakfast (grab & go), lunch, and dinner
Fish Heads Bar and Grill on the pier, offering food, drinks, and often live entertainment
Video games for kids
Lighted for night fishing
Fishing Information:
No fishing license required
Daily, three-day, weekly, and seasonal fishing passes available
Senior citizen discounts offered
Common catches include sea mullet, cobia, spot, pompano, croaker, flounder, bluefish, trout, and more34
Additional Features:
Voted Best Outer Banks Fishing Pier in 2013
Family-friendly atmosphere
Beautiful ocean views
Popular spot for locals and tourists alike
Operating Schedule:
Open until Thanksgiving
Reopens on April 15th
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the pier is open 24/7
The Outer Banks Fishing Pier is known for its great fishing opportunities and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors to the area
Avon Fishing Pier
historic and popular fishing destination on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks.
Location and Contact
Address: 41001 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
Phone: (252) 995-5480
Features
600-665 feet long, extending into the Atlantic Ocean
Open seasonally from April to December
Part of the Koru Village campus of activities
Amenities
Fully stocked tackle shop with bait, lures, rods, and reels
Rod and reel rentals available
Snack shop
Clothing shop
Gift shop
Fish-cleaning tables
Benches for relaxation and sightseeing
Fishing Information
No fishing license required
Known for excellent fishing, especially red drum
Other common catches: cobia, pompano, mullet, bluefish, mackerel, and more
Site of a world-record 94-pound red drum catch in 1984
Events and Activities
Weekly Kids Fishing Frenzy tournaments in summer
Fish Like a Girl women's only tournament in October
PBR Classic tournament in November
Popular spot for sightseeing and watching sunsets
Operating Hours (as of 2022)
Summer season: Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Hours may vary by season
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot available
Avon Fishing Pier, opened in 1963, was the first pier constructed on Hatteras Island and remains a landmark attraction for both fishing enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy the ocean views
Kitty Hawk Fishing Pier
located at 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, is a historic and popular attraction on the Outer Banks
History and Structure
Built in 1953, making it one of the oldest piers in the area
Originally 245 feet long, but current length may vary due to renovations
Badly damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003
Purchased and restored by Hilton Garden Inn in 2006
Current Status and Access
Open daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Walking fee: $3
Fishing pass: $20 per day
Fishing is allowed only for guests of Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk
Fishing Information
Known for record-breaking catches in the past, including bluefish, whiting, red drum, and king mackerel
Common catches: bluefish, puppy drum, spot, flounder, and various other species
Fully stocked tackle shop available
Rod and reel rentals offered
Amenities and Features
Pier House available for weddings and special events (up to 150 people)
Occasional live music events
Breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset
Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot
Additional Notes
Close proximity to Chesapeake Bay, advantageous for migrating fish
When not used for scheduled events, the pier is open for fishing
Coastal Recreational Fishing License required for fishing
The Kitty Hawk Pier continues to be a beloved landmark, offering fishing opportunities, scenic views, and a venue for special events on the Outer Banks
Rodanthe Fishing Pier
Rodanthe Fishing Pier, also known as Hatteras Island Pier, is a popular attraction located at 24251 Atlantic Dr, Rodanthe, NC 27968. Here are the key details about this pier:
Structure and History
Built in the 1970s as tourism on Hatteras Island grew
Extends 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean
Has weathered multiple hurricanes, including Sandy, and has been restored
Amenities
Fully stocked tackle shop with bait, lures, rods, and reels
Rod and reel rentals available
Snacks, drinks, and beer available
Beach supplies and souvenirs
Restrooms and air-conditioned game room
Parking available ($15/day, free with fishing pass)
Fishing Information
No fishing license required on the pier
Common catches: sea mullet, spot, bluefish, trout, mackerel, flounder, red drum, and cobia
Daily fishing reports available
Pricing (as of 2025)
Daily fishing pass (ages 11 and up): $15
Daily fishing pass (children 10 and under): $10
Live bait fishing (pin rigging): $15/day
Sightseeing: $2/day
Rod rental: $12/day
Weekly passes available
Operating Schedule
Open seasonally from around Easter to Thanksgiving
Peak season hours: 6:00 AM to midnight
Shoulder season hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Off-season hours may vary
Special Features
Annual Kid's Fishing Tournament during Memorial Day weekend
Featured in the movie "Nights in Rodanthe"
Offers spectacular ocean views and sunset vistas
Rodanthe Pier continues to be a beloved destination for both fishing enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy the Outer Banks experience