Top Outer Banks Fishing Piers

Courtesy of NagsHeadPier.com The Outer Banks is without a doubt one of the best fishing destinations in the United States, and quite possibly the world. There is no other location that has the beautiful Atlantic Ocean to the east and brackish estuaries to the west. The Outer Banks (or OBX as its locally known) is a string of barrier islands that draws anglers from all around the world to fish the local waters, even if they don’t have a boat to fish from. That’s where the Outer Banks fishing piers come in… you can grab your gear and tackle, and head to a local pier to experience the thrill of fishing the Outer Banks!

Here are the top Outer Banks piers ready to host your fishing excursion: Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Located in South Nags Head, Outer Banks Fishing Pier has been a prime fishing spot for anglers for well over 50 years. Coming in at 600 feet, it’s the pier closest to Oregon Inlet and great for families and anglers alike. The pier is open 24 hours a day and there are daily, weekly, and seasonal passes available. Passes gain you access to the pier; you won’t need a fishing license to fish. Anglers can rent tackle and buy bait, or feel free to bring your own. Of course you have to visit Fishheads Bar & Grill at Outer Banks Fishing Pier. They have great food and a fun atmosphere (usually a live band is playing), and it’s a great place to stop for an end of the day treat. Anglers can catch a variety of species from the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, including Croaker, Mahi Mahi, Mackerels (King and Spanish), Little Tunny (False Albacore, Bonito), Hogfish, Pinfish, Pompano, Redfish, Black Sea Bass, and much more! Drop a line at Outer Banks Fishing Pier and get ready for a great day of OBX fishing!

Jennette’s Pier

Jennette’s Pier is also located in Nags Head, just a few miles north of Outer Banks Fishing Pier. Jennette’s is by far the largest pier on the Outer Banks; the concrete pier spans 1000ft. It’s part of the North Carolina Aquarium offering fun, educational programs for kids and a gift shop that has a nice selection for loved ones back home. Anglers who fish Jennette’s Pier are encouraged to bring coolers with wheels. The pier is 1000ft long and anglers may get tired lugging all that gear to the end of the pier and back. That’s probably the only downside of the pier, because with that 1000ft you get unparalleled access to the Atlantic Ocean and species unreached by other local piers. When fishing Jennette’s Pier you can hook a variety of species, including Cobia, Croaker, Mahi Mahi, Mackerels, Pompano, Red Drum, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and Shark, just to name a few. It’s a great pier for kids and families, so bring your entire crew for a day of fishing at Jennette’s Pier.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of the oldest and longest surviving fishing piers on the Outer Banks. It’s what comes to mind when you think of a traditional fishing pier: great fishing on a wooden structure with a great restaurant and tiki bar at the end (by the way, the food is tasty and the views are spectacular!). Even better, the restaurant offers “you hook ‘em - we cook ‘em” services - so bring your catch and have a delicious, fresh fish dinner! There are day/multi-day/seasonal passes available for anglers, and kids under 12 years old can get passes at half-price. If you just want to walk the pier there is a small fee, but it’s worth it to see the incredible views of the Atlantic. Nags Head Fishing Pier opens in the spring and closes in December (opening date depends on the fishing). This 750ft pier is a popular place for anglers to drop their lines and families to explore. While fishing from Nags Head Fishing Pier you’re bound to find at the end of your line a variety of species. With the Gulf Stream within reach, there’s a ton of inshore species available. You’re sure to find Spotted Seatrout, Sea Mullet, Black Drum, and the occasional Croaker. You’ll also find a full-service tackle shop at the end of the pier with bait and tackle to purchase, or you can rent some rods and reels. The staff are super friendly and willing to share a few of their favorite Nags Head Fishing Pier tricks-of-the-trade!

Avalon Fishing Pier

Avalon Fishing Pier is located in Kill Devil Hills; it’s considered one of the oldest fishing piers in the area, originally built in 1958. This Outer Banks pier extends almost 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, where your line can drop into some 12-15 feet of water. Avalon Pier also features a tackle shop that has a nice selection of fishing gear and friendly crew that are ready with answers to your fishing questions. Adult anglers can purchase a daily pass for $10; while children under twelve pay $5. There are also three-day and seasonal passes available. Avalon Fishing Pier is open from spring to fall, with times set by the season and how good the fishing is. During the summer the fishing is at its peak and you’re sure to find many anglers looking for their next big trophy. Before you head out to Avalon Fishing Pier, you can check out their Piercam and see how the tides and winds are looking. Then grab your rod and gear and get ready to target Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Sea Mullet, Pompano, and Mackerels (King and Spanish) just to name a few. Get to the pier either early in the morning or evening (about an hour before sunrise or the hour after sunset), as this is when the fish are most active.

Rodanthe Fishing Pier

An icon of the Hatteras Island fishing scene is the wonderful Rodanthe Fishing Pier. Recent remodels after hurricanes now have it reaching 700 feet long, plenty of room for anglers to fish for the day. It’s by far one of the best places to catch Drum, but you can also catch Sea Mullet, Spot, and Trout. It’s a family friendly pier that’s a tourist magnet as much as it is an angler’s magnet; several non-anglers stroll the pier taking in the breath-taking views of the Outer Banks. Rodanthe Fishing Pier offers daily and weekly passes, with discounts for children. There’s also an annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament that is a huge hit with locals and tourists alike. The pier is generally open from Easter to Thanksgiving, but call ahead as those dates may change depending on the fishing. There is a pier house that has everything you’ll need for a day visiting Rodanthe Fishing Pier. Anglers will find bait and tackle to purchase or rent, and there’s also beach supplies, souvenirs, and convenience store items such as water, soda, beer, snacks and candy available. Also known as the Hatteras Island Pier, the Rodanthe Fishing Pier is a favorite Outer Banks pier: an excellent fishing spot for your North Carolina fishing adventure.

Avon Fishing Pier

Saving the best for last, Avon Fishing Pier is where the Outer Banks reputation started. There was a world-breaking Red Drum caught in 1984 (just over 94 pounds a few yards away from the pier structure) and it’s been a hot spot ever since. Anglers visit year after year looking to catch their own personal record, or better yet… set the world-record once more! is located in Avon, a small rustic town that has become a favorite fishing destination for anglers and vacationers alike. Like the Rodanthe Pier, anglers will often find Drum in the waters by the pier. The Avon Fishing Pier reaches 600 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of Cape Hatteras’ most visited fishing locations. You’re sure to find as many people fishing the surf as they are fishing the pier. The pristine water and abundant fishery draws anglers of all skill levels to Avon for a great day of fishing. The pier is open from spring to fall and offers single day, multi-day, or annual passes for anglers at reasonable prices. Along with those famous Drums, you can also catch Spot, Cobia, Pompano, Sea Mullet, Bluefish, and Mackerels. Even though it’s a wooden pier with some un-level spots, owners take great care of its structural safety for everyone. Don’t forget to stop by the pier house to see what’s biting, stock-up on bait and gear, or grab a few items from the gift shop.

Outer Banks Fishing Piers

Whichever Outer Banks pier you find yourself fishing from, you’re bound to have a great day! There truly is nothing quite like fishing the Atlantic Ocean from the North Carolina Coast. The barrier islands offer some of the best fishing in the world, and the piers will get you right on top of the action. So bring the kids, grab the gear, and start your OBX fishing excursion today!