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Seated on the Outer Banks' north side, Nags Head is known for being one of the best vacation destinations in this area, and fishing is among the most impressive activities. There is fish in every corner of the Outer Banks, but Nags Head offers the best fishing piers, is easily accessible, and comes with plenty of opportunities off the water. Fishing piers are one of the most impressive coastal features, and the fact that they allow travelers to fish from deep-water grounds makes them popular. There are a total of seven beautiful fishing piers in the whole of the Outer Banks, and three are based in Nags Head. From these incredible piers, vacationers can catch different species of fish, including flounder, bluefish, sea mullet, and pompano, depending on the season. Here is a complete guide to every fishing pier in Nags Head (& its fishing).

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When To Go Fishing In Nags Head

Planning a vacation during the fishing seasons can be challenging. Fortunately, there is always something for vacationers in Nags Head, and they may be lucky to take part in some of the fishing tournaments held in its fishing piers. In April, there is the Nags Head Surf Fishing Club Member-Guest Tournament. Jennette’s Pier hosts Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament in June and NC VIP Fishing Tournament in October.

Most fish species thriving in Nags Head can be harvested at any time of the year, with certain rules applied. August and September are the only months to harvest Flounder. Cobia is open for harvesting except January to April. Travelers looking to harvest Black Seabass can only do so in May. Vacationers planning to go pier fishing out of season should call ahead to confirm the availability of the local fishing piers, as some don’t operate year-round.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Built in 1949, Nags Head Pier is the largest in the Outer Banks and comes with an incredible tackle shop, offering everything from fresh bait to bottom rigs to topwater lures to reels, rods, and advisory service. Travelers without fishing gear can rent reels and rods from the tackle shop. The pier also boasts a snack bar, a fantastic gift shop, and friendly local fishermen ready to offer their expertise to help with fishing. This pier only operates in summer, the high season in the Outer Banks. Because of crowds, travelers can experience the best of Nags Head’s fishing very early in the morning or late evenings.

The Cost Of Fishing At Nags Head Pier

  • Sightseeing: $2.75
  • A day pass: $15.00
  • Three-day pass: $42.00
  • Seven-day pass: $98.00
  • Season Pass: $400.00
  • Season Pass for a couple: $525.00
  • Kids under 12: $12.00
  • Pin Rig: $30.00
  • Rod Rentals per Day: $15.00

Jennet’s Fishing Pier

Jennet's Fishing Pier has a lot of advantages, from offering travelers free parking to the accessibility of public beaches to incredible fishing programs designed to enhance skills in fishing. In these programs, vacationers will learn about the gorgeous beaches, best fishing practices, and the breathtaking scenery surrounding Nags Head. With all the fantastic amenities this beautiful pier presents, hundreds of thousands of tourists are drawn to the area. N.C. Aquariums own and operate this pier, as well as all the restrooms, educational exhibits, and the renovated Pier shop, offering all kinds of goods, including rods, reels, and baits. Visitors without their gear, rod, or reel combos can always rent nearby. Worried about fishing licensing? Well, vacationers can go fishing at Jennet's Fishing Pier without using a North Carolina fishing license. All people without a fishing license coming to fish here are covered under a blanket license.

Cost Of Fishing At Jennet’s Fishing Pier

  • Daily pass: $14 for adults, $7 for children
  • Three-day pass: $36 adults, $18 children
  • Seven-day pass: $80 adults, $40 children
  • Walk-on pass: $2 adults, $1 children

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South Nags Head Fishing Pier

Also Known as the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this is one place that offers a quieter fishing spot and incredible views of the scenic surrounding. This spot is always open for fishing 24 hours a day year-round, making it an excellent fishing pier. It also offers easy access to a nearby tackle shop as well as a small family-friendly restaurant. Travelers can grab lunch and dinner or take a few drinks while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is definitely one of the few restaurants in the area with incredible oceanfront views. The Outer Banks Fishing Pier is the closest to the Oregon inlet, and travelers can catch a variety of fish species thanks to its 600 feet. The tackle shop has all the tools vacationers need for fishing, including bait, lures, rods, and reels. Take advantage of the daily happy hour and get a 15-cent shrimp and a variety of ice-cold beers. Vacationers will also enjoy live entertainment in summer.

  • Address: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, MP 18.5, Nags Head
  • Contact: (252) 441-7413
  • Happy Hour: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

With three stunning piers, fishing in Nags Head is fun, and every traveler is bound to fall in love with this town!