Pier Fishing

Winter 2025 Locations to Fish

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We have finally transitioned from the busy fall fishing season to the blustery and challenging off season. The fall migration has ended and most of the ocean piers have closed for the season. 

The surf, sound side bridges and docks and three of our ocean piers are the only option for those who can brave the weather conditions. 

Fishing season is not completely over but transitioning into a different phase. Extra caution and preparation will be needed to be successful.

In the future postings, we will be discussing how to find and catch fish in colder conditions and some of the angling offseason duties.

For now, here are the places that are still open and accessible to fish through spring: 

Avalon fishing pier – They will remain open the entire offseason and will offer free access for fishing. Their advertised hours will as follows:

  • M-T-W – 1100-700pm
  • Thurs – 1100-1000pm
  • Friday – 1100-midnight
  • Saturday – 800-midnight 
  • Sunday – 1000 – 700pm

They hope to have love music several evenings a week. Times and days subject to change.

Jennette’s fishing pier – They will remain open the entire offseason Sunday thru Saturday from 0900 to 1700

Kitty Hawk / Hilton Garden fishing Pier – should remain open for hotel guests but other anglers may be permitted to fish there. Anglers must check at the front desk – for open days, means of access and specific times.

These sound side piers, bridges and docks will continue to remain open and available all year:

  • Bonner Bridge fishing pier – open
  • Causeway pier – open
  • Daniels Bridge – south side open
  • Wildlife fishing pier – open
  • Bebop fishing Pier – open

And these Piers are now closed for the season.

  • Nags Head Fishing pier
  • Outer Banks pier is closed
  • Rodanthe pier is closed.
  • Avon pier is closed.

Remember – always fish with a buddy or tell someone where you will be fishing and when you plan to return. Also, during inclement weather, raised surfaces can become slippery. Use caution.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

 

Carefully Release Them

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Fishing isn’t always about catching. Occasionally we need to release our catch due to them being out of season, over the slot size or bag limit or you don’t want to keep them. Either way, if the angler chooses to release the fish, it must be done carefully to give it the best chance for survival.

The first step in releasing your catch is to quickly retrieve the fish to shore. During the fight, a fish uses up a lot of energy. The remaining energy is needed to feed, spawn or escape a predator. When the fish is exhausted and returned to the water after a long fight, they may not have enough energy to begin breathing again or to escape to safety. So we need to ensure the fight is short.

The next step to releasing is to minimize the handling of the fish. All species have a protectant film on the surface of their skin. This film helps to prevent infection but it also helps them slide thru the water quickly. When bringing a fish to shore, it’s best to use a plastic net. Also, try to keep the fish in the water or at least wet. Some nylon or cotton nets will strip the film off as the fish tries to escape. So I try to avoid using them.

Once the fish is in the net, most anglers will use a gripper or plyers to steady them. Their first instinct is pick up the fish vertically to take a photo or a measurement. This technique is extremely lethal for the fish. By holding the fish vertical and upright, the organs and tiny structures in the fish’s body are pulled by gravity toward the tail. Torn structures will not heal timely and possibly cause the fish to die soon.

Also you want be gentle when removing the hooks. Don’t grab the fish but gently and firmly hold the fish steady to grip the hooks. Pull the hooks to minimize any damage. I like to flatten the barbs on all my hooks to aid in the quick and safe release.

If you need to remove the fish from the water or net, hold the fish horizontally. Always keep your hands wet when holding a fish. Use the gripper to control the head but always support the mid-section and tail (see picture insert). This ensures that no stress is on the vital organs. Plus, by just resting the fish in your hands, no slime or protectant will be wiped off. You will be surprised how calm they can be when held properly.

Holding a fish for a picture can be the most stressful time for the fish and even a short time can mean the difference between recovery and survival.

When the time comes to release the fish, gently lower the fish in the water. Do horizontal swimming movements to help run water over their gills. And the fish will let you when they are ready to swim off. When ready just open your hands and they will swim away – usually with a big splash.

Never drop a fish from a pier or bridge or just toss in back into the water. This action can stun them and make them more susceptible to danger. They need to be re-introduced back into the water carefully.

So remember, when you need to release a fish, keep your hands wet, don’t squeeze them tightly and reduce the time it is handled out of the water.  The time out of the water and your handling techniques will determine it the fish will survive and swim away to be caught again.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony

Transition to Fall

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Fishing on the Outer Banks during the Fall transition can produce catches of puppy drum, big drum, Speckled Sea Trout, Stripers and dozens of other species.

September typically means two things to me – the start of a new school year and Fall fishing. Classrooms and school buses get crowded and popular fishing spots become deserted. But just like school, there are many lessons to be learned when fishing between the Summer and the Fall on the Outer Banks.

Summer fishing is a lot like swinging in a hammock. You find a seat in the shade on the pier or maybe under an umbrella on the surf.  You cast your bottom rig out and wait for something to come by and take it. Summer fishing is usually very slow and kind of easy going. There are always plenty of small bottom fish to keep you busy. So as you can see those lazy summer fishing days are a lot like swinging on that hammock. Not real exciting nor is there a lot of interruptions but still a lot of fun.

Fall fishing on the other hand is where those summer lessons are put to the test. The Fall species that move into our waters can be very large and aggressive and fast.  These fish are aware that their main food source will be scarce in the coming months so they must feed aggressively.

The Florida pompano and Spanish Mackerel will be leaving for warmer waters soon and two of our most popular fall visitors will be taking their place. The Norfolk Spot and Atlantic croaker are a huge draw on the local piers in the fall. The Norfolk “Spot Run” occurs in mid to late September. During these runs, it is easy to fill a cooler in a matter of hours.

A short time later we see an increase of our native sea mullet, speckled sea trout, puppy drum and bluefish as well as the prized big red drum and many other traditional species such as flounder, sheepshead, sharks and rays and many others.

When fishing in the Summer we typically use light to medium gear. In the Fall season with the onslaught of huge and aggressive species moving in, we need to consider the use of stiffer and heavier gear. Larger rods, heavier reels, more stout lines and of course stronger rigs.

We also need to think about how we present our baits. Fresh shrimp, finger mullet or cut baits are your best bets this time of year. Some anglers will stay with fishbites, sand fleas, and even go with artificials and metals. But the key is the action and presentation of your retrieves. This action must match the feeding preferences of your target.

Weather in the fall is very unpredictable. Outer Banks environment can be brutal on anglers and gear. Preparation is key to a successful outing.

Now is the time to prepare. Our local tackle shops, piers, many of our media outlets and of course my website can help make this year’s fishing experience one to remember.

Fishing in the Fall on one of the local piers or the surf can be one of most enjoyable times. Many anglers travel hundreds of miles just to fish this time of year in our waters. Will you be joining us this year?

Captain’s Tip – always keep a light tackle rod set with you at all times in the fall. Hot action with a light rod and big fish are what memories are made of.

Watch for more fall fishing, gear and techniques shortly.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony