Winter Fishing

Winter 2025 Locations to Fish

Angler Home , , , , , , , , ,

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

 

Seasonal Change – Getting Cold

Angler Home , , , , , , ,

Well, we have finally arrived at that time of year. Another fishing season is rapidly transforming itself into a time of pause. Cold temperatures and the occasional weather system forces our local species into their annual migration. During this phase many of the ocean piers have closed for the season and others modify their hours to accommodate the lack of anglers and fish to catch.

Well, we have finally arrived at that time of year. Another fishing season is rapidly transforming itself into a time of pause. Cold temperatures and the occasional weather system forces our local species into their annual migration. During this phase many of the ocean piers have closed for the season and others modify their hours to accommodate the lack of anglers and fish to catch.

Scarcity sets the stage for anglers to reboot their strategies and plan for the upcoming season. But all is not lost of the lowering temperatures and approaching and unsettled weather patterns.

There are still three ocean access piers open throughout the off season. Both Jennette’s Fishing Pier in Nags Head and Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills will remain open with limited hours. The newest pier, Bonner Bridge Pier at the southern end of the new Basnight Bridge will stay available 24 hours a day.

In addition the three ocean side piers, the Wildlife pier (at Pirates Cove) and Bebop pier (west end of the Umstead Bridge) will be fishable throughout the off season.

The Daniels Bridge catwalk and the Estuarine Access Dock on the Nags Head Causeway are always two great places to fish year around. But in winter, the concrete barrier on the bridge provides a break from the north winds.

The hundreds of miles of surf and sound side access from Corolla to Ocracoke are open to anglers with some restrictions. Check with localities for proper access rules and availability.

There are many days that fishing is very productive when optimal conditions exist but other days will test the angler’s endurance and patience. Anglers should plan accordingly.

And as always, anglers should notify someone where they will be fishing. Due diligence is just good policy. Inclement and winter fishing is different from the warmer weather. Mishaps in summer are easily addressed. But not so much in winter.

The good news is that the Outer Banks surf, three piers, sound side bridges and many of the freshwater ponds and ditches should hold fish throughout the entire winter. Special gear will be needed but those dedicated enough to brave the elements can be rewarded.

Remember to obtain a fishing license where needed and follow creel and bag limits. Release all fish carefully that are not harvested.

As we charge into the off seasons, there is much to learn from last year and much to do in preparation for the coming season.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

 

 

 

Coming to a Close

Angler Home , , , , , , , , ,

Well it’s that time of year. Most of the Outer Banks Fishing Piers have closed for the season. Leaving only two to fish – Avalon and Jennette’s.

Fishing on an Outer Banks pier over the past eight months has provided much excitement, a learning experience for many and in some cases recorded some trophy catches.  

Although, it’s been a great year, the weather hasn’t always been kind to our fishery.

Occasional storms and hurricanes chased many anglers off the surf and piers. But on the same note, these fronts always relented quickly only to an improved catch days later.

The Thanksgiving weekend signals the un-official closure of some of my favorite places to fish.

But all is not lost though with two local piers, Avalon and Jennette’s, will remain open throughout the entire winter season.

The remaining piers, Nags Head, Outer Banks, Rodanthe, and Avon all closed just after the thanksgiving weekend. There may be staff in the tackle shops but access has stopped.

All is not lost, the Outer Banks surf should hold fish throughout the entire winter. Special gear will be needed but those dedicated enough to brave the elements can be rewarded.

The best bet for our winter anglers is to head south on the Hatteras or Ocracoke island beaches. There they will find slightly warmer water temperatures and fish should be around most of the winter season.

So if the sight of bright sunshine, sounds of crashing waves, and a brisk cool breeze against your face doesn’t chase you away, there are miles of surf to fish on or a railing on a pier waiting for you to hoist a fish over.

As we charge into the off seasons, there is much to do and learn for the coming season. 

Stay tuned!!

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony