Avalon Pier

Kill Devil Hills

Avalon Pier

Address

2701 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Hours

5:00 AM – 2:00 AM (seasonal hours may vary)

Fees

Daily pass: ~$12 adults, ~$6 children (12 and under). Season passes available. Rod rental available.

Amenities

  • Tackle shop on-site
  • Rod rentals
  • Bait and tackle sales
  • Restrooms
  • Snack bar
  • Covered fishing area
  • Night fishing
  • Parking on-site

Species You'll Catch

  • Spanish mackerel
  • Bluefish
  • Cobia
  • King mackerel
  • Flounder
  • Pompano
  • Croaker
  • Sea mullet
  • Spot
  • Red drum

Avalon Pier — Kill Devil Hills

Avalon Pier is one of the most iconic fishing piers on the Outer Banks, located in Kill Devil Hills. For decades, this wooden pier has been a productive spot for anglers targeting everything from panfish to trophy cobia and king mackerel. The pier extends approximately 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, providing access to deeper water and the structure that attracts gamefish.

Pier Overview

Avalon Pier is a classic Outer Banks fishing pier — a wooden structure with a tackle shop at the entrance, rail fishing along both sides, and a covered area for weather protection. The pier is known for its laid-back atmosphere and productive fishing. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors, particularly during the spring cobia run and the fall king mackerel run.

The pier sits in about 15–20 feet of water at the end, with sand and hard bottom structure that holds baitfish. The pilings themselves attract sheepshead, flounder, and other structure-oriented species. During seasonal runs, the end of the pier is where the big fish are caught, particularly cobia and king mackerel.

What You’ll Catch

Avalon Pier produces a remarkable diversity of fish throughout the season. In spring, the pier is known for cobia — one of the best pier cobia spots on the OBX. Anglers use heavy tackle and live eels or large jigs to target these powerful fish. Summer brings Spanish mackerel (caught on Gotcha plugs and spec rigs), bluefish, pompano, croaker, and sea mullet. Fall is prime for king mackerel runs, with anglers using live bait on king rigs. Red drum are also caught during the fall run. Year-round, the pier produces flounder around the pilings and bottom species like spot and croaker.

Facilities and Amenities

The pier has a well-stocked tackle shop at the entrance with bait, tackle, and snacks. Rod rentals are available for anglers who don’t bring their own gear. The pier has covered fishing areas for shade and weather protection. Restrooms are available on-site. On-site parking is available but can fill up during peak season — arrive early on summer weekends. Night fishing is available during summer months, which can be very productive for drum and other nocturnal feeders.

Tips for Fishing Avalon Pier

  1. Cobia Season (May–June): This is the pier’s signature fishery. Bring heavy tackle (50+ lb class rod) with live eels or large bucktail jigs. Watch for cobia cruising the surface near the pilings. Sight-casting from the pier is exciting and productive.

  2. King Mackerel (Fall): Use live bait (mullet or menhaden) on a king rig with a wire leader. Fish from the end of the pier for best results. A rod holder and patience are essential — king runs can happen at any time during fall.

  3. Spanish Mackerel (Summer): Use a Gotcha plug (chrome or chartreuse) or a spec rig. Cast and retrieve rapidly. Early morning and late evening are best. This is one of the most popular summer pier fisheries.

  4. Bottom Fishing: Use a two-hook bottom rig with shrimp or squid for croaker, spot, sea mullet, and pompano. This is great for families and beginners — there’s always something biting.

  5. Night Fishing: During summer, night fishing can be very productive, especially for drum and bluefish. Bring a headlamp and insect repellent.

  6. Pier Etiquette: Be mindful of other anglers. Don’t cast over lines, give space to anglers fighting fish, and follow pier rules. The pier staff can help with any questions.

Avalon Pier is a must-fish destination on the Outer Banks. Whether you’re targeting cobia in the spring, Spanish mackerel in the summer, or king mackerel in the fall, the pier offers accessible, productive fishing for anglers of all levels. The on-site tackle shop and amenities make it a comfortable and convenient fishing experience.

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