Jennette's Pier

Nags Head

Jennette's Pier

Address

7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

Hours

6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (seasonal hours may vary; open year-round weather permitting)

Fees

Daily pass: ~$12 adults, ~$6 children (12 and under). Rod rental available. NC Aquarium members receive discount.

Amenities

  • Modern concrete pier (1,000 feet)
  • Full-service tackle shop
  • Rod rentals
  • Bait and tackle sales
  • Restrooms
  • Educational displays
  • Covered pavilion
  • Parking on-site
  • Solar-powered lighting
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Wheelchair accessible

Species You'll Catch

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

Jennette’s Pier — Nags Head

Jennette’s Pier is the premier fishing pier on the Outer Banks — a modern, 1,000-foot concrete pier operated by the North Carolina Aquariums. Rebuilt in 2011 after the original wooden pier was destroyed by hurricanes, the current structure is the longest and most advanced fishing pier on the OBX. With full amenities, educational displays, and a prime location in Nags Head, Jennette’s is a top destination for both casual and serious anglers.

Pier Overview

Jennette’s Pier is a state-of-the-art facility that sets the standard for OBX fishing piers. The 1,000-foot concrete pier extends well into the Atlantic Ocean, providing access to deeper water than most wooden piers. The pier is operated by the North Carolina Aquariums and features educational displays about marine life, solar-powered lighting, and modern facilities.

The pier’s length and concrete construction make it more weather-resistant than traditional wooden piers, allowing it to stay open year-round (weather permitting). The end of the pier sits in about 20–25 feet of water, providing access to species that may not come close enough to shore for shorter piers. The pilings and hard bottom structure attract a wide variety of fish.

What You’ll Catch

Jennette’s Pier produces an impressive diversity. Spanish mackerel are the most popular summer catch, taken on Gotcha plugs and spec rigs. Cobia are a prized spring catch, with the pier’s length giving anglers an advantage in reaching deeper water where cobia cruise. King mackerel are caught during fall runs, with live bait on king rigs from the end of the pier. Bluefish are abundant from spring through fall. Flounder are found around the pilings on live bait and jigs. Sheepshead are a bonus catch around the concrete pilings. Bottom fishing produces croaker, spot, sea mullet, and pompano in summer. Red drum are caught during the fall run, particularly at night. Striped bass (rockfish) are a winter catch, especially during cold snaps.

Facilities and Amenities

Jennette’s offers the most comprehensive facilities of any OBX pier. The tackle shop is well-stocked with bait, tackle, and gear. Rod rentals are available. Educational displays about local marine life make this a great destination for families. Restrooms are clean and modern. A covered pavilion provides weather protection. On-site parking is ample. Solar-powered lighting illuminates the pier for night fishing. A fish cleaning station is available. The pier is wheelchair accessible with ramps and wide railings.

Tips for Fishing Jennette’s Pier

  1. Take Advantage of the Length: At 1,000 feet, Jennette’s extends further than most OBX piers. The end of the pier provides access to deeper water and species like cobia and king mackerel that may not come close to shorter piers. Walk to the end for the best big-fish action.

  2. Cobia (May–June): Use heavy tackle (50+ lb class) with live eels or large jigs. The pier’s length gives you a better angle on cruising cobia. Watch for fish near the surface around the end of the pier.

  3. King Mackerel (Fall): Fish live bait (mullet or menhaden) on a king rig from the end. A rod holder is essential. King runs can happen anytime during fall — be patient and ready.

  4. Spanish Mackerel (Summer): Gotcha plugs in chrome or chartreuse are the go-to. Cast and retrieve fast. The longer pier gives you more water to work with.

  5. Family Fishing: The educational displays, clean facilities, and accessible design make Jennette’s ideal for family fishing trips. Bottom fishing with shrimp or squid is easy and productive for kids.

  6. Year-Round Opportunity: Unlike wooden piers that close for winter, Jennette’s concrete construction allows year-round operation (weather permitting). Winter striper fishing is a unique opportunity.

  7. NC Aquarium Members: If you have an NC Aquariums membership, you may receive a discount on pier passes. Check at the tackle shop.

Jennette’s Pier is the gold standard for OBX fishing piers. Its modern construction, full amenities, educational displays, and prime location make it the best all-around pier fishing experience on the Outer Banks. Whether you’re a serious angler targeting cobia and kings or a family looking for a fun day of fishing, Jennette’s delivers.

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