When you're looking for something that the whole family will enjoy, be sure to spend some time at Jennette's Pier! This decades-old pier is known for being the perfect spot to spend the day fishing with your loved ones, creating memories as you soak up the beautiful sights from the pier, and enjoying the exhibits maintained by the North Carolina Aquariums. The pier and shop are open year-round and host a wide variety of contests and activities that you can watch! Here's everything you need to know about Jennette's Pier, but be sure to also check out our Guide to Outer Banks Piers for even more information about piers and places to fish on the Outer Banks!
Address: 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone Number: (252) 255-1501
Fishing Pier
Looking for the perfect spot to come enjoy family fishing time? Jennette's Pier and the Pier Shop, owned and operated by North Carolina Aquariums, are open year-round! The pier juts out 1,000 feet into the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and offers visitors the opportunity to catch a large variety of marine fish, including black drum, bluefish, bonito, bass, dolphin fish, flounder, and mackerel! In addition to being able to catch your family the perfect nautical feast, get ready to see osprey, bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, skates, and more from the comfort and convenience of the pier! The wide expansion of the pier also lends itself to whatever type of fishing you like best, meaning this is the perfect spot for bottom fishing, jigging, and pin-rig fishing! So come, get ready to experience everything you need for your Outer Banks fishing adventures all in one place.
Hours
Dec. thru March 9AM - 5PM
Nov. and April 7AM to 9PM
May thru Oct. 6AM to 10PM
*Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Fees
Daily Fishing: Adult $14 Child $7
Walk-on: Adults $2 Child $1
(children age 12 and under)
Aquarium Society Members Walk-on free.
Cobia & King Pass: $8
Rod Rentals: $12
Three-day Pass: $36
Seven-day Pass: $80
(Children 12 and under half price)
Anglers have seven days from the date of purchase to use their three-day pass and one month to use their seven-day pass.
Adult Annual Pass: $300
Parent / Child Annual Pass: $400
Two-adult Annual Pass: $450
Child Annual Pass: $150
(Children must be 17 and under)
North Carolina Aquariums Exhibits
If you're looking for even more fun for the whole family, step inside the educational center where North Carolina Aquariums has a variety of live aquariums and educational exhibits! Get a glimpse of "Life on the Ledge," where this 3,000-gallon aquarium hosts eels and fish, while "Life in a Drop of Water" offers an interactive exploration of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and more! "Life Under the Pier" gives you the chance to explore the types of fish, including sheepshead and trigger fish, that reside beneath the pier! Outside of the pier, get ready to enjoy a fantastic view of the water beyond, while plaques scattered throughout the property teach you about the pier's history, beginning in 1939. These exhibits are perfect for taking a break from fishing, making a quick stop to explore during your beach day, or making a day of all the surf, sand, and sun that Nags Head provides.
Pier Shop
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to pick up some fishing gear, need a snack, or want some Jennette's Pier memorabilia, the Pier Shop has you covered! They offer a wide variety of gear to get you ready for your next trip to the beach from eco-conscious gifts and couvenirs to sun screen, mugs, and beach toys, you'll be set to hop on over to the sand after you're done exploring the exhibits or catching dinner at the pier!
They've also got everything you need for your angling adventures, including bait, tackle, ice, and rod and reel rentals!
Jennette's Pier maintains a blanket license to cover all fishing from the pier.
Bait: frozen finger mullet, shrimp, squid, Fishbites, Gulp baits and plastics (such as grubs)
Tackle: bottom rigs, hooks, weights, Got-Cha plugs, lures and rod/reel rentals
Frozen squid $7.50 (box)
Frozen finger mullet $6 (dozen)
Frozen shrimp $7 (half pound tub)
Live Lugworms $13 (when available)
Various Fishbites, lures and ready-rigs available
Rod Rentals $12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Jennette's Pier?
At Jennette's Pier, you can pay to fish from the pier, rent fishing gear, walk around the pier, explore the exhibits, and visit the Pier Shop.
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Jennette's Pier?
No license is required. Your fishing pass includes coverage under the pier’s blanket license.
How much does it cost to visit the pier?
Daily Fishing: Adult $14 Child $7
Walk-on: Adults $2 Child $1
(children age 12 and under)
Aquarium Society Members Walk-on free.
Cobia & King Pass: $8
Rod Rentals: $12
Three-day Pass: $36
Seven-day Pass: $80
(Children 12 and under half price)
Anglers have seven days from the date of purchase to use their three-day pass and one month to use their seven-day pass.
Adult Annual Pass: $300
Parent / Child Annual Pass: $400
Two-adult Annual Pass: $450
Child Annual Pass: $150
(Children must be 17 and under)
What kind of fish can I catch at Jennette's Pier?
Depending on the time of year, fishermen can target a wide variety of fish including black drum, bluefish, cobia, croaker, dolphin (mahi mahi), flounder, gray trout, king mackerel, pinfish, pigfish, pompano, puffers, rays, red drum, sheepshead, spadefish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, skate, spot and additional species.
Are pets allowed on Jennette's Pier?
Pets are not allowed on the pier but are welcome on the beach nearby, provided they are leashed and all local laws and ordinances are followed. Find out more about bringing your pet to the OBX here.
Is there food at Jennette's Pier?
While there is not a restaurant on site, Jennette's Pier does have vending machines and snacks/refreshments are available at the Pier Shop.
Is the pier accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Yes! The pier and its facilities are ADA-accessible. Please contact the pier at (252) 255-1501 for more information or additional accommodations.
Daily Fishing Report
Check out the daily fishing and weather reports live from Jennette's Pier here! In addition to current fishing conditions, they offer several webcams and information about wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, tides, and humidity and pressure for the area! Even if you're not planning to go fishing, this is the perfect opportunity to plan your OBX beach day around the weather and know what to expect before heading out!
Book Your Next OBX Stay Today!
Get that fishing gear ready and find your ideal OBX vacation rental in Nags Head today.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
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