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Nags Head Fishing Pier

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

North Carolina, United States

4.5·484 catches

Top fish species at Nags Head Fishing Pier

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Check which species have trophy potential in Nags Head Fishing Pier

Nags Head Fishing Pier fishing reports

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Sandbar shark

45 in · 25 lb

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Red drum

45 in · 35 lb

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Bluefish

23 in · 4 lb

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Bluefish

17 in · 2 lb

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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Atlantic croaker

length · weight

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General info

Nags Head Fishing Pier is a part of an ocean located in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. It is most popular for fishing Bluefish, Spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel.

Location

35°58′25″N 75°37′50.2″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Nags Head Fishing Pier, NC

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in North Carolina can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Bluefish

Bluefish

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
No minimum size. Recreational anglers engaged on a for-hire vessel can possess up to 5 bluefish per person per day.For seasons, bag limits, size limits, or closures see Current Fisheries Proclamations.
Edibility
Good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Bluefish by DMFD
Synonyms
Pomatomus saltatrix
Season open: July 1 - February 5
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size14" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size20" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
North Carolina's Spotted Seatrout fishery will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025, following a cold stun closure. Upon reopening of the fishery, new management from Amendment 1 to the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan will be implemented.A 14- to 20-inch slot limit with an allowance for one fish over 26 inchesA 3-fish individual bag limit For seasons, bag limits, size limits, or closures see Current Fisheries Proclamations. Mandatory Harvest Reporting Requirement: All seatrout that are kept must be reported to the Division of Marine Fisheries through an online form or iPhone App. Learn more.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
Season open: year-round
Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit15

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size12" (Fork Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
For more information about NC seasons, bag limits, size limits, or closures, see Current Fishery Proclamations.For more information on management of South Atlantic federal fisheries, please visit SAFMC or NOAA Fisheries.
Edibility
Very good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Spanish Mackerel by DMFD
Synonyms
Scomberomorus maculatus
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Local laws and licenses

North Carolina fishing license

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Reviews of Nags Head Fishing Pier

4.5
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32 ratings

5
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1
Top reviews

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FAQ about Nags Head Fishing Pier fishing

📍 Where is Nags Head Fishing Pier located?
Nags Head Fishing Pier is a part of an ocean located in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. Its coordinates are:
35°58′25″N 75°37′50.2″W
.
🎣 Where on Nags Head Fishing Pier is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Nags Head Fishing Pier by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Nags Head Fishing Pier?
The most common species in Nags Head Fishing Pier are:
📢 What are the latest Nags Head Fishing Pier fishing reports?
The latest Nags Head Fishing Pier fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Nags Head Fishing Pier right now?
According to fishing regulations at Nags Head Fishing Pier, some of the species in season this November include: Spotted seatrout, Summer flounder, Black sea bass, Southern flounder, and Cobia. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Nags Head Fishing Pier?

Fishing in North Carolina requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, purchasable online or at vendors.

In North Carolina, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 70 and older qualify for a discounted lifetime license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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