FORECAST BY: Al Baird
Founder, North Carolina Fishing Pier Society; Co-Founder, North Carolina
Public Access Foundation • www.ncfps.com • www.ncpaf.com
About the best thing North Carolina saltwater anglers can say about February is that it is short! The pier fishing tends to be the slowest of the year. As the water temps continue to fall, the trout bite, redfish and black drum bite slow to a stop. Often anglers that can get out over the planks will see schools of these fish sitting in the clear water but it is almost impossible to get them to bite anything.
Dogfish and skates will still be plentiful but by now anglers are wishing for more, but if you desire something to pull on the other end, this is your best option. Heavy to medium tackle and a large hook and any type of cut bait should work well. They can be found around the piers anywhere from just past the breakers to the end of the pier.
The northern puffer bite has been good this winter and if you are lucky you might find some in February. Use either fresh shrimp of Fishbite’s bloodworm alternative.
Finding a pier that is open can be as tough as finding fish in February, but Seaview, Jennette’s Jolly Roger, Johnnie Mercer’s and Holden Beach all keep winter hours. Other piers will begin opening around March 1, and by the end of the month, they all should be open. Here is a list of piers and telephone numbers so you can call to see when your favorite pier will be opened for the season.
Kitty Hawk Fishing Pier – (252) 261-1980
Avalon Fishing Pier – (252) 441-7494
Nags Head Pier – (252) 441-5141
Jennette’s Fishing Pier (252) 255-1501
Outer Banks Fishing Pier – (252) 441-5740
Rodanthe Pier – (252) 987-2323
Avon Pier – (252) 995-5480
Oceanana Pier – (252) 726-0863
Bogue Inlet Pier (252) 354-2919
Seaview Pier (910) 328-3172
Surf City Pier (910) 328-3621
Jolly Roger Pier (910) 328-4616
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier (910) 258-2743
Carolina Beach Pier (910) 458-5518
Kure Pier (910) 458-5524
Oak Island Pier (910) 278-6464
Ocean Crest Pier (910) 278-6674
Holden Beach Pier (910) 842-6483
Ocean Isle Beach Pier (910) 579-3095
Sunset Pier (910) 579-6630