March is considered the opening month for NC piers. Any that are not opened all year long generally open at some time this month. The fishing is generally slower at the beginning of the month but as the water warms fishing will improve. With the mild winter look for the action to heat up sooner than later. Whiting, croaker and puffers will all make an appearance for the bottom fisherman. Try a double drop bottom right with hooks in the 4 to 6 size range. Bloodworms, Fishbites and fresh cut shrimp will the bait of choice for most.
In March the time of day can be an important factor. Puffers will bite throughout the day but the bigger sea mullet will hit later in the evening and may keep biting throughout the night.
Small bluefish will have anglers out with their Got-Cha plugs but the action will be sporadic.
Red drum in all sizes will be caught. Pay close attention to when the wind is from the southeast for the best catches. Night fishing will produce the most action.
Skates and dogfish will provide a lot of action when other fish are not around the best bait to use for them is any kind of cut bait and the best time to catch them are when you want to catch something else, Before you go to your favorite pier check and make sure it is open. Here are the numbers:
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
Sheraton Pier (252) 240-1155 (Closed due to damage from Irene)
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
Forecast by: Al Baird
Founder, North Carolina Fishing Pier Society