Do I need a fishing license to fish the pier?

No. Your day pass includes the pier fishing license — no separate NC coastal fishing license is needed. The pier license covers all guests fishing from the pier.

What time does the pier open?

Weekdays open at 6:00 AM. Weekends open at 5:30 AM for the dawn fishing crowd. We stay open until 8:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 PM Friday through Sunday.

What species can I catch from the pier?

King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, red drum, bluefish, and pompano are all caught regularly. Spring and fall are especially productive for flounder and red drum. King mackerel run May through September.

Can I rent a fishing rod?

Yes. Rod and reel rentals are $15/day and come pre-rigged with a saltwater setup. A deposit is required, refunded on return. Add a bait pack ($8) and you are ready to fish.

Are non-fishing visitors welcome on the pier?

Absolutely. The pier is a great spot to watch the sunrise, look for dolphins, or enjoy the ocean breeze. The standard day pass ($12) applies to all guests. Children 6 and under are always free.

How long is the pier?

Surf City Ocean Pier extends 900 feet into the Atlantic, giving anglers access to deep water and pelagic species without a boat.

Do you have tournaments and events?

Yes. We host seasonal tournaments including the King Mackerel Classic (July), Flounder Frenzy (September), and ReelKidsFish family tournament (July 4th weekend). Check the events page for dates and entry info.

Is bait and tackle available on the pier?

Yes. The pier shop at the entrance stocks fresh and live bait (mullet, shrimp, squid, bloodworms), hooks, sinkers, rigs, lures, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Staff can tell you what is biting and which bait to use.

local-guide

What Fish Can You Catch at Surf City Ocean Pier?

May 31, 2026

Infographic-style image of fish species caught from Surf City Ocean Pier: king mackerel, flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel

Spring: flounder and red drum wake up

March through May brings flounder back into the nearshore waters around Topsail Island. Fish live finger mullet or mud minnows near the bottom pilings for your best shot. Red drum (puppy drum in this size range) follow in April and May — cut mullet on a Carolina rig fished off the pier rails works well.

Summer: king mackerel season

June through September is the most exciting stretch on the pier. Spanish mackerel arrive first in late May, then king mackerel show up in force by July. Slow-trolling live bait — menhaden or small bluefish — off the end of the pier is the most reliable technique. Kings in the 20-30 lb range are caught here regularly.

Fall: the best all-around fishing

September through November is arguably the best fishing of the year. Cooler water brings red drum back in larger numbers, flounder stage for their fall migration, and bluefish and false albacore show up in schools. Spanish mackerel continue into October. Spots, croaker, and pompano round out the fall mix.

What to ask at the bait shop

The bait shop staff update their recommendations daily based on what is actually getting caught. Walk in before you set up and ask what is working. They know the current tides, bait preferences, and which part of the pier is fishing best that day.