Fishing on Oak Island
Where can you fish on Oak Island?
The short answer
Two ocean piers: the Town's Oak Island Pier (705 Ocean Dr, open daily 6am–10pm, free to walk, a pier pass to fish) and the private Ocean Crest Pier (1409 E Beach Dr, $1 walk-on, and its blanket license covers anglers). On the Intracoastal side there are free Town fishing piers, tees and a crab dock.
Surf fishing off the end of the island
Ocean piers
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Oak Island Pier · 705 Ocean DrTown-owned, rebuilt in 2019, open daily 6am–10pm. Walking the pier is free; fishing needs a pier pass (day to annual, with senior and military discounts). The Pier House shop sells bait, tackle, snacks and drinks. Free 2-hour parking in the Pier House lot. 910-933-6161
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Ocean Crest Pier · 1409 E Beach DrPrivately owned, with a tackle shop, fish-cleaning stations and restrooms. The walk-on fee has been $1 a person. The pier's blanket license covers anglers, so you don't need your own NC saltwater fishing license on this pier. Hours change by season, so call 910-278-6674.
Town fishing piers, tees and a crab dock on the Intracoastal
Sound-side spots
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Veterans Park Fishing Pier · NE 16th St & E Yacht DrFish-cleaning stations, benches and a handicap access railing. Open sunrise to midnight.
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Register Park Fishing Pier · 5202 E Yacht DrFish-cleaning stations, benches and a handicap access railing, at the north end of NE 52nd St.
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78th Street Crab Dock · 7703 E Yacht DrSmall fishing and crabbing tee with benches and a picnic table.
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Shuster Park Fishing TeeAt the end of W Oak Island Dr. Open 8am–8pm.
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SW 6th Street Fishing TeeNext to the SW 5th Street floating dock.
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Bill Smith Park Fishing Tee · 4410 Fish Factory Rd SEOn the mainland side. Park hours 8am to dark.
Town rules
Good to know
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Not on the scenic walkwaysNo fishing, crabbing or bait casting on the marsh walkways or within 30 feet of their access areas (Sec. 22-4).
Quick answers
Common questions
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How much does it cost to walk on the Oak Island Pier?Walking the Town's Oak Island Pier is free. Fishing from it needs a pier pass, sold from day passes to annual passes, with senior and military discounts.
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What are the Oak Island Pier hours?The Town lists the Oak Island Pier as open daily from 6am to 10pm.
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Do I need a fishing license on Ocean Crest Pier?No. Ocean Crest Pier's blanket license covers anglers on the pier, so you don't need your own NC saltwater fishing license there.
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Where can I fish for free on Oak Island?The Town's sound-side spots are free: Veterans Park and Register Park fishing piers, the 78th Street crab dock, and the fishing tees at Shuster Park, SW 6th Street and Bill Smith Park.
Marsh & parks map Boats & charters Things to do More questions
From the Town of Oak Island Parks & Facilities pages and the Town's water access map, the Town code (Sec. 22-4), and Ocean Crest Pier. Hours and fees can change, so call ahead.