Whether you want to drop a line from a historic wooden pier, cast into the surf at sunrise, or head offshore for big game, the entire Cape Fear coastline—from Topsail Island down to the South Carolina border—is a true angler’s paradise.

The Pier Scene

One of the best ways to fish the North Carolina coast is from its iconic piers. Most piers carry a "blanket" fishing license, meaning you do not need to purchase an individual state fishing license to fish from them (though you will pay a daily pier pass fee).

• Wrightsville Beach:Johnnie Mercers Pier is the first solid concrete fishing pier in North Carolina, extending 1,200 feet into the Atlantic. It features a tackle shop, grill, and arcade.

• Carolina & Kure Beach: The Kure Beach Fishing Pier is one of the oldest on the East Coast. It is completely alcohol-free, making it a highly family-friendly spot to cast a line or grab ice cream.

• Brunswick County:Oak Island Pier is currently the highest pier in North Carolina at 27 feet above the water. Ocean Isle Beach Pier and Sunset Beach Pier also offer excellent on-site bait and tackle shops.

• Topsail Island:The Surf City Pier, Topsail Beach Pier, and North Topsail Beach Pier remain popular spots for casting a line and enjoying unobstructed ocean views.

Charter Fishing by Region

If you want to get out on the water, booking a charter is the way to go. Popular targets include Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, King Mackerel, and Black Drum. Most charters provide all necessary tackle, bait, and licenses.

Typical pricing: A private 4-hour inshore trip runs around $470–$480; offshore and Gulf Stream trips generally cost more.

Wrightsville & Carolina Beach

• Whipsaw Charters: Operating out of Wrightsville Beach's Masonboro Inlet, Captain Robbie Wolfe offers deep-sea and nearshore trips targeting King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish.

• Hieronymus Fishing Charters: Captain Cord offers decades of local experience for inshore and offshore fishing around Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Topsail.

Brunswick County

• Spot Lock Charters (Oak Island/Southport): Offers highly tailored inshore and nearshore trips. Captain Kramer is known for adapting trips for serious anglers chasing the bite or relaxed family outings.

• Impulsive Charters (Southport): Runs full-day, half-day, and Gulf Stream offshore trips on a 38-foot Bertram, picking up from Southport, Oak Island, or Bald Head Island.

Topsail Island & Surf City

• Carolina Flats Fishing: Highly rated, family-friendly inshore and flats fishing.

• Coastal Discovery Adventures: Tailored trips focused on the local fishery.

• Spring Tide Guide Service: Shallow water angling on flats, inshore, and nearshore.

• Blue Heron Guide Service: A well-regarded local option in Hampstead.

• South End Adventures: Trips for up to 6 people out of Topsail Beach.

Surf & Inshore Fishing

If you prefer to keep your feet in the sand, you can cast directly from the beach for a shot at local catches like Pompano, Bluefish, and Flounder. The backwater estuaries, Cape Fear River flats, and the Intracoastal Waterway are also fantastic for kayak fishing.

Jet Skis

If you want a faster-paced way to explore the local waterways when the fish aren't biting:

• Surf City Jet Ski Rental serves the Topsail area.

• Blue Planet Watersports offers jet ski rentals down in the Southport/Oak Island area.

Licenses and Regulations

A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for saltwater fishing for anyone 16 and older.

• How to buy: Purchase online at ncwildlife.org, by phone (888-248-6834), or at local tackle shops. 10-day, annual, and lifetime options are available.

• The Exception: As mentioned above, fishing from a commercial pier with a blanket license or on a licensed charter boat usually does not require you to hold an individual license—but always verify with the captain or pier house first.