Rodanthe Fishing Pier: A Must-Visit Spot for Hatteras Island Activities
The Rodanthe Fishing Pier is a cherished landmark on Hatteras Island, providing a classic Outer Banks experience for both locals and visitors. Despite enduring multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Sandy, the pier has been meticulously restored and continues to be a favorite destination for fishing, sightseeing, and family outings.
Fishing at Rodanthe Pier
Renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, the Rodanthe Pier attracts anglers eager to catch species such as sea mullet, spot, bluefish, trout, mackerel, and small flounder, depending on the season. One highlight is the annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament, held during Memorial Day weekend, offering children aged 5-16 a chance to compete for prizes donated by local businesses.
No fishing license is required on the pier, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Pier passes are available at these rates:
- Daily Passes:
- Fishing (children 10 and under): $10/day
- Fishing (ages 11 and up): $15/day
- Live bait fishing (pin rigging): $15/day
- Sightseeing: $2/day
- Fishing pole rental: $12/day
- Weekly Passes:
- Fishing: $75/week
- Family of four: $200/week (+ $45 for each additional person)
- Sightseeing: $10/week
- Season Passes:
- Family (up to 6 people): $450
- Couple: $325
- Individual: $225
- House Passes:
- Limited (up to 6 people for fishing or sightseeing): $500
- Unlimited (based on rental house size):
- Up to 4 bedrooms: $600
- 5-6 bedrooms: $800
- Over 6 bedrooms: $1000
Beach access parking is $15/day, but pier fishermen enjoy free parking.
Operating Hours
The pier operates seasonally with the following hours:
- April - May: 7 AM until dark
- June - mid-September: 6 AM to midnight
- Mid-September - Thanksgiving: 7 AM to midnight
Off-season hours may vary. Call 252-987-0030 for current hours.
- Monday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
It typically opens the weekend before Easter and closes the weekend after Thanksgiving. Visitors can check the pier’s website for live webcam views and daily fishing reports to enhance trip planning.
Amenities at the Pier
The Pier House offers everything needed for a successful fishing trip, including bait, tackle, rods, reels, and snacks. Visitors can also browse for souvenirs like T-shirts and hats. The adjacent game room features tables, chairs, video games, and a TV—perfect for a break from the sun. For refreshments, sandwiches from Waves Market and Pier House hotdogs are available.
A Historic Landmark
Built in the 1970s and 1980s, the Rodanthe Pier is one of three fishing piers originally constructed on Hatteras Island to meet the demands of East Coast anglers. Despite significant damage from hurricanes like Irene in 2011 and Sandy in 2012, renovations in 2012 added 170 feet to the pier, extending its length to 700 feet and including a new fishing deck.
Featured in Film
Rodanthe Pier, a cultural landmark featured in the 2008 film Nights in Rodanthe.
The pier gained cinematic fame in the 2008 movie Nights in Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. It served as a backdrop for scenes featuring a local store and a post-hurricane party, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark.
Accessibility
Conveniently located in Rodanthe, the pier is easily reachable for vacationers in the tri-villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Many visitors in Rodanthe can walk to the pier, while those in Waves and Salvo are just a short drive away.
Nearby Dining Options
After a day of fishing or sightseeing, indulge in local culinary delights. Check out our blogs for restaurant recommendations and dining experiences on Hatteras Island:
- Top 5 Delicious Local Dishes You Must Try on Hatteras Island
- Best Fresh Seafood Markets on Hatteras Island
Whether you’re a dedicated angler or simply looking to soak in stunning ocean views, the Rodanthe Fishing Pier offers something for everyone. Book with us today and enjoy this iconic Hatteras Island attraction.