Everything You Need to Know About Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has a rich fishing history that dates back well before the Wright Brothers made their first attempt at flying off Kill Devil Hill. Tens of thousands of vacationers flock to the narrow strip of barrier island – shaped by wind and water – each year to relax, spend time with family and friends, and sometimes go fishing.

From the 4-wheel drive beaches in northern Corolla to the southern tip of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Outer Banks is one of the best places to be on the East Coast if you are a fishing enthusiast. Anglers can expect to catch anything from red drum and striped bass to rockfish, bluefin tuna, and mahi-mahi.

While many vacationers prefer to spend their day fishing off a boat, others would drop a line in the water while hanging out on one of the half dozen or so area piers. Many years ago, the fishing landscape on the Outer Banks was changed forever when the island’s first pier – Jennette’s Pier – was constructed in Nags Head, NC, way back in the year 1939.

The original landmark structure paved the way for predecessors that now line the North Carolina coast. Unfortunately, Jennette’s Pier has taken a beating from hurricanes and nor’easters. Isabel was responsible for severe flooding, massive beach erosion, and the destruction of 540-feet of Jennette’s Pier.
The storm completely devastated the landmark structure.

After the damage was assessed, the North Carolina Aquariums division, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, and local officials and legislators worked together to plan a more permanent rebuild of Jennette’s Pier. But unfortunately, hurricanes aren’t going to stop occurring, and it’s not very cost-effective to keep rebuilding the structure after a storm.

The group agreed on a plan to rebuild Jennette’s Pier into an all-concrete, 1,000-foot-long center for fishing, special events, and educational programs. Construction on the 25 million dollar structure began in 2009 and was completed about two years later with a grand opening ceremony on May 21, 2011.
Jennette’s Pier celebrates the Outer Banks’ rich fishing history.

The structures of the wind turbines are a symbol of progress towards being environmentally friendly. (Did you know the local grocery stores only use paper bags?) In addition to wind-powered energy, many measures allow the facility to reuse water.

Area visitors should undoubtedly make it a point to visit this Nags Head attraction during their vacation. Jennette's Pier is worth checking out its concrete pilings, indoor aquariums, and top-notch facilities!

And if you are a soon-to-be bride, consider choosing Jennette’s Pier for your wedding ceremony or reception venue. Of course, it won’t be as cheap as a wedding on the beach, but your guests are almost guaranteed to have a terrific time while enjoying one of the very best views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding area beach.

Anglers are encouraged to grab their fishing pole, load up their tackle box, and head to Jennette’s Pier! Check the daily fishing report on Jennette’s Piers website or Facebook page.