Holden Beach Pier

Holden Beach anglers will find plenty of opportunities to reel in a big catch, or even spend a full vacation dedicated to the pursuit of fishing, at the Holden Beach Pier. With ample room for anglers, even in the height of the summer tourist season, and easy-going accommodation options that are a minute's walk from the pier's entrance, the Holden Beach Fishing Pier will inspire any angler to get off the beach chair, grab the rods and reels, and start casting.

The pier itself is a traditional example of renowned North Carolina piers. Located adjacent to a community of vacation rental homes and close to the main bridge which links Holden Beach with the mainland, the 700' foot long pier is constructed out of unpainted natural wood planks, giving it a rustic appearance, but making it hardy enough to withstand any minor hurricane or nor'easter that passes through the coastline.

Wooden benches and chest-high tables line the pier's edges, ideal for bait cutting or just taking a breather, and tall lamps loom overhead, presenting plenty of illumination for late-night fishermen. The pier is open well after hours, especially during the summer when the island is filled with beach lovers, and the pier only closes in the winter for regular maintenance.

Anglers have the option to purchase daily, weekly and even annual passes, and sightseers are always welcome to take a stroll along the pier as well for a nominal fee, (around $1.00 or so), to enjoy incredible views of the Holden Beach community from the vantage point of the open ocean. Either way, all patrons are encouraged to bring a camera along to capture both the incredible sunsets over the town, the sunrises over the ocean, and any large catches that are being tediously reeled in from the pier's sturdy borders.

What's biting is fairly dependent on the time of year, although warm weather visitors, (before ocean temps drop below 65 degrees), can be on the hunt for Speckled Trout, Flounder, King Mackerel, Cobia, Sea Mullet, Spots, all kinds of Sharks, Sheepshead, Ladyfish, Spadefish, and Pinfish. Fall and spring visitors can try their luck at landing one of the hulking black and red drum that breeze past the beach in waves, and are arguably best caught from the slightly offshore fishing pier.

The types of fish available off the Holden Beach Fishing Pier are fairly standard varieties for southern North Carolina, however, it's the amenities available within the pier house, and adjacent to the entrance, which makes this NC fishing pier truly unique.

The pier house has an impressive bait and tackle shop featuring ample live bait for visiting anglers, a gift shop, and even an on-site grill for a beachy meal in between casts. The grill features the southern summer favorites, like burgers, ice cream and fries, although it might be best known for its chili cheese dogs with the works - a local and frequent vacationer favorite. Visitors should note that there is no alcohol sold at either the grill or the pier house, and alcohol is not allowed along the pier as well.

Anglers who want easy access to the pier, day and night, can also opt to stay at the adjacent motel and campground, which are both run by the pier owners, and which can be reserved by contacting the pier house directly at 910-842-6483. The motel features apartments and rooms next to the beach, with are comfortable accommodations for both individual fishermen and families. Amenities include air conditioning, microwaves, and refrigerators for keeping those local grill or Holden Beach restaurant leftovers nice and cold.

The campground features 60 RV full hookups with picnic tables, cable TV, electric, water and sewer, and incredible access to the ocean, located just a stone's throw away. Tents are not permitted, but RV drivers and campers will find the location and the rates simply irresistible - rates range in the $25 - $60 range, depending on season and site(s), and can be booked by calling the pier house at 910-842-6483. A reclusive campground that's a well-hidden treasure, fishermen and beach lovers alike attest it's one of the best spots on the southern North Carolina beaches for no-frills, budget-friendly accommodations with a priceless oceanfront location.

The Holden Beach Fishing Pier is instrumental in keeping this seaside community fishermen-friendly, and hundreds of visitors flock to the pier on a daily basis to admire the views, see what's biting, or reel in a trophy-worthy catch of their own to take home. With solid accommodations in an incredible location that is just steps away from the sandy beaches and the wooden planked pier, virtually anyone can enjoy a comfortable vacation with world-class fishing waiting at their doorstep. Day-trippers and avid anglers alike will find plenty of reasons to hit the pier, and enjoy one of Holden Beaches' favorite outdoor local landmarks.