The Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a legendary landmark for long time Emerald Isle vacationers. Built in the late 1950s, and operated by the same family for well over 40 years, the fishing pier is a paradise for anglers who want to take advantage of the fantastic fishing conditions that have lured in fishermen to this small coastal town for decades.
The fishing pier and the town of Emerald Isle itself have a long history that seemingly goes hand in hand. Shortly after the town was incorporated in 1957, a decision was made to build the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier to draw more vacationers from Atlantic Beach and the eastern portions of the Bogue Banks, and from the time it was constructed, the pier was a grand success. Tent campgrounds and mobile home parks popped up along the pier's borders shortly after opening to accommodate the thousands of anglers who flocked to the region for a rustic but enjoyable vacation of unobstructed, fantastic fishing.
The pier was eventually sold to the Stanleys, North Carolina residents from the Burlington-Graham area, and the pier house was expanded to accommodate more and more patrons. While the pier has had its brush with hurricanes over the decades, particularly Diane in 1984 and Fran in 1997, (both of which took out several hundred feet of the pier along with the crashing waves), the pier has remained open every year throughout the decades, and is still operated by the Stanleys and endorsed by the Town of Emerald Isle as one of the highlights of the Crystal Coast fishing scene.
What an angler can expect to catch from the Bogue Island Fishing Pier is completely dependent on the time of year, as each season churns up a variety of saltwater species that are tasty and brag-worthy catches. In the spring and summer months, anglers can be on the lookout for speckled trout, sheepshead, sea mullets, pompano, cobia, and especially king mackerels, one of the most regionally popular and renowned catches. As the temperatures slightly cool, many of these species are still available in addition to croaker, gray trout, and the red, black and puppy drums, which make frequent appearances in the spring and fall seasons.
The pier house is home to an extensive bait and tackle store, with everything an angler could need for a full day and night on the pier, including drinks, snacks, beach gear and restrooms, while a neighboring old arcade building is home to an art gallery, showcasing the local prints and photography of Emerald Isle local Brad Stryon. There's also an extensive parking lot on the premises for beach-goers, with free parking Monday through Friday, and $10 parking on the weekends. Seasonal parking passes can also be purchased for frequent Emerald Isle Beach Bums.
The cost to access the pier varies by both the type of fishing and the length of time. Day fishing passes, which cover a 24- 30 hour period, run around $10 for bottom fishing and $20 for king fishing, while 3-day passes or even season passes are also available at a reduced overall rate. Rods and reels can also be purchased for the day, and tackle and bait is also sold within the pier house's store.
The pier is open from March until late November or early December, from dawn until the wee hours of the night. In addition, the pier is also the home to a number of local events, including the annual 4th of July Fireworks display, which is launched directly from the end of the Bogue Island Fishing Pier, and several annual fishing tournaments including the 2013 BIP King Tournament and the 2013 Seafood Festival Family Fishing Tournament. This latter tournament, held in conjunction with the annual seafood festival, is an especially popular fishing event that is open and enthusiastically enjoyed by anglers of all ages. Upcoming events can be found at the Bogue Island Fishing Pier's calendar athttp://www.bogueinletpier.com/eventscalendar.htm, for both the pier and the local beachside community.
The pier is also planning an incredible expansion in 2014 or 2015 to include a restaurant within the facilities. This future "Ocean Air Grill and Bar' will offer a whole new reason for Emerald Isle vacationers to visit the pier, as it will serve up countless fresh catches while providing unparalleled views of the wide open Atlantic Ocean beaches.
With a long history and existence that's only a year or two shy of the town of Emerald Isle itself, and incredible annual catches that keep visiting anglers coming back for more, Bogue Island Fishing Pier is clearly a local Crystal Coast fishing institution. Well known among Bogue Banks fishing circles as one of the best places to drop a line and see what bites, the Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a family-friendly destination that is sure to garner some great fish stories to take back home.
When it comes to stunning scenery, New Bern is certainly hard to beat. Straddling the Neuse and Trent Rivers, this coastal community is renowned for its brilliant waterfront views in every direction, as well as its historic downtown scene where the waterfront is almost overshadowed by the variety of historical structures and sights. To make the most out of a scene-stealing vacation, make sure that you check out these top destinations for a waterfront sunset, a little birdwatching, or just a breath of fresh air with a stellar backdrop.
Because New Bern is wonderfully close to two major rivers – the Neuse and the Trent Rivers – the community is a paradise for anglers of all varieties, Featuring ample access to saltwater species, brackish and / or freshwater species, and even great offshore species just 45 miles away or so, virtually every variety of fishing can be enjoyed in this region of coastal North Carolina. From dropping a line off a local pier in one of New Bern’s scenic public parks, to embarking on a full-day Gulf Stream adventure, the New Bern fishing scene can be as relaxed or as ambitious as an angler wants – with plenty of great catches to go around.
HOME HIGHLIGHTS:2 RefrigeratorsBed Linens and Bath TowelsCommunity Pool AccessElevatorFull-Size Washer/DryerGas GrilleHigh ChairOpen and Covered DecksPack'n PlayPrivate PoolPrivate Walkway to BeachRecreation RoomWiFi throughout HomeDESCRIPTION:Sea Whisper is calling your name. This palatial direct ocean front home with a private pool, game room, elevator, and many other extras will make more than just a whisper of a memory.The ground-level garage with a ping pong table and additional refrigerator opens onto a curved entry. The rec-room offers a wet bar and many seating areas with TVs for gaming and watching a favorite sporting event or movie will be a favorite with the family. The kid’s room on this level has a queen bed, twin bunk, and a great view of the private pool. The handicapped-accessible bath opens into the kid’s room and the hallway. The entry to the full-service elevator is in the hall between the rec-room and bath. The 2nd level great room has excellent vistas from every angle. The well-equipped kitchen is open to the roomy dining area. The living area with freshly refreshed furnishings has an additional dining space and a half bath just off the second level entry. To the right of the living area is the Grandiose Master Suite with a king-size bed, access to the ocean front deck, and a opulent master bath. To the left of the dining area is a queen room with ocean front deck access and a private bath. As you make your way to the 3rd level you will find many more well appointed sleeping spaces with captivating vistas and private baths. On the right is a King Master Suite with ocean front deck access and a huge private bath. To the left is the mezzanine overlooking the living area and handsome Atlantic. As you progress down the hall you will find a sizable ocean front room with a king bed and access to the covered private balcony. This room shares a bath with another room that has a queen bed and seating area with impressive vistas and natural light! There is another room on this level that has a private bath and is invitingly furnished with 2 twin beds.Come let tranquility, serenity, and eloquence surround you at Sea Whisper.SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:FIRST FLOORING:Guest room with Queen and 2 Twin bunk beds, privatel bathSECOND FLOORING:Primary suite with King bed, private bathGuest room with Queen bed, private bathTHIRD FLOORING:Guest room with King bed, private bathGuest room with 2 Twin beds, private bathGuest room with King bedGuest room with Queen bed
- Emerald Isle
- 7 Bedrooms
- 6 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 16