Do OBX piers let you crab from them?

[luke snyder]

I was wondering if OBX piers let you use crab pots or crab ring nets (especially rodanthe or avon piers).  If they do, would the crabbing be good from the piers.  I've done a lot of crabbing but never for Blue crabs.  Thanks a lot.  Also, is there a limit to how many fishing poles you can use from a pier in the oBX?

[flounderpounder]

i wouldnt waste your time crabbing from a pier in the ocean....and the piers get pretty crowded sometimes....you can use unlimited rods but I would try and be courteus and only use 2....let others have some room to fish

[dantheman2929]

Alot of the time it depends on what pier you are fishing on. Some will allow 3 poles, some 2 . I have not been to the OBX for 2 years but if i remember correctly it was $10 for 2 poles. I think that the pier in Kill Devil ( or somewhere up north ) allowed 3 poles for $14. I never asked about crab traps but like flounder said it is a waste to try and crab from the ocean piers. When I was vacationing on Topsail Island last year i did ask about the prices and it was $8 per pole and they allowed crab traps but they also charged $8 per trap! That is highway robbery.

[mayfloat]

You guys are syaign they charge you per pole? Is this to rent? Or are they charging me to use my own fishing pole? I will be spending a week in the obx this summer and have the rodanthe pier  within sight of my house and was planning on fishing from it but not if they are charging me!!!!

[tugcapt]

I don't remember a rod limit, they may have one, but I do know they limit king gear on the ends of the pier.
All that will happen with crab traps or rings, is the small spot and silver perch will eat the chicken meat off the bone in minutes.  You might catch a small spider crab.

web pages for the lower piers:

http://www.obxfishingpier.com/      Salvo, Rodanthe

http://www.avonpier.com/     Avon

Frisco pier was damaged in hurricane Earl back in september, not sure if they are repaired or going to open.

[luke snyder]

Thanks a lot guys.  In Seattle the red rock and dungeness crabbing off the piers is excellent, so thanks for letting me know its not worth my time to try the same with Blues.  I was asking about the rods because I like to have one line out for bottom fish and one line in my hand for flounder/pompano (I'm not going to go out there with 7 rods or anything like that.  How is the crabbing in palmico sound (near Rodanthe/waves/salvo) in late august?

[dantheman2929]

Best person on here to talk to is Gene. He is the local NC commercial crabber and will get you on the crabs if he can! If you cannot get them then I am sure he will have anything you need that time of year!

As far as the pier It is $10 per day, they have weekly passes as well. If you plan on fishing ONLY on the pier then you will not need a fishing license ( no license needed for crabbing either, just double check what crabbing gear they allow as that changes some times ) Most piers in NC including Rodanthe cover your fishing license ( that is why they charge ) I am also pretty sure it is a limit of 2 rods on Rodanthe. That is the only pier i fish when i come down. I have had nothing but good experiences there with the fish and the crew that run the bait shop! The weekly passes are $59 ( not sure how many days you want to fish it )

If you are planning on fishing for kings then I think you are allowed 4 rods ( 2 rods a set ) I am not sure if Rodanthe does it but some of the piers rope off the end for the king fishers. You can also call down there and see what they are catching. Sometimes it pays off to call piers that are in different areas of the island as it gives you an indication of where the fish are and which way they are moving.  Just some tips I have picked up from the locals during the times i have been there fishing! I hope this all helps.

[genecrabman]

I'm sure you can catch crabs from the piers when they are moving in the Ocean, but all of our crabs are caught in the Sounds..Rent a boat or bring a boat when you come, you'll have way more fun...

[luke snyder]

Thanks guys.  Is a small canoe big enough for crabbing the sound?  I heard it's really shallow.  Or are there areas where a small canoe would be good enough to do some crabbing (bays, etc)?  Thanks

[genecrabman]

Sure, just watch out for thunderstorms....It can go from flat calm to 80 mph and Hail in a matter of seconds..

[Mr. Ray III]

Sure, just watch out for thunderstorms....It can go from flat calm to 80 mph and Hail in a matter of seconds..

Thats good canoe'n weather.