Buckroe Beach Pier (commonly referred to as James T. Wilson Pier) is open 24 hours a day from April through December and offers ample parking, fish cleaning stations, snack bar services, and restroom facilities for patrons.
After Hurricane Isabel destroyed its original version in 2003, this pier was rebuilt as an ideal spot to catch speckled trout, red drum, croakers, and location.
Ocean View Fishing Pier
Ocean View Fishing Pier is one of the top attractions in Norfolk. Its expansive pier stretches into the bay, providing spectacular views of Chesapeake Bay. Plus, with full-service dining and other on-site amenities, it makes an excellent place for families or anyone seeking quiet relaxation time.
Ocean View Fishing Pier offers stunning views during any time of the year; however, its best time for visiting is during summer when water temperatures are ideal, and more fish are present. Bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and any chairs if you plan on spending a long time at the pier.
If you’re planning on visiting Ocean View Fishing Pier, there are a variety of hotels nearby to accommodate. One option is the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, which is within walking distance and boasts numerous amenities; another hotel close by is Days Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Airport, less than one mile away, and features affordable rooms.
Ocean View Fishing Pier offers an abundance of dining options nearby. The Dirty Buffalo is perfect for quick bites, offering some of the city’s best wings at its fast food counter. Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue has been around for something a bit fancier and locally loved since 1904, while for something sweet, try Frozen Yogurt Shop, which provides delicious frozen yogurt treats!
If you’re eager to delve deeper into Norfolk’s past, Fort Monroe National Monument can be found nearby and played an instrumental part in the Civil War. Ghent neighborhood boasts boutique shops and restaurants while Virginia Zoo offers family fun at just a short drive.
James River Bridge Fishing Pier
The James River Bridge Fishing Pier is an ideal fishing spot for anglers searching for croaker, spot flounder, striped bass, and gray trout. Situated near Huntington Park and easily accessible from Hampton, Virginia by car or public transit, the pier provides amenities including restrooms, parking areas, and a snack bar, as well as being an excellent place to try their hand at crabbing – though to do so you will require a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license.
This handicapped-accessible pier boasts concrete pilings, wooden decks, railings, and an oversized T section at its end. There’s also a bait shop, snack bar, and full lighting to allow evening fishing; fishing rod rentals can be arranged. Open year-round (excluding periods of severe weather ) but closed during extreme temperatures.
Unlike many fishing piers in North Carolina, the James River Bridge fishing pier is uncrowded and perfect for families with small children or those traveling with their dogs. The Webb family from Raleigh often makes trips out here; they enjoy its peaceful ambiance.
Another attraction of this pier is the plenty of natural grass and wildlife around it, providing the ideal setting for fishing, walking, and appreciating nature. Furthermore, its proximity to the water offers views of Fort Monroe.
Spring and summer visitors to this pier can find some excellent cobia fishing. Fish are plentiful here and are easily caught using either squid or bloodworm lures. In addition, this park offers several hiking trails leading down to its beach, where whale and porpoise fossils dating back 15 million years can be found.
The Huntington Park Pier can be found near its entrance at 330 S. Resort Boulevard in Hampton, Virginia 23607, on the west bank of the James River. A fee will apply when using this pier; however, saltwater fishing license holders will get a discounted price.
Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier
Westmoreland State Park is one of Virginia’s oldest parks, offering family-friendly activities like hiking, camping, lodging, fishing, and swimming. An active bay-front pier is open year-round and popular with fishermen looking for Croaker, Spot, and White Perch fisheries.
The 706-foot Pier at Point Comfort Road in Hampton is open 24/7 during its peak season and boasts restrooms, a snack bar, and bait shop facilities, as well as being home to one of the largest stingray populations on the East Coast.
This pier is one of the most beloved landmarks in the area and a go-to location for residents and visitors. Not only can visitors and locals alike come here, but the pier also makes for a fantastic opportunity to view dolphins in their natural environment without taking a boat trip out while providing access to catch all types of saltwater fish such as speckled trout, red drum, cobia and more!
Buckroe Beach is another excellent nearby fishing location popular among residents and tourists. The pier offers all-day access with a snack bar, ice machine, and restrooms – plus, it provides the perfect vantage point from which to watch the sunset.
This large pier sits along the shores of Chesapeake Bay and offers anglers an abundance of species to target, such as bluefish, spot, croaker, and Spanish mackerel. While peak times may become congested and overcrowded, this is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
The pier features two covered shelters midway, two fish-cleaning stations, and a snack bar. Open from April through October, visitors can purchase an all-day fishing pass for $10 or rent a rod and reel for $15 (with a $20 deposit required). Crabber gear is also available.
Edward and Sandra Webb have been visiting the pier for eight years and appreciate its quiet atmosphere compared to the more crowded docks they have seen. “Often when visiting more popular piers, by the time your hook lands in the water, someone else has already taken your place!” says Edward.
Seagull Fishing Pier
This pier, located on the first island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel at its entrance, provides anglers an excellent opportunity to catch saltwater fish. Open from April through December, anglers have ample opportunity to reel in various species. Restrooms and bait shops are on-site to make visiting more comfortable; visitors may even spot whales and dolphins!
The pier boasts a highly diverse marine habitat and offers anglers of all skill levels excellent opportunities to fish for various species. Inshore sections feature a rocky shoreline and pebble beach while offshore units feature sand bottom and mud flats; anglers may catch an array of species at this pier, such as croaker, sportfish, flounder trout, sheepshead as well as shovelnose sharks and leopard sharks, casting into currents off of its end may even yield large silversides!
Croaker, other species found on sand and gravel beds, bonito, and striped bass are just some pelagics attracted to this pier. Some trophy-sized fish, such as three-foot black sea bass and 37-inch white sea bass, have also been caught there.
Heavy kelp and seaweed growths from summer through fall attract different varieties of fish that wouldn’t usually be encountered at other oceanfront piers in the area, including half-moon, opaleye, black perch, sargo kelp rockfish (striped), giant and giant kelpfish species ( Giant).
This pier provides an excellent setting for crab fishing, though you must bring your net. A small mesh net would be most accessible for maneuverability in the often-packed conditions. To increase the chances of success when fishing, murky water conditions exist here.
