Enjoy the Best of Fishing Around Pleasure Island

Setting aside time to travel to Pleasure Island is a great way to make the most of an unforgettable North Carolina adventure. Here, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher, offering up options to expand your itinerary to include just about anything you love to do in your free time. If you’re heading this way with a passion for angling in place, you’ll find fishing on Pleasure Island is always a treat. From surf fishing from the shoreline to deep sea charter thrills, you’ll reel in something exciting every time you head this way. 

Before you grab your fishing gear and make your way to Pleasure Island this year, be sure to request a copy of our Free Vacation Guide. Packed with unique area activities, events, and attractions to check out, this resource is a great addition to your suitcase when you want to make the most of every moment you’re here. 

Cast a Line from a Pleasure Island Beach 

For a leisurely day of angling fun, consider making time on your vacation lineup to cast a line in the surf at a Pleasure Island area beach the next time you’re here. This captivating stretch of North Carolina coastline is truly one-of-a-kind and an easy place to spend time with family and friends, waiting to see what’s biting. Happen to be heading this way in October. You’ll be right on time to attend the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge, where you can put your skills to work alongside others at the Municipal Docks in the name of friendly competition. Making the experience even more motivating is the $30,000 cash prize up for grabs if you’re a top performer, with accolades handed out in abundance at the award ceremony following your two days of fishing. 

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach Favorites 

You’ll want to expand your angling parameters when you enjoy fishing on Pleasure Island to make the most of your catch potential this year. To that end, it’s certainly worth your while to include a stop at the Carolina Beach Fishing pier to your must-visit list! Stretching out 700 feet over the water, this is a prime vantage point for casting a line into the Atlantic and can easily be paired with an afternoon of fishing at Kure Beach too. Here, you’ll find another great pier to check out with convenient tackle and bait shops nearby as well. You can purchase your required fishing license right on the pier, while those who are dropping by just to enjoy the view can access the pier for free. Afterward, don’t miss out on a delicious dish enjoyed at Ocean View Restaurant. This fan-favorite eatery is within easy reach of the pier and a great place to match fresh-caught fare with stunning views too.  

Include a Chartered Fishing Experience on Your List 

Over at the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina, anglers can easily book convenient half or full-day charters to enjoy alongside experienced captains. If you’re excited to reel in everything from red drum to southern flounder, having a professional at your side to lead the way to the best spots is always a big advantage and a great route to maximizing your catches. Some of the local charter companies to consider booking that include all the gear you’ll need for success on the water into the cost of their charter options are Reel 2 Grill and Hot Ticket Charter Fishing to name just a few of many options.   

Explore the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 

Your fishing on Pleasure Island experience won’t quite feel complete without time set aside to cast a line at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area too. The beautiful public beach here is popular for surf fishing and is easy to access with a four-wheel drive vehicle as long as you have a day pass in hand obtained from the on-site park office. In addition to time well spent at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, there’s more fun to be found when you fish at Carolina Beach State Park and Freeman Park as well during your journey this way.