Fishing at Johnnie Mercers Pier, Wilmington, NC

Cast and Conquer at Johnnie Mercers Pier

If you’re casting a line at Johnnie Mercers Pier, you’re not just fishing—you’re chasing stories, hooked to the pulse of the Atlantic. Rising strong from Wrightsville Beach, this 945-foot pier is more than a place to cast a line; it’s a front-row seat to the Atlantic’s untamed beauty and boundless mystery. Built sturdy enough to weather hurricane winds, Johnnie Mercers Pier is where North Carolina’s fishing tales are born and rehashed season after season.

Imagine standing there, feeling the salt in the air, hearing the rattle of bait buckets, and smelling the faint mix of sunscreen and sand. The pier reaches far beyond the breakers, offering a chance at the legendary: flounder, sea trout, king mackerel, and if fortune smiles, maybe even a tarpon or cobia. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, everyone finds their rhythm here. And as the sun dips low, casting an amber glow across the waves, you realize fishing is only part of the experience.

Beyond the catch, there’s a whole cast of characters—regulars who know the best rail spots, who tell you when to cast or how to rig a line just right. They might even tell you about the ones that got away. When dusk falls and the Atlantic pulls your line back toward its depths, you feel part of something timeless, alive, and shared.

With an on-site tackle shop, gearing up is easy—and so is getting hooked on the spot’s allure. And if the fish aren’t biting? Lean on the rail, feel the pier creak beneath your feet, and watch one of the best sunsets in coastal North Carolina.

Adventure Guide Summary: Fishing at Johnnie Mercers Pier

The Experience

• Location: Johnnie Mercers Pier, Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, NC
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, with seasonal hours. Check for winter adjustments. Typically open early, closing around midnight.

Fishing Highlights

• Species to Catch: Warm months offer flounder, red drum, sea trout, and king mackerel, while colder seasons bring black drum, sheepshead, and the rare tarpon.
• Best Times to Fish: Dawn and dusk are ideal for mackerel and drum as they come closer to shore to feed.

Gear and Tips

• Bait and Supplies: The pier’s tackle shop has bait and gear, plus advice from local experts. Ask about best bait for different species and rigging tips.
• Permits: A daily fishing fee applies, covering your license on the pier.
• Advice from Locals: Regulars recommend heavier tackle for bigger fish like mackerel and tarpon. Lighter rods suit smaller nearshore catches. Bring a net or gaff if targeting king mackerel.

Directions and Parking

• From Wilmington: Drive east on US-74 toward Wrightsville Beach, follow signs for the beach, and continue on Eastwood Road to the pier. The trip is around 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington.
• Parking: Limited parking near the pier; arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.

Whether aiming for a prize catch or simply soaking in the coastal energy, Johnnie Mercers Pier delivers an authentic North Carolina fishing experience—where the thrill of the hook meets the endless draw of the sea.