What You'll Find at Radio Island Jetty

Radio Island Jetty is a working fishing pier and rock jetty system in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, built to protect the inlet and used heavily by both recreational and commercial anglers. The jetty extends into Bogue Sound on the western side and into the Atlantic on the eastern side, giving you two distinct fishing environments in one spot. The sound side is calmer, shallower, and holds different species than the ocean side — which means you can fish both in a single trip depending on conditions and what's running.

The jetty is publicly accessible, and unlike many jetties along the Carolina coast, it's relatively easy to walk and fish without scrambling over massive boulders. The rocks are stable and worn smooth in places from decades of foot traffic. You can park near the base and be on the rocks within minutes, making it a solid choice for a quick morning or evening session, or a full day if the bite is on.

Key Takeaways

  • Radio Island Jetty has two fishing sides — the sound side (calmer, shallower, good for flounder and trout) and the ocean side (rougher, deeper, better for stripers and blues).
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons, with striped bass and bluefish moving through the inlet and along the jetty structure.
  • Parking is available at the base of the jetty, and access is free and open to the public year-round.
  • Live bait (mullet, spot, mackerel) and soft plastics work best; the jetty attracts fish because of the current and structure, not because of any special conditions.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) brings striped bass and Spanish mackerel through the inlet as they move north and inshore. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and the jetty becomes a natural funnel for migrating fish. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, and live mullet or spot will outfish artificials most days. The sound side can be excellent for speckled trout during this window, especially around the pilings and calmer pockets.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Water temperatures exceed 80 degrees, and most stripers and mackerel move offshore or into deeper channels. Flounder move onto the jetty rocks and around the base, and you can catch them on live bait or small soft plastics fished tight to structure. Early morning before the sun climbs is your best bet; midday fishing is usually slow.

Fall (September through November) is the second peak season. Stripers and bluefish return as water cools, and the jetty can produce excellent action in October and early November. Baitfish concentrate around the structure, and predators follow. Live bait works, but so do small metal jigs and topwater plugs, especially on overcast days or in low light.

Winter (December through February) is hit or miss. Some years bring good striper fishing in December and January; other years the fish move to deeper water or offshore. Water clarity often improves, which can help, but cold water and rough conditions limit your fishing windows. If you go, pick calm days and focus on the sound side, where conditions are more stable.

How to Fish the Sound Side Versus the Ocean Side

The sound side (western rocks) faces Bogue Sound and is protected from ocean swell. Water is shallower, usually 6 to 12 feet, and current is gentler. This side holds flounder, speckled trout, and smaller stripers, especially in spring and early summer. Fish the pilings and the gaps between rocks where baitfish shelter. Live spot or mullet work best; cast uptide and let the current carry your bait into the structure. Soft plastics (2 to 3 inches) rigged on light jig heads also produce, and you can work them more actively without snagging as much.

The ocean side (eastern rocks) faces the Atlantic and takes the full force of swell and current. Water is deeper (15 to 25 feet at the jetty face) and current is stronger, especially around slack tide and during tidal transitions. This side attracts stripers, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. Fish live mackerel or mullet on heavier rigs to keep your bait in the strike zone, or use metal jigs and shads that can hold bottom in the current. The ocean side is more productive during spring and fall migrations, but it's also more dangerous — watch the swell and don't fish alone.

Access, Parking, and What to Bring

Radio Island Jetty is located at the end of Radio Island Road in Atlantic Beach, just off NC 58. Parking is available in a small lot at the base of the jetty; it's free and usually has space except on weekends during peak season. The walk from the parking area to the jetty is short, and the rocks are accessible for anglers of all experience levels, though you should wear good shoes with grip — the rocks can be slippery when wet or covered in algae.

Bring a cooler with water and snacks, sunscreen, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. The jetty offers no shade, so sun protection is important. A small tackle bag or backpack is better than trying to carry everything loose; the rocks are uneven and you'll want both hands free. If you're fishing the ocean side, wear a personal flotation device or at least tell someone where you're going — the current and swell can be strong, and the rocks are slippery.

There are no facilities at the jetty itself — no restrooms, no water, no bait shop. The nearest services are in Atlantic Beach proper, a short drive away. Plan accordingly, especially if you're bringing kids or staying for a full day.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For the sound side, a medium-light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10 to 15-pound braid or monofilament is plenty. Pair it with a small tackle box and a few soft plastics in natural colors — pearl, chartreuse, and natural shad patterns. Live bait is the most reliable option: spot, mullet, or small mackerel, depending on what's available at local bait shops. A small cooler keeps bait fresh and gives you a place to sit between casts.

For the ocean side, step up to a medium spinning rod (7 to 7.5 feet) with 15 to 20-pound braid. You'll want heavier jig heads (1/2 to 1 ounce) to hold bottom in the current, and a selection of shads in 3 to 4 inches. Metal jigs (Hopkins, Kastmaster, or similar) in silver or gold also work well and are less likely to snag. Bring extra rigs — the rocks will cost you tackle.

A small net is useful if you're catching keeper-size fish, and a stringer or cooler keeps your catch fresh. Pliers or a hook remover save your fingers, and a small first aid kit is smart — the rocks can cut you if you slip.

Tides, Current, and Timing

Radio Island Jetty is an inlet jetty, which means tidal current is strong and predictable. Incoming tide (flood) pushes water into Bogue Sound and creates a current along the ocean-side rocks that can be powerful. Outgoing tide (ebb) reverses the flow. The best fishing often happens during the hour or two before and after slack tide — the brief window when current slows and fish are more willing to bite.

Check a tide table for Atlantic Beach before you go. The inlet tides are listed separately from sound tides, so use the inlet prediction. Plan your trip to arrive an hour before slack tide, fish through the slack window, and stay for an hour or two after if the bite is good. If you're fishing the ocean side during a strong ebb or flood, expect to lose more tackle and work harder to keep your bait in the zone.

Dawn and dusk are most productive regardless of tide, so if you can only fish one session, make it early morning. The combination of low light, feeding fish, and calmer conditions (usually) makes those hours worth the early wake-up.

Regulations and What You Can Keep

North Carolina has specific size and bag limits for saltwater fish. Striped bass must be at least 18 inches and you can keep two per day. Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily bag. Flounder must be 14 inches and you can keep four per day. Speckled trout are 12 inches minimum with a 4-fish bag. Spanish mackerel are 12 inches minimum with a 15-fish bag. These rules change occasionally, so check the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website before you go.

You do not need a license to fish from a public jetty in North Carolina, but it's worth knowing the rules so you don't accidentally keep an undersized fish or exceed your bag limit. If you're keeping fish, bring a cooler with ice and keep them on ice immediately after landing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Radio Island Jetty safe to fish alone?

The sound side is relatively safe and well-traveled. The ocean side is more exposed and has stronger current and swell — it's better to fish with a partner there. Wear appropriate footwear, watch the weather, and don't fish during rough conditions or at night unless you're very familiar with the rocks.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are peak seasons when stripers and bluefish move through the inlet. Summer is slower but flounder fishing can be good. Winter is unpredictable but can produce if you pick calm days.

Can I catch stripers at Radio Island Jetty?

Yes, especially in spring and fall. The jetty is a natural migration route, and stripers use the inlet to move between the sound and the ocean. Live bait and metal jigs work best during these seasons.

Do I need a fishing license to fish the jetty?

No, you do not need a license to fish from a public jetty in North Carolina. You do need to follow size and bag limits for each species.

What should I do if I hook a large fish on the ocean side?

Keep your rod tip up and steady, and be ready to move along the rocks if the fish runs. The current and rocks will work against you, so a firm drag setting and good line strength are important. If you're not confident, it's better to fish the sound side where conditions are calmer.