What You'll Find at Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Johnnie Mercer's Pier is a 1,000-foot public fishing pier in Wrightsville Beach, just north of Wilmington. It's a straightforward walk-on pier—no boat required, no special membership—where you can fish from the deck or the end. The pier sits in a working inlet between the Atlantic and the sound, which means you get tidal movement, structure, and a mix of species depending on the season.

The pier is open year-round during daylight hours, and the fishing changes with the water temperature and bait migrations. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for numbers and variety. Summer brings Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Winter can be slow, but you'll still find black drum and sheepshead if you know where to look. The pier charges a small daily or annual fishing fee, and you can rent rods and buy tackle on-site if you didn't bring your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnnie Mercer's Pier is a public, walk-on pier in Wrightsville Beach with no boat or membership required; a daily fishing fee applies.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, and flounder; summer is best for mackerel and blues.
  • Fish the deeper water at the end of the pier during incoming tide, and work the pilings and structure along the sides during slack water.
  • Bring light to medium spinning tackle, small shrimp or cut mullet for bait, and plan to arrive early if you want a good spot on weekends.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) is when the pier really wakes up. Spanish mackerel move in, and you'll catch them on small shiny spoons or live mullet. Bluefish show up around the same time, and they'll hit almost anything. Flounder start moving through the inlet, and you can catch them on live shrimp or small baitfish worked along the bottom near the pilings. Water temperature is warming but not yet hot, so fish are active and feeding hard.

Summer (June through August) brings Spanish mackerel and bluefish in good numbers, but the heat slows everything else down. The pier gets crowded on weekends, and the fishing is often better early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower. Pompano show up in July and August, and they're a fun fight on light tackle. Tarpon occasionally cruise the inlet in midsummer, though they're not common.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistency. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are still around, but flounder move back through the inlet on their way to deeper water. Black drum show up in October and November, and they'll take live shrimp or fiddler crabs. The water cools, and fish feed more aggressively. This is when you'll see the most variety in a single day.

Winter (December through March) is slow but not empty. Black drum and sheepshead are your best bets. Sheepshead are picky eaters—they want fiddler crabs or small shrimp, and they'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. Fishing is quieter, the pier is less crowded, and if you're patient, you can catch fish. Water temperature drops into the 40s, so dress warm and bring a thermos.

How to Fish the Pier Structure

Johnnie Mercer's Pier has three distinct zones: the shallower water near the beach end, the middle section where the pier widens, and the deeper end that reaches into the inlet. Each zone fishes differently depending on tide and season.

At the end of the pier, you're in the deepest water and the strongest current. This is where you'll find Spanish mackerel and bluefish during incoming tide. Use light to medium spinning tackle with small shiny spoons or live mullet. Cast uptide and let the current work your lure. During slack water (the hour or so around high and low tide), the end slows down—move back toward the middle or work the pilings.

The pilings along both sides of the pier hold structure and shade. Fish here with live shrimp or small cut baitfish on a light sinker. Flounder, pompano, and black drum like to hang around the pilings, especially during slack water when the current isn't pushing them around. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, and be ready for a bite—these fish don't always hit hard.

The beach end of the pier is shallower and gets less pressure from the current. It's a good spot for pompano and smaller Spanish mackerel, and it's where kids and beginners often have the most success. The trade-off is that you'll see fewer large fish here, but the fishing is more consistent and less technical.

Tackle and Bait That Works

Bring a light to medium spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound braided line. Braided line gives you better feel in the current and lets you cast lighter lures farther. A 6- to 7-foot rod is ideal for a pier—long enough to reach out but short enough to manage in a crowd.

For lures, pack small shiny spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in silver or gold, and a few small soft plastics in natural colors. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will hit both. For bait, live shrimp is the most versatile option—it works for flounder, pompano, black drum, and sheepshead. If you can't get live shrimp, fresh-frozen works. Cut mullet is a good backup, especially for black drum and larger fish.

Bring a small tackle box with a few different sinker weights (1/4 to 1 ounce), some basic hooks (size 1/0 to 3/0), and a small net or gaff. The pier has railings, but a net makes landing fish easier and safer. If you don't have your own tackle, the pier shop rents rods and sells bait and basic gear.

Access, Fees, and Practical Details

Johnnie Mercer's Pier is located at 22 Causeway Drive in Wrightsville Beach, about 15 minutes north of downtown Wilmington. There's a parking lot at the base of the pier, and it fills up on weekends, especially in summer. Arrive early if you want a good spot, or go on a weekday morning when the pier is quieter.

The pier charges a daily fishing fee per person. An annual pass is also available if you plan to fish regularly. The fee includes access to the pier and the facilities. The pier is open from sunrise to sunset, and there are restrooms and a small tackle shop on-site. No alcohol is allowed on the pier, and you'll need a North Carolina fishing license if you're a resident or a temporary license if you're visiting.

The pier is exposed to wind and weather, so check the forecast before you go. On windy days, the current can be strong and unpredictable. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The pier can get hot in summer, and there's no shade except what you create with an umbrella or a small pop-up tent (check the pier's rules first).

When the Pier Gets Crowded and How to Avoid It

Weekends in summer are the busiest times. If you want to fish without fighting for space, go on a weekday morning between 6 and 9 a.m. The fishing is often better early anyway—fish feed more actively in low light, and the water is calmer before the wind picks up.

Spring and fall weekdays are ideal. You'll have room to move, the fishing is consistent, and the weather is comfortable. Winter is the quietest season overall, though the fishing is slower. If you're new to the pier or just want a relaxed day, winter weekdays are worth trying.

If you do go on a weekend, bring patience and courtesy. The pier can get tight, and anglers work close together. Keep your casting space clear, reel in quickly if you're not getting bites, and don't leave gear unattended. Most pier regulars are friendly and will help you out if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Johnnie Mercer's Pier?

Yes. North Carolina requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Residents can get an annual license or a short-term license. Visitors can purchase a temporary license valid for 3 or 10 days. You can buy one at the pier shop or online through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

What's the best time of day to fish the pier?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is usually best. Fish feed more actively in low light, and the water is calmer. Late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) can also be good, especially in summer. Midday is often slow, particularly in summer heat.

Can I keep everything I catch?

No. North Carolina has size and bag limits for most species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches, flounder 12 inches, and black drum 14 inches. Check the current regulations on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website before you fish, as limits change.

What if I don't have my own tackle?

The pier has a tackle shop that rents rods and sells bait, lures, and basic gear. Rentals are affordable, and the staff can point you toward what's biting that day. It's a good option if you're visiting and didn't bring equipment.

Is the pier safe during storms or high wind?

The pier is exposed, and strong wind or storms can make it unsafe. If lightning is in the area, leave immediately. High wind makes casting difficult and can push you around on the deck. Check the forecast and use common sense—if conditions look rough, fish another day.