Fishing & Crabbing in Holden Beach, North Carolina
Tucked away in Brunswick County, Holden Beach spans nine miles along the scenic Atlantic Cape Fear coastline of North Carolina. From line pier fishing to dropping a trap to catch blue crab, the area is a haven for anglers. With fishing piers stretching out over bountiful waters to the north and south, and ample waterways for crabbing, you'll have endless opportunities to take home a fish story.
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South Cape Fear Fishing Piers
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Holden Beach Fishing Pier caters to families and is a great place for a fun-filled fishing experience. With the diversity of marine life you can catch everything from pompano to shark. Less than 30 miles south, at 27 feet above sea level, Oak Island Fishing Pier boasts being the highest in North Carolina. Oak Island is a barrier island offering an excellent variety of saltwater species, including whiting, sheepshead, flounder and king mackerel. Tackle shop rentals, bait and cleaning stations are provided at each location.
North Cape Fear Fishing Piers
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Extending 712 feet from the shore's high-tide line, Kure Beach Pier is one of the best spots along the coast to catch kingfish. Originally erected in 1923, this historic pier has been added onto and rebuild more than six times as a result of hurricanes, but continues to draw record crowds each year. If the fish don't bite here, take the 3-mile drive to 700-foot long Carolina Beach Pier. Both piers offer a cleaning station and a tackle shop for rod rentals and bait.
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Catching Blue Crab
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Waterways on the East coast are prolific with these tasty crustaceans. The crab is best lured with tidbits of poultry. Crabs can be caught with a long-handled dip net by wading into shallow, murky, grass-filled waters. Once you spot the crab, carefully scoop it up with your net. The favored and easiest method is to use a collapsible ring-net or box trap due to the fact they close around your catch. Place bait in the bottom of your trap before lowering or tossing it into the water. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before raising the trap to the surface using a hand-over-hand, sharp tugging motion to close the net. The ideal time to catch crabs is when high tide is rising. Oak Island's Davis Canal and Blue Water Point are hot spots for crab fishing. Before dropping a crab trap off a fishing pier, check with the tackle shop to make sure it is allowed.
Fishing Charters
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If you want to venture into open waters, consider taking a fishing charter with Holden Beach Charters. Fish the reefs and wrecks close to shore or attempt to bag a barracuda during a 9-hour off-shore excursion. Ocean Isle Fishing Center offers 3 to 9 hour trips, 12-hour Gulf Stream trolling or 8- to 12-hour giant bluefin tuna adventures.
Licenses and Restrictions
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Some fishing piers provide a blanket license for anglers, but it is best to call or check for details. A saltwater/coastal recreation fishing license is required for any person 16 years or older. It's also a good idea to check with local marine authorities for information on daily limits and restrictions.
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References
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- Photo Credit crab image by Vaclav Janousek from Fotolia.com
