Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Visitors can cast off for some exceptional fishing, while enjoying a bit of local history, with a visit to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Family owned and operated since it was first built, this unmistakable beach landmark is a fantastic destination for newcomers who want to check out the fishing scene, enjoy a full day at the beach and neighboring restaurants, or just enjoy the ocean views that span the coastline from Carolina Beach to Fort Fisher State Park.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

This pier has a distinctive title as the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coastline. First built in 1923 by local L.C. Kure, (whose father originally owned the majority of what is now "Kure" Beach), the initial goal was to create a pier that would be the centerpiece of a grand entertainment complex for Wilmington visitors. Many attractions were built adjacent to the pier, including pavilions, bars,bath houses and cottages, but the pier remained standing long after these other early Kure Beach attractions were gone.

Kure Beach Pier

The current pier, however, is not the original 1923 structure. In fact, the initial 120' foot long pier was destroyed within a year, thanks to sea worms and other marine burrowers, and was replaced with a 240' foot long structure with reinforced concrete. Completed in 1924, this pier was a local institution until 1954's Hurricane Hazel completely wiped the pier, (and most of southern North Carolina), entirely off the map. The pier was rebuilt, once again, and once again enjoyed nearly three decades of prosperity, until 1984's Hurricane Diane swept through and took half the pier with her.1996's Hurricane Bertha also left a devastating mark, and tore through the pier, once again, leaving nothing left.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

The new owner, the grandson of the original L.C. Kure, paid careful attention to the construction of the "new" pier after Bertha, reverting back to the original three-piling structural base, and raising the elevation to sit an impressive 26' feet above the ocean. These recent renovations have worked, and the long wooden pier, despite having minor brushes with hurricanes over the past decade or so, has remained strong despite the weather conditions.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier store

Today, the pier remains a popular destination for visitors from Wilmington and all along the East Coast. Beach lovers can stroll along the wooden pier for free and enjoy the endless views in all directions, or enjoy a break from the sun at the on-site concession stand, arcade, and ample souvenir store.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier games room

Of course, the biggest draw for pier goers is the fishing, and this region of the Carolina coastline boasts some spectacular seasonal catches. Depending on the time of year, visitors can expect to reel in flounder, bluefish, pompano, drum, spot, sharks, and even King Mackerels, which are arguably the pier's most popular catch.

Kure Beach Pier

The pier hosts regular fishing tournaments, for both targeted species like King Mackerel, and for specific groups including young anglers, women, and fishermen with special needs. In fact, the Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman's Fishing Tournament, held annually in April, is one of the most popular tournaments on the pier, attracting nearly 300 entries every year. More information on upcoming pier events and tournaments can be found online.

Kure Beach

Fees to access the pier are nominal, and sightseers can take a stroll along the pier for free. Fishing on the pier requires a modest daily fee, with higher rates for both King Fishing with multiple rods, and shark fishing. The pier, and the pier house facilities including restrooms,is open 24 hours a day, generally from April 1st until November 30th. Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a family friendly destination, and as such, no alcohol is allowed on the premises. Questions regarding hours of operation, rates, or what's biting can be answered by calling the pier house at 910-458-5524.

Kure Beach Pier

Kure Beach visitors will also find a half dozen restaurants within a block of the pier, for a fishing break that includes a hot meal and an ice cold drink, and visitors who can't view the action up close can check out the pier cam online to see the Kure Beach waves, weather, and fishing conditions from anywhere in the world.

Kure Beach Pier

A local landmark that has a surprising honor in history as the oldest fishing pier on the East Coast, Kure Beach Fishing Pier holds the same charm for present-day visitors as it did in the 1920s, welcoming devoted anglers and curious families alike. Spend a full day or night enjoying the gorgeous views and exceptional fishing, and it's a safe bet that after a big catch or a coastal sunrise, Kure Beach Fishing Pier will have you hooked.

Kure Beach Pier

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Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni