What You'll Find at Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Johnnie Mercer's Pier is a 1,000-foot public fishing pier in Wilmington that extends into the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Wrightsville Beach area. It's a walk-on pier — no boat required — and it draws both locals and visiting anglers year-round. The pier is open dawn to dusk, and you pay a daily fishing fee at the entrance.

The pier holds Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, flounder, and pompano depending on the season. Smaller species like mullet and croaker show up regularly. In fall and spring, when water temperatures shift, the larger migratory fish move through, and that's when the pier gets crowded. Summer brings steady action on smaller species and occasional kings. Winter is quieter but still productive for anglers willing to fish in cooler weather.

The structure itself is concrete and well-maintained. There's shade from a covered pavilion in the middle section, and the pier has benches, railings, and a bait shop at the base. Parking is available in a dedicated lot, though it fills quickly on weekends and during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnnie Mercer's Pier charges a daily fishing fee and is open from dawn to dusk; bring cash or check what payment methods the bait shop accepts before you arrive.
  • Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are the most sought species, with best action in fall and spring when water temperatures favor migration.
  • The pier has a bait shop on-site, so you can buy live mullet, shrimp, and tackle without bringing your own, though prices are higher than off-pier shops.
  • Flounder fishing is productive in summer and fall, especially near the pilings and deeper holes along the pier's length.
  • Parking fills quickly on weekends and during peak season; arrive early or plan to visit on a weekday if you want a may provide spot.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) brings Spanish mackerel and bluefish as water temperatures warm. This is one of the two peak seasons for the pier. Anglers using small spoons and live mullet see consistent action. King mackerel also begin moving through in late April and May, though they're more common in fall.

Summer (June through August) is slower for large species but reliable for flounder, pompano, and smaller mackerel. The pier gets crowded with tourists and casual anglers. Early morning and late afternoon produce better results than midday. Mullet and croaker are abundant and make for good eating if you're interested in keeping fish for the table.

Fall (September through November) is the best season overall. King mackerel move through in significant numbers, Spanish mackerel remain active, and bluefish return. Water temperatures are comfortable for long fishing sessions. October is typically the peak month. Expect the pier to be full on weekends.

Winter (December through February) sees fewer anglers and fewer fish, but flounder and croaker remain catchable. The pier is quieter and parking is easier to find. If you fish on a calm day, you can have the pier nearly to yourself, though the action won't match fall or spring.

Tackle and Bait Setup

The bait shop at the pier entrance sells live mullet, live shrimp, and frozen squid. They also stock basic tackle — hooks, weights, leaders, and spoons. Prices run higher than tackle shops in town, so if you're a regular or planning a longer trip, buy your main supplies beforehand and use the pier shop for last-minute needs.

For Spanish and king mackerel, use a light wire leader (about 12 to 18 inches) to prevent bite-offs. A 1/0 to 3/0 hook works for live mullet. Small spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) cast well from the pier and draw strikes from mackerel and bluefish. For flounder, use a 2/0 to 4/0 hook with live mullet or shrimp, and fish near the pilings where flounder hide.

Rod and reel choice depends on what you're targeting. A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) handles Spanish mackerel and flounder well. If you're hoping for king mackerel, bring a slightly heavier setup — a 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound test line. The pier allows multiple rods per person, so many anglers fish two lines at once.

Access, Parking, and Fees

Johnnie Mercer's Pier is located at 22 Causeway Drive in Wilmington, just off Eastwood Road near the Wrightsville Beach causeway. From downtown Wilmington, take US 74/76 east toward Wrightsville Beach, then turn onto Eastwood Road. The pier entrance and parking lot are clearly marked.

Parking is free in the dedicated lot, but spaces fill quickly on weekends and during peak season (September through November). Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends if you want a may provide spot. Weekday mornings are rarely crowded. The lot holds roughly 40 to 50 vehicles.

Daily fishing fees vary but typically run between $8 and $12 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. The bait shop collects the fee at the entrance. Hours are dawn to dusk year-round. Call ahead or check the pier's social media for any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

North Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a temporary license (1-day, 7-day, or annual) online through the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website or at the bait shop. A 1-day license costs less than $10. Residents and non-residents pay the same rate for temporary licenses.

Size and bag limits apply to most species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches, with a 15-fish daily limit per person. King mackerel have a 24-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. Flounder must be 12 inches, with a 4-fish daily limit. Bluefish have no size minimum but a 15-fish daily limit. Check the current regulations before you fish, as limits can change.

The pier has a few house rules: no cast nets, no live baitfish other than mullet and shrimp, and no chumming. These rules protect the pier structure and keep the fishing experience consistent for everyone. Respect other anglers' space and keep your lines clear of their rigs.

What Makes Johnnie Mercer's Pier Different

Unlike some piers that cater mainly to tourists, Johnnie Mercer's attracts serious anglers alongside casual visitors. The pier's length and structure — with deeper water at the end and shallower areas near the shore — create different fishing zones. The end of the pier is where king mackerel and larger Spanish mackerel congregate, while the middle and near sections hold flounder and smaller species.

The covered pavilion in the middle is a real advantage on hot days or during light rain. You can fish in shade and stay dry without leaving the pier. The bait shop is convenient but also means the pier can get crowded with people buying supplies rather than fishing, especially on weekends.

The pier's location near Wrightsville Beach means it sits in a transition zone between the sound and the open ocean. This creates good water circulation and attracts migratory species. It also means the pier can get rough during nor'easters or tropical systems, so check weather forecasts before heading out.

Nearby Options and Alternatives

If Johnnie Mercer's is crowded or closed, Carolina Beach Pier (about 20 miles south) offers similar species and a longer structure at 1,200 feet. It has a restaurant and arcade, making it more of a destination pier. Kure Beach Pier (about 15 miles south) is smaller and quieter, with good flounder and Spanish mackerel fishing.

For boat fishing, charter services operate out of Wilmington and nearby Wrightsville Beach. These trips target king mackerel, wahoo, and grouper in deeper water offshore. Inshore charters focus on flounder, redfish, and spotted seatrout in the sounds and creeks around Wilmington.

If you prefer shore fishing without a pier, Wrightsville Beach has public beach access where you can fish the surf for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano. The beach is free to fish but requires a parking fee. Airlie Gardens and the Cape Fear River offer freshwater options if you want to switch gears.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, anyone 16 and older must have a North Carolina saltwater fishing license. You can buy a 1-day license at the bait shop for under $10, or purchase one online before you arrive. Children under 16 do not need a license.

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

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Midday action slows, especially in summer. Fall and spring mornings are consistently good for Spanish and king mackerel.

Can I keep fish I catch at the pier?

Yes, as long as they meet size and bag limits. Spanish mackerel, flounder, and bluefish are good eating. The bait shop can point you to a local fish market or cleaning service if you need help processing your catch.

What should I bring besides a rod and reel?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The pier has shade but not everywhere. If you're fishing in fall or winter, bring a jacket. Bring cash for the pier fee and any supplies you buy at the bait shop. A cooler is useful if you plan to keep fish.

Is the pier accessible for people with mobility issues?

The pier is flat and has railings, making it easier to navigate than some piers. However, there is a slight ramp at the entrance. Call ahead to ask about specific accommodations or to confirm current accessibility conditions.