Jennette's Pier in Nags Head is operated by North Carolina Aquariums. (Photo courtesy Jennette's Pier)

A visit to Jennette’s Pier offers up all the Nags Head oceanfront has to offer. Here are the top five reasons why you should check it out:

1. World-class fishing can be found at this state-of-the-art, 1,000-foot-long concrete pier. Anglers of all experience levels can take a shot at landing a wide variety of fish from small spot to hard-fighting mahi mahi. There’s drum, trout, flounder, croaker, pompano, sea mullet and more.

Drum tail photographed at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. (Photo courtesy Jennette's Pier)

Jig for bluefish and Spanish mackerel on the end of the pier or bottom fish for a red drum in the surf zone. Novice anglers love to reel in feisty fish and intermediate ones can target this wide variety. The pier fishing fee covers your license for the day, there’s bait for sale and rods for rent too.

2. Walk-on sightseers can find all sorts of interesting happenings around Jennette’s Pier. Watch a fisherman catch a big cobia or king mackerel. Often, bottlenose dolphins are swimming in the sea around the pier.

Birds of all types fly the sky including brown pelicans, ospreys in summer and wide variety of migrating waterfowl during the winter. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars!

On the rare occasion, people can spot spouting whales, usually humpbacks, on the horizon while they make their way south or north depending on the season.

3. Owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers numerous educational opportunities both inside the pier house and out on the pier. Family fishing lessons are offered during summer months too.

Informational graphic panels located along your path first explain the history of Jennette’s Pier, originally built in 1939. Inside the pier house, two large aquariums, more graphic panels, plus informational and interactive displays, offer a wealth of information on Life Under the Pier, ocean sciences and research.

Commemorate your day with the ideal gift from the Pier Shop for the perfect visit. There are hats, T-shirts, housewares, and of course, fishing tackle.

4. Jennette’s Pier has become known as a premier wedding venue on the Outer Banks since it reopened in 2011. Hundreds of happy couples have been wed on the beach surrounding the pier and then celebrated with family and friends inside the Oceanview Hall.

Jennette's Pier in Nags Head is a popular venue for Outer Banks weddings. (Photo courtesy Jennette's Pier)

As the name implies, there’s a grand vista of the sea and a wrap-around veranda so you can soak in the salt air, warm breezes and shimmering moonlight across the water.

5. Whether you want to run in an early beach race, do yoga or watch a professional surf contest, Jennette’s Pier has it all – all season long. With plenty of parking, a bathhouse and beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder people are flocking to the beach.

So, when you get down to the Outer Banks this next time, swing by Jennette’s Pier where Fishin’ is Catchin.’ For more, go to www.jennettepier.net or call 252-255-1501.