After a new town named EMERALD ISLE was incorporated n 1957 on Bogue Banks, two of the original developers, W.B. McLean and George Spell, realized that they needed an attraction to generate interest in developing their new town. So, they constructed a fishing pier on the western end of EMERALD ISLE, approximately 4 miles east of Bogue Inlet. The new pier was named BOGUE INLET PIER (BIP), and it was (and still is) quite successful in drawing development westward from Atlantic Beach, located at the eastern end of the island. CAMP OCEAN FOREST (which included overnight and tent camping, as well as permanent mobile home lots) was developed directly west of the pier, and two motels, the BOGUE INLET MOTEL and the OCEANVIEW were constructed shortly after; the motels remain to this day, relatively unchanged (LOL.)
In the 1970's, ownership began purchasing land just north of the BIP. Over time, 14 acres were amassed and BEACHFRONT RV PARK (east & west) now resides on that land. The pier is currently owned by MIKE STANLEY, and the adjacent Beachfront RV Park (EAST) is owned by Mike’s sister, PATRICIA STANLEY.
Hurricanes have taken their toll on the pier over the years, most notably in 1984, when a waterspout spurred by Hurricane DIANE ripped off 238 feet from the end. The pier was rebuilt that winter, bringing it back to 1000 feet. Then Hurricane FRAN in 1996 took 400 feet from the end. It was re-built in 11 1/2 weeks and re-opened April 1st 1997, with a new observation deck at the end (thanks to Taylor Bros. Marine Construction and a very dedicated in-house construction team). Hurricane Irene in 2011 destroyed 240 feet on the end again, and it was replaced in 11 weeks to re-open in March 2012. Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) took away large sections of the pier, but in both instances, the pier was made whole by the following spring. Various other storms caused pilings from the other Bogue Banks piers to wash down and break off BIP pilings, but they were always repaired quickly to keep up a safe place for the public. Now that most of the other piers are gone, the chance of damage is greatly reduced.
BIP is the #1 destination in EMERALD ISLE according to TRIP ADVISOR and that is explicable for many reasons. First, BIP is the only remaining pier on Bogue Banks. Second, you can see for miles from the elevated observation deck 1000' out to sea. Third, you can grab a pier beer and watch the anglers catch fish. Fourth, visit the SURF'S UP restaurant that has an unequaled ocean view.
As for fishing, to get your seasonal orientation right, try to remember this Bogue Pier fishing ditty ….. “In the spring and summer east is least and west is best, but in the fall and winter west is least and east is the beast”.
So, when you want to come to Emerald Isle, or Bogue Banks to look at property to buy, remember to call or text me at 919-308-2292 or send me an email to: DRaczkowski@Fathomrealty.com and after we look at houses, I will take you to Bogue Inlet Pier to unwind and enjoy the sounds and smells and sights of the ocean!
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