Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, 24251 Atlantic Ave., Rodanthe (tel. 800/331-6541 or 252/987-2323; www.hatterasislandresort.com), stretches 653 feet into the Atlantic. The fee for fishing is $10 for adults and $5.75 for children; the fee for sightseeing is $1 per person. Fishers can rent rod and reel from the bait shop for $7.50 per day, plus a refundable $30 deposit. Live and artificial bait are available, along with the necessary tackle. At the beach end of the pier is a restaurant, plus toilets, a motel, and cottages for rent. The pier is open April 1 to December 31, from 7am to 11pm.

Windsurfers flock to the area -- and especially to Canadian Hole, between Avon and Buxton, so named for its popularity among Canadian windsurfers. The best place to get hooked up with gear is the Hatteras Island Surf Shop, N.C. 12, Waves (tel. 866/HIB-WAVE [442-9283]; www.hiboardsports.com), open Monday to Saturday 9am to noon and 3 to 6pm, and on Sunday 10am to 6pm. Windsurfing equipment is available for rent for $15 per hour; surfboards for $20 to $25 per day, and boogie boards for $8 per day.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.