James T Wilson Fishing Pier

Updated April 15, 2024

JAMES T WILSON FISHING PIER – Updated March 2025 – 24 Photos – 330 S …

## James T. Wilson Fishing Pier (Hampton, Virginia): what to expect before you go

James T. Wilson Fishing Pier (formerly the Buckroe Fishing Pier) is a city-run, fee-admission public fishing pier at 330 S Resort Blvd, Hampton, VA 23664 with on-site parking and pier facilities designed for both anglers and non-fishing visitors. Official Website

If you want a straightforward coastal fishing experience with restrooms, a snack bar, and a bait shop on the pier, this is one of the most “show up and fish” options in the Hampton area. Official Website

—

## Quick facts you can rely on

– Address: 330 South Resort Boulevard, Hampton, VA 23664 Official Website
– Phone: 757-727-1486 Official Website
– Pier length: 709 feet Official Website
– Structure: 16 feet wide; a wider “T” section at the end (70 feet wide, 29 feet long) Official Website
– Season/closure: Open 24/7 through Dec 31, then closed Jan–Mar (and may close for extreme weather). Official Website
– Amenities mentioned by the city/tourism bureau: restrooms, snack bar, bait/tackle shop, two shelters, two fish-cleaning stations, adjacent parking. Official Website

—

## Licensing: why many people can fish here without buying a separate license

Virginia has saltwater recreational fishing license requirements, with exemptions that can apply when you’re fishing from a public pier that holds the appropriate pier license. Marine Resources Commission

For this pier specifically, the City of Hampton states that the pier has purchased all required fishing licensing, so you do not have to have a license to fish from the pier. Official Website

Discount note (verified): If you do already have a current Virginia Saltwater Fishing License, the pier offers $2 off adult admission (and additional discounts on longer passes per the city). Official Website

—

## Admission & passes (bring a plan if you’re staying a while)

The City of Hampton publishes a fee table and pass options:

– Adult: $8.00
– Senior (62+): $6.00
– Children (10 and under): $6.00
– Non-fishing visitor with fisherman: $4.00
– Sightseeing adult: $1.00
– Sightseeing child: $0.50
– Monthly pass: $60.00
– Seasonal pass (April–October / when applicable): $250.00 Official Website

And the city specifies the daily pass covers a 24-hour window from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. Official Website

—

## Rules & practical constraints people often miss

Per the Hampton tourism bureau’s listing:

– Youth 14 & under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Hampton, VA
– Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Hampton, VA
– Styrofoam coolers and glass items are not permitted. Hampton, VA

Weather closures can also happen during severe conditions (nor’easters, hurricanes, etc.), even during the open season. Official Website

—

## What the setup feels like on the ground

This isn’t just a rail-and-planks pier. The city describes concrete pilings with wooden decks and railings, plus a widened “T” at the end—useful context if you’re deciding whether it’s comfortable for a longer session or bringing a small group. Official Website

The local visitor bureau adds that the pier is well-lit, has two covered shelters midway, and has staff who share what’s biting and bait suggestions during the fishing season. Hampton, VA

—

## Where it sits in Hampton’s coastline

The official Hampton tourism listing places the pier just down from Buckroe Beach’s bay-front park, which matters for logistics: you’re not committing to a remote spot—there are nearby beach-park amenities and an established waterfront area. Hampton, VA

—

## Outdated-data flags (what to double-check before you drive over)

Some details are inherently time-sensitive, and even official pages can lag real-world changes:

– Season timing: Visit Hampton describes the fishing season as typically April–December, while the city page states open through Dec 31 and closed Jan–Mar. Treat “typical” as guidance, not a guarantee. Official Website
– Prices/passes: The fee schedule is published by the city, but municipal fees can change. Confirm on the official facility page before a long drive. Official Website
– Storm closures: The city explicitly notes closures for extreme weather; that’s variable by event. Official Website

—

## Internal links (can’t be added without guessing)
You asked for two contextual internal links, but I can’t include them factually without knowing which Hampton/Buckroe pages already exist on RealJourneyTravels.com. If you paste two relevant URLs (even drafts), I’ll weave them into the copy cleanly without altering accuracy.

Key Highlights

James T Wilson Fishing Pier

Location

Places to Stay Near James T Wilson Fishing Pier

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides