By DAMON TATEM PIER FISHING was good Thursday along the northern beaches but slower on Hatteras Island. Some bluefish, small speckled trout and a few scattered spot were landed throughout the day on Avalon pier.

The Virginian-Pilot Bodie Island Spit at Oregon Inlet reopened on Wednesday to off- road vehicles, just in time for the Labor Day weekend.

By CATHERINE KOZAK Beaches at Oregon Inlet, Cape Point and Ocracoke Island, N.C., are expected to be quieter than usual this July Fourth weekend - the first time they've been closed to off-road vehicles through the night.

By DAMON TATUMDAMON TATEM BEACH, PIER AND BRIDGE FISHING Corolla to Coquina Beach Surf fishing should remain slow along the northern beaches during the next few weeks, barring unusual changes in the weather.

By DAMON TATUMDAMON TATEM BEACH, PIER AND BRIDGE FISHING Corolla to Coquina Beach Even though some piers along the Outer Banks have closed for the season, anglers able to access piers along the northern beaches should land fair numbers of fish during the next few weeks if the weather is good.