All the angling action for the Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only and Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournaments occurs along the cobalt-blue rips and temperature breaks offshore. But everything else, from the scoring and weigh-ins to registration, meals, socializing and awards, takes place in the friendly confines of the Pirate’s Cove Marina and Pavilion in Manteo. The venue recently changed ownership, yet the operation and facilities are still in very capable hands.
In December 2023, the Harrell family purchased Pirate’s Cove Marina and Pavilion from the late Jim Tobin and his wife Tammy, who had owned it for years previously. The Harrell family business is Jernigan Oil, a large petroleum distributing business, which also includes 56 Duck Thru Food Stores in eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Jordan Harrell is the new marina manager.
“I do everything from run the cash register to work the docks,” Harrell explains with a laugh. “We supplied the marina with fuel for years, so this was a good fit for us. We always thought of Jim and Tammy as part of the family.”
The Harrells also own Haulin Gas, a 57 Blackwell that was built in Wanchese. The charter boat operates out of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Jordan has been fishing the PCBT on the boat since it was purchased.
“We retained all the staff when we took over operations,” Harrell says. “They are the backbone and very important to the success. We take care of our employees and they take care of us. It makes my life much easier.”
Several updates have been completed since the transition. The Ship’s Store was painted and renovated with enhanced food and beverage offerings. The restrooms were completely re-done with new showers, tile and fixtures, plus the Pavilion was painted and the concrete floor polished.
“We’re sprucing up and modernizing. Every day is a new challenge and project,” Harrell says. One of the recent improvements was replacing 1,500 dock boards on B Dock. The Slip Owners Association actually owns the docks, but the marina maintains them and replaces entire sections annually as part of that agreement. The marina also offers in-slip refueling with pumps and hoses throughout the facility. Harrell says pumps and other delivery mechanisms will be replaced eventually.
“It is important to us to maintain the Tobin legacy. They helped grow the business to what it is today. So we’re just sticking with status quo and doing what we can to make it even better.”
In addition to in-slip fueling, the marina has a fuel dock with non-ethanol gasoline and diesel. Screened fish-cleaning stations are available, along with transient dockage, plus nearshore and Gulf Stream fishing charters. The Blue Marlin Grill and Raw Bar and Mimi’s Tiki Hut are located in the Ship’s Store building.
Pirate’s Cove Marina sits on the west side of Roanoke Sound, just north of the Roanoke Sound High Bridge. There is 10 feet of water in the channel and 13 feet at the docks. It is open year-found and monitors VHF Channel 78 and 16. For more information, call 252-473-3906 or visit www.fishpiratescove.com
