Shore Fishing a right? Bridge Closure. - The Hull Truth

fmTuna · 10-03-2007, 11:35 AM

I know this is a boating site, but many of you, like me, started as a kid on a bicycle with a fishing rod going to our favorite bridge or beach. Now I don't fish this bridge, but I do run under it about a million times a year and have never had a problem with guys fishing it, and my boat.

The Atlantic County Freeholders, inspired by a few wealthy nearby homeowners, have passed an ordinance to ban fishing on the Longport Bridge in Longport NJ. Without boring you with mundane details, it is just a classic case of some haves, pushing some have nots off a fishing spot that for generations has been a prime destination for shorebound anglers... and kids... because they don't like the view. They pushed it thru citing "safety" reasons... there has been no recorded case of a fisherman being injured by a car, or a car being damaged by a fisherman on this bridge as far back as we can find... maybe 75 years? There were no traffic studies done by the Freeholders, there were no inquiries made into the past safety records of the bridge.... more bikers and joggers have been injured by cars in the area and there is no discussion in the Ordinace about banning biking or jogging.

This Saturday at 10 am, concerned fisherman are assembling on the bridge in an informal, peacefuldisplay to the Freeholders and local politicians... several of whom are up for election in a few weeks... of our dissatisfaction of their decision to restrict access. Clearly, it sets a dangerous precedent for all fisherman in the county and around the state. If you live in the area, or feel inspired to take a ride, we would be happy if you joined us.

Thanks.