Regarding the article on fishing restrictions from April 9 (Anglers balk at fishing restrictions proposed in Tiverton), the Town of Tiverton definitely needs to take action and start imposing and enforcing rules regarding fishing, but I was surprised that the Town has not addressed the fishing issues on Nanaquaket Bridge.

Every weekend and most days from spring through fall, the bridge serves as a fishing pier.  On the busier days the sidewalk is so crowded that pedestrians are forced to walk in the street.  Fishing hooks and line, as well as other assorted garbage, are left on the ground for Pedestrians to navigate around.  Traffic often comes to a stand still as people move from one side of the bridge to the other, either to tend to one of the multiple fishing lines they have in the water, or to corral their children from wandering into the street.  Furthermore, of the cars that aggregate in the “parking area”, one would be hard pressed to see any with Rhode Island license plates; most are registered in Massachusetts.

As Nanaquaket Road is a state road, the town may feel that the Bridge is not within their jurisdiction.  However, as people start looking to find fishing alternatives to Fogland and Grinnell’s Beach, this area will undoubtedly become an attractive option, bringing more traffic and litter, and increasing the risk to both pedestrians and those fishing.  Given the bridge also stretches over the mouth of Nanaquaket Pond, more permanent preventative measures are probably warranted; but at the very least there should be a fishing license required and enforced for Nanaquaket Bridge, as well as all the other fishing areas.

Hank Alexandre

Tiverton