Dint even think of the hazard to Boaters...definitely a problem that should be fixed. Where IS the enforcement? Are we suppose to call the police? Who?

I believe if enough people call the Bridge Division at public works, they will begin to let the police know when there are fisherman on the bridge. On the public works web site, it states as part of their mission statement: " Bridge Division: Provides for safe and reliable operational of three movable bridges consistent with the Coast Guard regulations and maintains the New Haven bridge system, including fixed bridges for safe usage by vehicles and pedestrians."
The Director is John Prokop (203) 946-7700

In addition to the safety concerns, there is seaweed and fish guts all over the bridge. Not to mention the trash left behind.

must be nice to have a boat.... these guys have to try to catch mutants for dinner

No one is denying anyone from catching dinner. There are other places to fish. Even if they designate part of the bridge for fishing, just leave the channel clear. Its about respecting other peoples rights to have clear safe passage. Most of the fisherman are curteous enough to bring their lines in to allow passage its the few that don't and then throw things that have made this a dangerous issue.
By the way, there are small commercial fishing boats who travel this way everyday to provide for their families, there are kayakers , canoers and plenty of people in boats also trying to catch dinner. Having a water vessel does not equal elitism.

My thing is, why would ANYONE want to eat fish from New Haven?!?!?! The waters here are DISGUSTING and affect our fish! Eweeee

I spoke with a man who lives on the corner of grand and Quinnipiac about the fishing. He said they have been fishing day and night, leaving trash everywhere and took stuff from his yard to make a fish hanging guttig station. I called the east shore Police station yesterday when I had to stop on the bridge to let a J walking fisherman cross. 2 hours later they were still fishing. 12 hours later some of the same guys were there. 9:30 pm. There are many places to fish in the area. Why here? Why no enforcement when police are stationed right on Quinnipiac for the redo 100 yards away. Not a major crime I realize but cops drive past them all day. They could announce "No fishing on the bridge" as they pass right?

The trash left on the the bridge is an annoyance, but the fishing itself is a hazard. On multiple occassions I have almost been hooked in the face by people fishing off the bridge, directly in the channel. This is after we stopped, sounded our horn and asked the fishermen to pull in their lines.

FYI.. I have a small boat docked in Fair Haven and pay taxes to the city.

Will it take someone getting disfigured and suing the city to stop this???

I've also heard complaints from drivers who were startled to have fishing lures land on their hoods as the fisherman cast...an accident waiting to happen.

Last season I called the DEP, Public Works and the Parks Dept... they all claim it needs to be handled by the local police.

I suggest we call the local Fair Haven police branch to encourage them to enforce the law.

The fact is, it's only a matter of time before someone gets nailed badly with a fishing hook, from the Hap-Hazard fishing off the F-H bridge..

I have seen first hand the people fishing launch live bait and drop fishing line on boaters passing under the bridge.

The NO-fishing off the F-H bridge has to be enforced!!!

At 10:15 pm there are 18 people fishing off the bridge. At 6 pm there were over 30 people. They now are bringing chairs, coolers and beer. It's getting Out of hand.

The police don't answer the phone after 5 unless you call 911

I hate how when I jog over the bridge, there have been times when I have nearly fell because the practically invisible fishing lines are left everywhere...also in the park as well.

Would better signage help?

The fishing lines and guts & trash are littering violations no? A few of those $250 fines and people would think twice. Hey 'homer', we have to work at least as hard for our boats as they do catching the mutants.

The New Haven Police Dept. should step up to the plate and do something about this dangerous situation. Commercial fisherman and private boaters pay alot of taxes to the city of New Haven and trying to pass under the Grand Ave. bridge without the worry of getting a fish hook in the face or fish line wrapping around the propellers etc. The bridge tenders are doing there job by calling it in. STOP the fishing off that bridge. In FL. you would immediatly get fined and arrested.

Was thinking a municipal dock would be a good idea for around there so people can fish off of it. I come from LI directly across the water and that was a feature of almost every town/village/city with waterfront. Is it viable here?

My dog has nothing to do with a dock, sorry folks.

Eh, let the people fish. It might take some time, but eating that filth should cause severe health problems. End of problem, hello Darwin Award.

They fish directly under the sign that states NO FISHING FROM BRIDGE. The litter and fish scales that are left behind on the sidewalk are disgusting and hazardous.

The city seems to take a blind eye to the whole situation. I suggest those concerned call the LT. at the Fair Haven Police Dept and voice their opinion. 203-946-7377

Its been 20 days since my original posting, and a few more calls, and still, there are people fishing . I almost got hooked two saturdays ago going through the Tomilson bridge(forbes ave) at 8pm. I had never had an issue on that bridge before, and wasn't paying close enough attention. I managed to swerve and just missed it. Obviously the city won't care till someone gets seriouly hurt.

@ Robert (orig. posting)

Approach the bridges very slowly aiming directly for the dangling fishing lines. Stand on the bow (or have passenger do it) with a pair of scissors in hand and snip said line(s) as you pass under the bridge.

@ Dan

At a recent community meeting we were told something to the effect, 'you can't all have your own personal police officers', as a response to quality of life complaints. Hopefully NHPD changes their attitude.

Those fishermen use poles large enough to allow them to hit the oyster dock from the park. Why do they have to fish off the bridge? Is it a fear of leaving the pavement, too lazy to drag their coolers down to the water, or are they doing this while waiting for a ride? Between Parks & Rec., Police, Public Works, and CT Fish and Wildlife nothing can be done to make these jokers walk 20 yards to a safer spot? And do they have to stand around swearing, drinking, smoking, littering, scratching themselves, and glaring at anybody who walks by?

People who behave like animals should be hosed down like animals. Growing sooooo tired of this neighborhood.

Signs need to be in Spanish an English. And NHPD does not really care.

The fisherman have been off the bridge for a few months now. Thanks to all who helped resolve this, including bridge tenders, police and See Click Fix.