Published in the Asbury Park Press 2/20/04

By KATHY MATHESON
STAFF WRITER

SANDY HOOK -- A fence recently erected around the Coast Guard installation here has angered local fishermen who have found themselves cut off from one of their favorite spots.

"My membership is outraged," said Thomas Fote, legislative chairman of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association. "They can't see any reason why this is necessary."

The chain-link fence topped with razor-sharp wire prevents access to about a mile of open beach that is prime ground for anglers to catch striped bass, bluefish and fluke, said Atlantic Highlands resident Vitali Klinchik, who has been fishing there for 13 years.

"It's one of the finest places in northern Jersey to fish," said Klinchik, 33. "Everyone will tell you that."

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Donna Fisher said yesterday that the fence, which was completed within the last couple of weeks, replaces one that had previously existed.

The fence establishes the property line of the Coast Guard facility and "provides physical security for our installation," said Fisher. She did not elaborate, but said the Coast Guard is expected to release a statement today about the new restrictions.

Fisher acknowledged that fishermen aren't happy.

"We know from word of mouth in the community that folks are upset about the fence," she said. "We have gotten a few phone calls."

 

Congressman weighs in

Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., heard from his constituents as well and sent a letter Wednesday to the Coast Guard asking for information on the fence.

"(The angling area) has been highly publicized throughout the nation, and is well known for the trophy fish that can be taken from its waters," Pallone wrote. "Restricting access, or even limiting it, will be disadvantageous to the many fishermen who have traditionally benefited from those waters."

It's not the first time fishermen have clashed with the Coast Guard over this spot. In August 1999, the agency put anglers on notice that they would be asked to leave the area when the Coast Guard's firing range was in use.

The Coast Guard put up signs along the northern side of the Fisherman's Trail leading to the popular North Beach fishing area, reading: "DANGER LIVE FIRING MAY BE CONDUCTED AT ANY TIME BEYOND THIS POINT."

The signs were the result of a safety review conducted after a range cleanup in the fall of 1998. The study revealed there was a remote chance that a bullet from an M-16 could reach the beach.

Coast Guard personnel who are certified to use handguns, particularly those who conduct boat boardings, must be recertified every six months. The firing range is the only Coast Guard firearm recertification facility between Cape May and New London, Conn.

It is also used by local law enforcement agencies, Fisher said.

 

Anti-terrorism fence?

But Bob D'Amico, who runs the fishing Web site StriperSurf.com, said yesterday that the firing range was a non-issue in 1999, and it remains a non-issue now.

"Nobody ever hears any shots going off," D'Amico said.

Still, he said he's not surprised the fence went up, and doubts there is anything fishermen can do about it.

"It's federal property and we are only guests," said D'Amico.

Fishing enthusiasts said while they support the Coast Guard in general and respect its security concerns, they doubt a chain-link fence would be effective in thwarting a terrorist attack.

"I think it's a waste of taxpayers' money," said Fote of the Anglers Association. "You're not actually protecting anything."

Kathy Matheson: (732) 643-4230 or kmatheson@app.com