Cape Coral to discuss solutions for problems with fishing off canal bridges

Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published:
Signs by a Cape Coral canal. Credit: WINK News

Trespassing, littering and noise from people fishing off canal bridges in Cape Coral has led to numerous complaints. Cape Coral city leaders plan to discuss solutions at a Monday meeting.

Most of the bridges are in residential neighborhoods. Despite signage saying “no fishing,” a bridge off El Dorado gets a majority of the complaints. Neighbors say many fishermen park in the medians while they fish, which is illegal, according to the city. Some trespass onto private property, and there have also been reports of littering.

One neighbor sees people fishing in the canals everyday, and she hopes the city can reach some sort of agreement with them.

“When I bike, most of the time there’s a fisherman at each bridge,” said Ann Moriets. “As long as they keep it clean and they are quiet, I mean I don’t like loud music or anything.”

The city has identified 36 bridges where these problems are present. Their current plan is to put a barrier between traffic and the walkway on some bridges and ban fishing entirely from the rest.

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