Sandy...Aftermath.....Future of Beach Access.......

[albiealert]

Any of you who are ranting should come to Connecticut. Our family went to Wildwood NJ this summer and was amazed by the beach access you enjoy. And free! We saw surf fishermen fishing in some areas. I think it is good that they have bathing only and fishing only areas. You have to pay for beach access in Ct and it's not cheap either. If any one ever feels cheated on NJ beach or fishing access, come to Ct and see for yourself how great you all have it down there.

[DarkSkies]

Thanks for the perspective Albie. I have been up there several times and my heart sinks when I see all those no access and private property signs you folks have to deal with.

That's one of the reasons I value access in NJ so highly. I am pretty passionate about it and some guys I meet on the beach might think I'm a bit deranged when I hassle them for littering or doing something stupid. I won't change that part of who I am as I need to be at the beach as part of my therapy.

Seriously, I have now come to understand both sides. I will no longer fight for the ignorant and selfish fishermen, though I will still be involved in Fishermens Rights and Access Campaigns.......

[DarkSkies]

This just in......

Fin was doing a lot of scouting today......these observations thanks to his efforts.....

The National Guard is stepping up their presence.
Looting is still a problem and some posing as fishermen are suspected, among other suspects.

Belmar is locked down tight.
There may be some inlet access in some areas but that may not last long as local police chiefs, to deal with looting and giving priority to construction and rebuilding, are further locking down areas perceived to be at risk.

Spring Lake, Sea Girt, and Manasquan all have various restrictions despite what people are reporting on the internet. Sea Bright, Deal, Ocean Grove, as well.
Same for most of the North Jersey inlet areas.

Monmouth Beach and Long Branch have limited access on the sand beaches. Remember that even for some sand beaches there are places where it is a 4' drop to the sand,
I would advise the smart fishermen, to not park anywhere near valuable construction equipment or temporary fences or barriers are.
You don't even want the suspicion of them thinking you are a looter.

South of Barnegat Inlet, is much more accessible, and less risky.
As mentioned, LBI is open and encouraging fishing and people to spend money on the island at the few businesses that have opened.
Even that has restrictions, the North End of LBI is the less restricted part, homeowner access only on the south end.






**But as for Monmouth and Ocean counties, proceed with caution.
Realize that the officers are only following commands.
I have several friends in LE. They have described the environments as Quasi-military.
Those that don't obey orders, could lose their jobs.

So please, no criticisms of how the cops "hassled someone"....there are still bad things going on, and they mean to clamp down on that.
Again, we are all put at risk because of the selfish acts of a few......


Be careful, be safe. and do not put yourself in a position where you are fishing restricted access......

A guy we know was escorted off a Bay Head Beach by the National Guard this morning.....

[cowherder]

Be careful, be safe. and do not put yourself in a position where you are fishing restricted access......

A guy we know was escorted off a Bay Head Beach by the National Guard this morning.....

I am wondering what happens when they put it all back together like pieces of the puzzle. I think we will have to take what ever is offered to us.

[surfwalker]

I'm afraid that restrictions on beach access will only get worse in the future, especially after Sandy. But with the beach replenishments, restricted parking areas, building improvements along the coast, and each town setting up their own rules and fines, I don't see the authorities giving us a free reign. I know we have a right to be there, but they, the towns, can make it rough. I hope I'm wrong, but some places would like to see us banned from walking their (OUR) beaches forever.