West Long Branch residents can now officially fish at Franklin Lake after the borough council modified an existing ordinance that governs where anglers can cast their lines.
The ordinance previously did not allow people to fish on any lake or water bordered by Locust Avenue; the main road that borders Franklin Lake. It is the only body of water in West Long Branch that is bordered by Locust Avenue.
The ordinance states that fishing has always been permitted and encouraged at Franklin Lake, so the council simply wanted to make it official.
The ordinance also states that any places where fishing is not prohibited will be clearly marked. If anybody fishes in an area that is restricted and is not clearly marked, they will not be in violation of the ordinance.
The council adopted the ordinance at its last meeting on Aug. 1.
