Anglers in Oshkosh soon will not be allowed to cast their lines from city boat launch docks.

The Oshkosh Common Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to ban fishing from the city-owned docks. Instead of holding a second reading of the ordinance, councilors voted to suspend the rules in an effort to enact the ordinance sooner. Councilor Tom Pech Jr. was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

“We’re getting into the season where these docks are going to be used more often,” Councilor Kyle Clark said. “Nearing the end of school, I think it’s important to get this in place (sooner rather than later).”

City parks staff and police previously expressed concerns about an increasing number of conflicts between anglers and boaters, especially at the Steiger Park boat launch, including two arguments that nearly escalated into fights on Memorial Day weekend, as well as at least one incident of someone getting caught on a fishing hook.

“Fisherman were not always cooperating or getting out of the way of the boaters,” said Ray Maurer, the city’s parks director, noting the rule will help “law enforcement to promote the peace in the community.”

The Advisory Park Board discussed the issue at its May 11 meeting and unanimously recommended adopting the ordinance, which will go into effect June 9.

Nathaniel Shuda: (920) 426-6632 or [email protected]; on Twitter @onwnshuda.  source Oshkosh Northwestern