BERLIN, Vt. -
On Memorial Day, several fishermen flocked to Berlin Pond where after years of not being allowed to fish on the Montpelier owned land, they were able to cast a legal line. For years the Berlin Pond was off limits to fishermen because it is source of drinking water but earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled the city doesn't have the authority to keep people from fishing there.
Kyle Zedick hopes to catch some large bass here on Memorial Day, this is the first year he has been able to legally fish on Berlin Pond, "It's a beautiful day, just got to ward off the bugs and keep the beer cold."
This is the only spot, fisherman like Kyle are able to cast a line legally and he is making sure to follow the rules, "For years we've been trying to fish here but they wouldn't let us and now we can, we just can't trespass in the process."
Now that the sport is legal it's been difficult for some to even get a spot, "The last two times in a row it's been so packed on this road, I've had to turn right around and go home," said Zedick.
And since the rules are new, the city has placed several no trespassing signs around the pond, "Those are all brand new, kind of showing people where they can and can't fish before since it wasn't totally clear," said Zedick.
For those like Justin Stacey who don't want to stay on the shore there are exceptions, "If you do have a canoe or boat you can get on the lake and enjoy the whole thing."
Both Kyle and Justin say they are making sure to follow the new rules, "Plenty of healthy fish in here, we will be respectful, we always leave the place cleaner than when we came," said Zedick.
Stacey agrees, "Trying to use the place responsibly and be responsible we shouldn't be condemned for that."
Montpelier and Berlin police say they will be enforcing trespassing violations for the parts of land that are owned by the city. If convicted, a person could face up to 3 months in prison or up to a $500 fine.
