North Augusta Anglers Speak Out on Fishing Ban at Brick Pond Park Wetland

The North Augusta City Council approved an order on Dec. 15, 2025, that stopped fishing and boating at the west pond of Brick Pond Park. This is a wetland protected by federal law. The ban started after officials talked about protecting the wetland at City Hall.

Nick Hobbs has fished since he was a kid. He's cast his line at the west pond two or three times each month his whole life. He even got married there.

"I don't ever remember a time when I didn't have a fishing pole," Hobbs said, according to WRDW. "I got married at the Brick Pond Parks, too. And I probably fish the west pond maybe two to three times a month."

Officials say fishing harms the ecosystem — the wastewater ponds and everything living there. Anglers believe otherwise and see nearby developments as bigger threats to the environment than the tradition of fishing.

The city suggested two smaller ponds or the river be used for fishing instead. Hobbs believes these ponds can not replace the west pond and that the area is not easily accessible and safe for children, seniors and people with disabilities.

"Those ponds combined are only a fraction of what West Pond's size is and not equally accessible to seniors, children, or people with disabilities," he said. Construction near the ponds has hurt the environment more than fishing ever did, according to Hobbs.

Hobbs created a Facebook group where local fishermen care share educational information and discuss the ban. The page has more than 250 members.