I wouldn't come to Bastrop on training day.

Yes, but....

The wardens are tasked with a diverse, sometimes dangerous and always difficult job. As long as the situation is not abused by law enforcement, they require a lot of latitude to do the job effectively.

Unfortunately, many times it is. Especially with a broad interpretation of the terms used in the rules and regulations.

Just food for thought here....is a cow wildlife? How about a fiftieth generation selectively bred catfish within the confines of a closed aquaculture system?

Why is a tilapia an "exotic species" and a chicken is not? Both are simply domesticated animals raised on farms in Africa for thousands of years and eventually brought to North America to produce high quality protein.

So you see, although I understand everybody's outrage at the above post, I believe most Texans have never born the brunt of an unfair, un-Constitutional, illogical, unscientific, politically driven attack by TPWD. I, however, know many that have.

Consider this, Texas as a state, consumes more fish than any other state in the US. Texas has an amazing amount of natural and human resources. To quote a professor from Mississippi, "Driving across Texas from the Eastern border to Fredericksburg we've seen enough land and water to raise enough fish for the entire planet." So with the natural and human resources as well as the largest market for fish right here, why aren't fish produced here instead of Mississippi

Yep, there are a few libertarian minded, freedom loving, Constitution adhering, capitalists out here with a bit of a problem of how things have been politically, rather than economically and biologically driven on some things within TPWD.

Not a troll at all, and I am downright shocked by all the people here that are willing to throw away their 4th amendment rights for a little security. Per the US constitution, this is a clear violation of your rights. I understand the reason for having GWs, but, they should not be able to stop, search or seize any of YOUR property without probable cause.
Just because you have a boat and a fishing pole you are willing to give up your rights?
I have not been stopped by a game warden, but the fact that I can be, without probable cause is entirely disturbing.

No probable cause, violation of 4th amendment rights.

The fact that you are subject to search without probable cause.

Ima go out on a limb and say you're in the minority

I guess so, I figured more people would not be willing to give up their bill of rights, seems the general climate is to bury their head in the sand and accept their tyranny while the boot of the government drives it in deeper.

If you have a rod & reel then you have probable cause to be asked for a legal license. It's not your lake it's the states lake, make your own lake and you don't need a license.

Keep in mind you can go to jail for anything besides a speeding violation and an open container. GW has the power to confiscate all your stuff!

When & where is this in the page you linked to? If I'm sitting by the lake drinking beer with my buddies, the game wardens have no probable cause nor authority to search me. But if they observe me attempting to take fish from public waters, then they have the authority to check my license and inspect the fish I have in my possession.

*edit* in all the years I've been fishing and boating, I can honestly say that I have NEVER had law enforcement search me. They ask to see my license, any fish I have in my possession, and whatever mandatory safety equipment is supposed to be on the boat. Game wardens have NEVER set foot on my vessel, patted me down, etc. The only time I've been boarded was by the Coast Guard when I got too close to a submarine facility (up in Alaska), and they didn't search the vessel - they only had me move away from the place and checked boat documents.

No one has a problem with it until they are confronted with it.

What's the options? Cooperate with them or don't, if you have nothing to hide then nothing wrong with cooperation.

Didn't say anything about cooperation. I've read more than one post where someone got checked and "the warden was an azz". It's only when confronted with the situation that people have a problem with it. Rest of the time they are all for it.

Grout-scout, I believe that simple possession of rods/reels in my boat may not be sufficient to require that I have a license, even if I'm on the lake. Real example: we have a couple of rods in the wife's pleasure boat used mostly for skiing/tubing, but rarely use them. We could be on the water, engaged in tubing, but not be required to have a fishing license simply due to possession of that fishing equipment. If I'm observed in an action that would represent to intent to take fish using those rods stowed on-board, then the situation changes, and a license would be necessary.

On one occasion when returning to at a ramp area in my bass boat, my safety equipment was checked. I cooperated of course, and even asked "Do you want to see my fishing license?" to which I got a reply "No, I didn't see you fishing so I don't need to see your license." from the officer.

No, having a rod and reel does not give them probable cause. Last I checked, fishing was legal. Probable cause means the suspect you of committing a crime.