I was talking with a buddy of mine about our Concelled Carry Lic and the subject of having a pistol in the boat came up?

So now I'm curious how many others carry while fishing?

If so do you carry at falcon on the Mexican side?

FZ1,don't have to hide behind no gun.

Isn't it illegal to carry on Corps. property ?

I heard its against the law to have guns in your boat if your on the mexican side and can get fined. Not sure how true it is though. But if it was me I would prolly just have to take the chance of getting fined.

No gun in the boat and leary of Falcon and Amistad and sure wouldn't venture to Mexican side if I was there.

If you need a gun and have one in the boat chances are that when you realize you need to get it out that it will be too late to do so.

Or you'll find out you brought a pistol to a machine gun fight.

...

I have a pistol in my boat at all times. Will gladly pay a fine to help ensure my safety. Small price to pay to me. DON'T MESS WITH OLD MEN!

I got one. Better than swattin' a 7'6" fiberglass flippin stick against a machine gun.

Pretty sure you will be arrested and locked up if they catch you with an type of firearm on the Mexican side, would not recommend it.

I stand behind my gun.......proudly. But I wouldnt be caught dead in Mexican territory with it. It wont be a fine that will rock your world.

Wouldn't carrying a gun into mexico be a federal offense? Pretty sure that's not a good idea.

I do not keep one in the boat normally....but always have one on my person.

Yes it is and, as previously stated, if caught will get you arrested and locked up......will ruin your day, week, month, year etc......

I do but since I'm leaving for Falcon this week I will be taking it out. Its illegal to have at the state park ramp and in mexico. Besides if the Mexican pirates with machine guns get after you all that pistol is gonna do is get you killed.

Personal firearms are all but illegal for citizens of Mexico, an American with a pistol would be locked up in a nano second.






Unfortunately yes, corps lakes don't care about your rights.



So your answer to that is just to not bother to protect yourself at all? Remember, when seconds count, the cops are only minutes away (or hours depending on the location).

I just cant bring myself to carry a gun...As long as I have been fishing I met more good folks than I have bad!

It is illegal to even have ammo in the boat on the Mexican side.

So your answer to that is just to not bother to protect yourself at all? Remember, when seconds count, the cops are only minutes away (or hours depending on the location). [/quote]

Not so much that as if they have their gun out and you don't have yours out yet its as worthless to you as throwing toothpicks at them since you'll be shot up before you can get it out unless they are a terrible shot or your lucky. Defending yourself is great and all but lets face it a gun inside your console won't do you much good if your on the front deck fishing and someone gets the drop on you.

First, a fine will be the least of your worries if you're caught with a firearm in Mexico.

I think there are too many of these nuts that just start shooting-up innocent, unarmed people. I know the chances of anyone being in the middle of one of these situations are close to zero. But on the other hand we can be almost sure that a few of these maniacs will strike this year somewhere in our country.

That's why I carry everywhere it's lawful and practical. Maybe some of these nuts would think twice about it if they knew a good percentage of us lawful citizens were packing. So, at least in my mind, I'm doing my small part in keeping this country safe from these animals.

one 45 bullet might be all it takes

why is it that people that don't believe in carrying a gun always seem to assume that anyone carrying a gun will always be confronted by someone that has a bigger gun, already has a gun out or you will have your gun stored in a place where you can't even get to it???

If anyone doesn't believe in carrying a gun, fine, that is certainly your choice. But why do you have to always be so negative about some that does elect to carry a gun???

+1

They always end up calling you a "Rambo wannabe" or something to that effect...

My motto has always been that it's better to have it and not need it....than to need it and not have it.

I own zero firearms

Now, That is funny!

I hope the Red Ranger doesn't ever get pulled over in Mexico or on Corp of Engineer property because he always has his "guns" on him!

This post is just for you Jack!

Yes.

I don't fish Falcon but I do carry a firearm in my boat except for tournaments.It's dark when I return to the truck...I like having the ability to defend myself if needed.Guess I'd rather be tried by twelve than carried by six...

Well I`m sure not going to leave it at the ramp for someone to steal.

Cameron, that gif is so frickin funny.

It is not illegal to carry concealed at the Falcon State Park Ramp or anyplace in the Park. Texas legislature fixed that last year I believe. I've been checked when the Coast Guard, County Sheriff, Border Patrol and another law agency I didn't recognise were on the ramp not too long ago. As for Mexico, it WILL NOT be just a fine. If you are caught even an empty bullet casing, you WILL spend many years in a Mexican prison.

So are cops bad people since they carry guns? If a citizen is properly trained and licensened by all means help protect our families. Free protection from bad people can you really complain about that?

Carry if you want. You will always have my support.

+1

I didn't realize the law had changed, last time I was there we were told it was illegal and then it was on the falcon fishing report awhile back not to have a gun at the state park. I'm still gonna leave mine at home because I don't want to leave it in the truck and plan on fishing Mexico quite a bit. Otherwise I would definitely have it. Do you have a link that shows the new law? What I found says you can only carry with written permission of the director.

Where it is legal to carry ur gun, do so. If you feel the need.
Dont do it in Mexico.
At port of entries its clearly defined what Mexico's policy on guns and amunition is. There has also been national news events on americans being arrested for trying to pass hunting arms into Mexico.
These guys see alot. I talked with GW from the water on Falcon last week via the telephone. He started asking questions about my location and which surroundings were around me. What other boats were by me, then more defined questions that would only be known by someone looking at me.
I needed rescued from stranded boat and they came and got me. Thank you Texas Game wardens!
I could not see them but they could see me. He says I could tell u but I would have to kill you. LOL
Joking but I came to the realization if he could see me. He probably could have put a bullet in me.

I can't find the actual statute, but here is what I did find.

27.
Can I carry my handgun in Texas State Parks and National Parks in Texas?

According to correspondence recieved from Park Information Texas Parks and Wildlife,Customer Service Center, A person can carry a loaded concealed handgun in Texas State Parks with a current and valid CHL license at anytime.
Texas CHL

Here's a link: http://www.texaschl.us/faq.htm#stateparks

Right. Nobody wins a gunfight.

Yes! This subject has been discussed many times (I know the search feature is not working on this forum) but you can carry on any lake as long as they are not Corps (federal) lakes. As part of the Castle Law you can have a gun in your boat (again not on federal property) but you can't walk around town with it, unless you have your CHL.

+1

Thanks, Alwims, thats good to know, I guess I should keep up with the changing laws a little closer, I knew it had changed in the national parks but not state.

cam, where do you come up with this stuff?? you got way too much time on your hands

I can't think of many places that would be more difficult to get the drop on me than in my boat in the middle of a lake.

If I did carry a gun in my boat, I would not admit it publicly. And I would NEVER be in any boat with a firearm in Mexican waters. If you do, YOU ARE AN IDIOT!

Towing my boat behind my suburban with all of my gear, you are looking at just about everything I own of value besides my home. Gassing up at some of the sketchy east texas stations and ramps can get a little strange at 4:30am, I always carry a pistol in the car. Then when I get to the lake the last thing I want to happen is have my car get broken into and have some meth head with my gun, with my serial number on it, So I bring it in the boat.

I wouldn’t want to get caught in mexico with some ammunition, much less a gun, they will throw you under the jail

If you gotta take a gun with you to go fishing you might be a little bit paranoid.Ive been know to sleep in the truck with a shotgun tho

I didnt know bass fishing was that dangerous

NM

Carrying a pistol whether it be back home in heavy road rage type traffic or when you're traveling...like fishing, is making it a real possibility that you could go from a free man to a prisoner. The odds are against you being the winner in this gun fight you're imagining.

Ive never carried one, but I found some co-anglers 380 round stuck in my drain after fishin top-6 at amistad a couple of years ago. Would have been nice to know that this stranger that drew me had a freakin gun in my boat!

Yep, rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Sure, there's a small chance it'll be too far away or I'll encounter folks with bigger guns, and it probably won't do me much good in those situations. But it doesn't hurt to have it in there in case I run into a situation where it can be useful. Who knows, maybe I'll run into a coyote at the ramp and be forced to pull a Rick Perry.

Seriously? On the water? If you get in a situation on the water where you think you'll need a handgun, then you are more than likely at least 50% of the problem. Just leave! It's not worth an altercation.

How many reports of gunfights have we heard of on our area lakes? Personally, I can't think of one.

I'n in my 51 years, I have NEVER been in a situation on the water that a handgun would help.

I guess we will be blastin at each other over who's spot it is lol. I own my fair share but have never felt the need to carry a gun to go fishing. Heck before I owned a boat I bank fished all the boat ramps at night and never had a problem.

I've had few big azz water mocassins try to get in the boat a few times, that a snake charmer would have come in handy.

There's lots of folks who've never been in any situation where a concealed handgun would have helped, but there's numerous cases every year where someone defends themself with their concealed handgun. Just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean it can't happen next time out.

I do agree that the chances of an issue occuring on the water are slim, but I mainly carry it because I usually fish alone and I always worry about being by myself with an expensive (for me) truck and boat at the ramp. And I just don't want to leave it in the truck while I'm fishing all day.

But I still haven't heard a good reason not to bring it if it's legal to do so on that particular body of water.

Only situation ive heard of was down at falcon! Never heard of a dual between actual fisherman. I did have a guy pull a taser over a parking spot at the cabin once though lol, but he realized he was gonna loose that battle real quick.

Show me patriot. Show me the numerous cases on the water where someone defends themself with a handgun.

In their home, sure happening much more frequently. But on the lake? Show me.

It is certainly your right to carry in your boat in Texas. I see the comments many of the billy baddazz keyboard commandos make here all the time. Those are the types who should NEVER have a gun handy in a verbal confrontation.

All the rattletrap and lead chunkin' tough guys, who would trim up and shower someone or blow out an area because they are mad have no business with a gun anywhere in proximity.

BINGO!

I'm pretty sure that in one of the last few sessions the Texas laws were clarified or changed so that your vehicle (would qualify as your boat right?) is considered the same as your residence. Castle doctrine maybe? Therefore you can have guns in your vehicle while on state, federal, school property etc. You just can't carry them on your person outside the vehicle.

I would not even consider bringing a firearm across the border. My guess is the federales would bury you under the prison.

I'm not a lawyer but I stayed at a holiday inn express last night.

Take a pistol or ammo in your boat into Mexico could be like taking a pistol to a Cattle Prod fight and they have your pistol!

If your a tournament fisherman make sure and read the rules for your respective trail. In most only LEO's are permitted to carry and its illegal to carry on ANY Corps of Engineers Lake, which even if not listed in the tournament rules specifically about the gun there is still the rule that says you must follow all state and federal laws. It would really suck to catch the bag of a lifetime only to get protested by someone that knew you were packing.

I don't think I read in his post anywhere about arguing statistics. The statement is that it COULD happen. In the ways things are these days, that would be a true statement



This is laughable even coming from you Fouz. I can't really believe that you would actually take any of the big chest thumpers posts on this site with a grain of salt. Everyone knows behind a keyboard, we all gain 100 lbs and grow another foot in heigth. That's what makes so many of the posts on this forum a joke because some people cant' seem to act like adults.

In light of the path that this post has gone, there needs to be some key comments brought forth. From the majority of those that do carry, there are several good reasons. One is for coming back to an empty parking lot after a late night excursion. This I would agree with. You never know whom is going to be sitting in that parking lot waiting for you once you come back in. Second is for the pure fact of leaving a firearm in a vehicle at a boat ramp.

We all are aware of how many vehicles get broke into on a regular basis in parking lots. Taking a firearm out of the vehicle IS the smart thing to do. I don't think any person on this forum would ever live down the fact knowing that their firearm is running loose in the hands of a criminal.

To tell a quick story, there is a man that I work with whom does not believe in gun ownership. There has been many discussions between him and myself. It is his choice so I do not bash him for it but...... he is the type of person in this world that thinks and believes he can talk his way out of any situation. It is people like this that in some point in their lives, they will more than likely become a victim.

For those that have CHL's, choose to carry a firearm where legally permitted if a non CHL holder, those are the ones whom choose not to be a victim or at the least, do what they can from being a victim.

There is no right or wrong in this situation as it is a personal choice. For those that disagree with a person that decides to carry, so be it. That is your decision but don't force your opinion on others. But..... for the mere fact that someone on this board COULD become a statistic or victim, that someone should not come out and make a public announcement and cry to the fact that they may have been done wrong in a situation where they could have better protected themselves.

As for the Mexico comments, pretty sure everyone would agree not to carry anything firearm related into Mexican waters. If your gonna carry, stay in Texas.

And for the record, I carry a firearm everywhere permitted by the current laws for both CHL and Castle Doctrines. There will not be a firearm left in my vehicle at ANY boat ramp. Not only for my protection but the protection of others. If tourney fishing, it stays at home.

" never been in a situation on the water where a gun would help "

So, you`ve never wing shot a bass that leaped out of the water to shake your hook ? You get a dead fish penalty at weigh in, but it still adds to your total ! !

+1. No need for me to carry,anywhere. Certainly,not on the lake.

Okay guys....I think we all agree it's dumb to even attempt to bring any type of firearm into Mexico.

However, I find it extremely disturbing how negative some of you guys sound on the subject of concealed carry. I've always thought that the majority of bass fisherman were conservative people....and usually supported the 2nd Amendment.

fouzman,

You are one of the people on this forum that I really respect, and almost always agree with.....but not this time. I really don't understand why you have such a problem with people carrying a gun in their boat. I have a CHL and I carry EVERYWHERE it is legal, and that includes on the lake.

I don't carry on the lake because I think something is going to happen on the lake....I carry because you might have a flat tire on the way back from the lake at night, or need to stop for gas at a less-than-desirable gas station, or any of the other five thousand things that can happen to you in transit to and from the lake.....(also some ramps can be a little shady at night).

I carry everywhere, I'm not going to leave it in my truck just because I don't think I will need it on the lake. I'm not going to get "lake rage" and shoot someone over a fishing spot....or anything ridiculous like that. People who have a CHL are usually very responsible, level-headed people. It sounds to me like you are confusing them with criminals.

The last couple posts you made were just stupid and uncalled for.

Get a concealed weapon license permit and you can carry a pistol on your hip. Im not swatting bullets with my flipping stick!

You'll never know if I'm armed or not as concealed means CONCEALED!

Let me clarify my opinion. First off, I too am a CHL holder and a vigourous defender of our second amendment rights.

I have spent thousands of hours on the water alone, both during day and night. Was I armed? I'll never admit that I was or was not.

My point of why carry, is based upon on my personal experience. I've never needed one. And in the very rare instance there were words exchanged, I always just go somewhere else on the lake. I'm not gonna let some azzclown ruin my day on the lake.

But I see so many people on here talking about what they would or wouldn't do on the water, it scares me to think of those same tough guys armed. They're the ones you have to worry about being armed. The one's who would yell at you on the lake. Encroach on your water. And know they have a gun to back them up.

Guess what, you pull a gun on me on the water in the US, you're probably going to die. But I do not encourage that type of reaction unless your life or those of your occupants are in imminent danger. Much easier to be the bigger man, for me at least.

Last year the court, the supreme court of the land, ruled that an individual HAS the right to bear arms...............so I could not give a rats behind about state laws or regulations. If you want to carry in your boat and are ready for the hassle go for it.

But have your civil right lawyer ready to sue the guys who are going to write you a ticket or book you.

Seriously? I just said eariler that an on-the-water occurence is probably a slim chance. I actually made the point that there are numerous occurrences of CHL holders defending themselves, and I thought my implication was clear that I meant off the water. I was trying to make a point in contradiction to your statement that it wasn't necessary because you hadn't ever had a need for it before, whereas most CHL holders haven't ever needed it but many times annually, folks defend themselves by making use of their CHL. Maybe your frustration with my post was just an issue of my poor communication skills via internet forums.

That being said, I already said that I always worry about having $20k+ worth of boat and truck at the ramp, by myself, in the dark, standing outside for 10 minutes before and after a trip. And I just don't want to leave my pistol in the truck while I'm fishing.

All that being said, I'd still rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

First if your so worried about Falcon that you carry a gun into Mexico then just dont go. Second there has been more violence on fishermen on Fork in the past than ever on Falcon. Just go fishin.

Just a shotgun when hunting waterfowl, no handgun.

+1


I know you won't get a ticket for having a shotgun on Corp lakes. Duck hunted many Army Corp waters.

Not me. I only fish private lakes so I don't need one. I do have a CHL though and I do carry elsewhere.

I don't have issue with people carrying handguns, just some of the folks with anger management issues carrying handguns. I try not to put myself in a situation where I need a gun to feel safe.

I think that's where fouz was going and I totally agree with both of yall there. I recently took my renewal CHL class and some of those guys did not need to be carrying firearms when amongst the general public.

If your a CHL holder then you shouldn`t be a hot head ready to pull it for some stupid reason. Being able to carry is a very fragile right that we have, so I would like to think the majority of us are not going to pull it if someone pulls up on a spot we are fishing. I would like to think most of us are responsible enough to handle it the right way by either asking the person to give you your space, or just move somewhere else to avoid any type of confrontation. Anyone who has taken a CHL class knows you have no right to pull a gun over an argument.
You guys can say it`s right or wrong all day long and this will never get anywhere. But, I can assure you if my life is put in danger, (That one chance in a million) either on or off the water I won`t be standing there saying dangit I sure wish I had my gun right now.

When my boat is on the water, I'm packin. I don't think I would even consider going to Falcon without an Arsenal in the boat.

Then why go? I joined the Army when we were somewhat at peace with the world. Why would I join know lol...

I carry a gun in the boat because, 1. I won't leave it in the truck, 2. it's not being on the water so much as it is some of the people I see hanging around the parking lots and marinas.
Not so much at Fork, but locally around some of the dfw lakes...
Especially if we're out bank fishing at some of the local ponds, and lakes.

You're welcome. We travel to every state in the union, except Illinois, to work, so I have to keep abreast of all the gun laws in each state. I do a lot of research before we even begin to travel to another location.

Carrying a firearm is such a huge responsibility that a lot of people just don't understand, even some CHL holders that have gone through the training to get that license. Having to shoot another living, breathing human being is not something to be taken lightly. If you have conscience, it will haunt you the rest of your life. It will also change your life forever. If the shoot is over an argument, you may spend the rest of your life behind bars or go to the express line on death row, here in Texas.

You hot heads out there had better stop and think before you open you mouth on a public forum. I have a friend that spent time in prison for some things she said on a public forum. If you are involved in a shoot, the law will find everything they can find that you have ever said and use in against you. I've seen it happen! If it is a justified shoot there are also laws to protect you or you wouldn't have a CHL in the first place.

Remember, you and only you are responsible for every round that leaves the end of your barrel. If you are not ready, and in some cases don't have a 55 gallon barrel of $100 bills, to take on that responsibility then leave you guns at home. It doesn't mater if you're on the water or dry ground.

no. don't need 1 where I fish

[quote=fouzman] I'm not gonna let some azzclown ruin my day on the lake.

Cam...Could you help us with some of your techno wizard-dry and please provide us a more visual display of what this particular clown might look like?!?!?! Gracias Amigo!!!

And Fouz...I will be forwarding you a bill for the damages that were caused when my mouth full of water penetrated my keyboard, as well as the rib I tore laughing while reading this part of your post!

I got one for yall...You wanna shoot something, let’s go to Happy Hour and shoot the BULL!!!

I don't have to worry about being sent to prison in Mexico (don't go there anymore). Otherwise, I keep my Glock handy, except in USA waters where it's not allowed. Everytime I've been checked by Game Wardens, they've been very professional, and most of them very nice. It's as if they don't want to know exactly everything that's in the boat. They ask questions about my fish, and my fishing. They check my license and legal requirements of the boat.
I keep forgetting to ask about my Cat V Mustang PFD's (should I wear one ALL the time?). My guess is that the answer is no, since they only ask to see them.

I've never had a situation in a bass boat that I needed a gun to resolve. I've had the bird shot at me a few times and a bird was shot in the other direction, but I was here to talk about it the next day. If I'm sleeping in my truck at the ramp, you can guarantee there is a gun on me. And that gun will be in my boat the next day, because I don't want it stollen if someone breaks into my truck.

After reading some of these post, no wonder this country is in the shape its in. So many people are dependent on someone else looking out for them or doing for them. The law can't be there and protect you all the time. Some people on here said they have never seen a time when they needed a gun. Its too late when you need it and don't have it. Myself, I feel like my life is worth alot more than what an attorney would cost if i was to get in a situation and don't get me wrong, i don't want to shoot anyone and will avoid any situation as much as posible, but to me carrying a pistol is just good preventitive maintnance. Several years ago i docked my boat and was walking up to get my truck when i was approched by 3 drunk thugs and i was shur thankful for that .38 that time. They went on to rob someone else that thought it wasn't neccessary to carry. By the way i don't have a chl and never will, it is our constitutional right to protect ourself.

Freud wrote, "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity"

According to the US Supreme Court police have no duty to protect us, the citizenry. They are there to draw a chalk line around the body and do the paperwork. Remember, "when seconds count the police are only minutes away"

Edit; for those that are going to ask; LINK

You know, after reading all the + and -, I still do. I hate snakes and I hate meth heads. Don't know if I actually could pull the trigger on another human being but I have no problem pulling it on a snake.

SE Kansas grass grower

OMG, you've just stirred up another hornets nest. You don't obviously realise how many snake lovers are on this forum. Shame on you.

I can site an instance where one did help a bunch. When I lived in Ohio a friend and I went to Ceaser Creek resivor fishing lucky us he had a gun and even luckyer for a lot of people he was a LEO. Three guys came up to our boat at the mouth of one of the creeks and thought they were going to rob us. The one who tried to hold a gun on us got shot we held the other 2 right there while I got on the CB and got a game warden out there. Unfortunately the dude who got shot died but that was what could happen when someone tries something stupid. I have one in my pocket at all times.

So.... does the castle doctrine apply to your boat??

It is not that I am scared out on the water, but coming back to the ramp at 2 in the morning can be a little unnerving at times. That, and I typically have my pistol in my truck, I really dont like leaving it in their while I fish.

i assume everyone has one in there boat. Thats why i have two

sometimes i will bust a cap in my fishin partners azz when he starts the front ending sheet

Is this the TEXAS fishing forum or the Massoftwochits (pardon my spelling) fishing forum? I find it very disturbing the amount of anti-gun rhetoric that has been infused into this thread. I’m shocked at some of the statements made by people that I respect on a number of fronts. The anti-gun movement with help from the media has done a real good job making any talk about guns taboo. I have total respect for our first amendment along with the second and all the rest of the constitution. While I respect your right to free speech you have to be careful in its use, just like gun owners have to be responsible. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me but I have a very low tolerance for ignorant (meant in the most respectful way) remarks regarding rights that are sacred and guaranteed to me. Allow me to try and paraphrase Uncle Teddy… “I find it preposterous that anyone would try and dictate to me, how, when and where I can defend my gift of life!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzJbpA8_wl4&feature=related

Regarding Mexico, personally I don’t go anywhere that I can’t enjoy what I feel are my God given rights. That’s my personal decision.

Repectfully,
Brian South , TXDPS CHL Instructor

It is more accurately called the "Stand Your Ground Doctrine" as it applies anywhere you have a right to be. It simply means that there is no longer a "Duty to Retreat". However, sometimes retreating may be the best option. Using deadly force should only be used as a last resort and when all other option have failed.

Sorry for the double post

So can I keep a pistol in my boat or not?

With a few exceptions, yes. I don't want to get into giving legal opinions (I'm not a lawyer) but it still must be conlealed and you can't carry it on COE Lakes or propery. For any further search the Texas CHL Forums. There is lots of good information there.

Don't we have a few Game Wardens that are on here we could ask? I think you boat is still considered an extension of your household just like your car is now. I think you can carry all you want, but not in Mexico or acroos state lines like Toledo Bend. Not sure but I would like to hear a Game Wardens Stance.

When i had my bass boat, I had a guy pull a pistol on me at Nocona when I yelled at him for coming in hot and rolling a huge wake over the front of my boat. After that, in the fall and winter we kept a 12ga and any other time one in the glove box. Now if I'm doing an over nighter in the yak you can guarantee there'll be something I wouldn't want to be on the opposite end of within arms reach.

The boat is included in the castle doctrine now. I don't think i'd be willing to leave it anywhere though, for the most part. If it's not on me, it's locked away somewhere that'd be very difficult to get to.

I always have a bow and arrow ready in my boat.

I'll add to this.

I carry a tire tool and jack and spare tire for both truck and boat. I do not expect a flat but am ready for one.

I and everyone of you boat owners carry a fire extinguisher and really, how many fires have you had or even seen?

I was a LEO for years. Most of the older guys on the force had never even pulled their pistol other than qualifying, I had mine out the first week on duty at a family disturbance. And then once, while talking to some possible suspects in an assault case, I and my partner were shot, out of the blue, with a shotgun, from a guy that just walked close to us a pulled the trigger.

I can tell you, I carry. Everywhere. And I would NEVER stop for a Mexican LEO. But that's just me

I've had to limit myself to no more than four on me at a time.

Mainly because I haven't got that fifth one yet.

I don't own any guns but I do carry a really bad azz slingshot.

What if your fishing docks or in a creek somewhere and a landowner pops out from behind a dock or out of the woods saying your on his property with a rifle drawn on you? I'd say that they had the drop on you. You wouldn't have much choice in the matter at that point but use your head and try to get out alive by backing out and agree that he's right and your leaving. Granted if you are in the middle of the lake fishing it would be hard for them to sneak up on you but how often are you out in the middle of the lake? If you are then a boat flying by on plane wouldn't alarm you and when they shut down near you, you would probably think that they are wanting to fish something near you or that they think your broke down and are just checking on you. By the time you realize you are in a bad situation having a pistol with you may not really help.

Don't get me wrong I've been shooting guns for as long as I can remember and don't have any issues with responsible people carrying them if they feel the need. I feel like too many people think that having a gun in the boat with them makes them safer. In some situations it may be possible to use it to defend yourself but don't think for one minute that have a gun alone is enough. You have to use good sense and judgement and know that even though you have it and could fight back that you ultimately need to determine your odds of survival and take the odds on bet whether it be to fight back or try to retreat and get out of dodge. I'm sure that for every person thats had a concelled weapon that was able to defend themselves there are many that tried to use a weapon and got shot trying to pull their gun out.

I carry everywhere all the time.

If I had a boat, I'd carry. No, no way would I go on the Mexican side of Falcon, fish or no fish, with or without a pistol. Same, same for Amistad.

PSG, I like your sig picture. A guy who likes William F. Buckley and fine cigars is a friend of mine.

We are guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms.

Anybody feel a need to justify flexing that right?

Glad to hear it!

Fined! Holy Moley, you get caught in Mexico with a spent 22 cartridge and you will be incarcerated and tossed around between the guards like a rag doll. An actual gun in Mexico and you better have plenty of jack back home and some connections to the American Embassy. Seriously.

Spend most of my time on COE lakes, so I leave the pistol at home.

I keep a gun with me all the time.

Sure! Azzclown!?!?!?! Got plenty of ammo Mr. Stax

There's ya one hellova fisherman right there

Odd question from a Green Horn...right off the bat..eh ?

If I owned a firearm, it seems to me it would do me no good not to have it handy 24/7.

But I sold my firearms to Bob at the gun show.

just to keep this going, why is it carry on a coe lake is illegal when they never post a sign saying so? our laws are about the same up here but a business etc. that won't allow carry has to post the sign. yeah I know about court houses/govt. offices etc. but a lake is an open area and I have never seen a sign saying no carry.
they have never said anything about my slingshot though.

my other question is, if there is a national or state park on said lake can you then carry? we have a few here that are coe lakes with state or national parks on the shore.

I wouldn't say that. I've had some pretty unsavory characters trespass on some private ponds before. Get the wrong person out there with a couple of strikes already on his record and then threaten to call the game warden, and I could see your day going bad real fast without means of protection.

Because it's illegal for them to infringe on our right to arm and defend ourselves. Still, they do.

By gosh, I think you've got a point. Thanks.

I responded to your statement about being caught off guard in your boat, and you throw out some hypothetical about being on the bank???? Then you go on to imply that someone could get the jump on me by pulling up in a boat to check on me??? One of the most important aspects to protecting oneself is to be aware or your surroundings and to be prepared. Could someone get the jump on me? Absolutely. I just don't think it'd be that easy to do in the original scenario you gave of being on the water in my boat.

o k I will stir the pot, those who have a chl and carrry, just what would cause you to pull the weapon? second part of the question, if you pull it are you going to use it?

I NEVER point my slingshot at something I don't intend to shoot.

I would only use my weapon if I knew with certainty that my life, or someone's in my immediate vicinity was threatened. Otherwise, the pistol stays concealed and I call the cops.

my favorite part is the rediculous scenarios of how someone would GET THE DROP on you. Like someone selling magazines, door to door scenario.

i do not have a pistol on my boat nor do I carry one while at the lake. I have never felt threatened while boating, fishing or sitting at the dock at my marina.

I do not see the need, for me.

all i know is dem gill netters get mad as heck when you cut their nets

PURE GREATNESS!!!

If I am fishing somewhere that I think I need to carry a gun, I think I would find another place to fish. Just never felt the need to have a gun on a public lake.

Hey Hop, it look anything like this?

and can dot the i at 100yds.

love my wrist rocket and ball bearings.

I've been a Firearms Instructor for over 25 years and believe that " AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY" I carry a handgun always but a rifle is not far off. How is someone going to sneak up on you on a lake? Don't be a victum.

Is there a list of lakes that are COE? Just curious because I thought that Amistad and Falcon were not COE lakes?

Talking about killing?

You all experts?

You all know about killing?

I'd like to hear about it.

Well hello Sargent Barnes

Well done!

i was catching a nap in the boat while we were trolling one day and my dad woke me up by blasting a round off with his 357. i dang near flipped that little 12 foot boat.

No pistola, but there is a little Snake Charmer in a handy 20ga up front.

The snakes seem to like it less than the pistol.

Did he shoot your sisters laptop last week?

better safe than sorry...

I have had 2 instances of irate water front landowners threaten me while in my boat fishing his dock. Both came outside with a shotgun and started yelling. Would any of you consider that enough of a threat to pull your gun? I simply kept fishing and when I was ready moved to the next dock. One of these was in Lynn Creek at Cedar Creek in the early 80's and one was a private pond where you could pay on one side but the homeowner on the other side was a drunken fool who routinely threatened anyone fishing his side of the lake.

Both times a gun would have only escalated the situation. Neither idiot had any intention on firing but who knows if you pulled a gun.

Other than that I have never been on the water where I felt I needed a gun so for me I will pass on carrying on the water.

IMO for just about every scenario a cell phone is probably a better option.