So... I was fishing in a Southlake pond, when along came this snooty typical Southlake couple. Immediately the snob proceeds to say that we can not fish at that pond, and that they pay HOA dues and added that the "Dues are very expensive" and that we were trespassing...WTF? Who cares anyways about the cost of her dues...Ok, to my point... We parked on a public street and followed a concrete pathway to the pond, no fences were jumped, there were no trespassing signs. Legally how were we trespassing? How do I find out if what she stated to us warrants any truth at all or that she just did not like seeing a highly tattooed man enjoying the day sport fishing in a pond in her neighborhood? Feedback would be appreciated, Thanks.

what pond is it? i will go fish it with you.

I'm really just looking for an answer to the question, not a fishing partner, Thanks though. It's kind of a coveted secret.

I just sounded like a total D!@k, Someone showed the pond to me with the promise to keep it quiet, If you happen to roll up on it then I welcome you to fish with me Andrew.

man i dont know about this one

if the water is part of the community then you would be considered trespassing...it sucks yes, but thats why they have to pay so much to have things like that

also those streets and paths you walked on were part of the HOA more than likely, b/c they have to be maintained by them...i know 1st hand, i will never live in another HOA again...its kinda like taking your kids to the park or pool in a neighborhood you dont live in

It seems to me that if it were private there would be signs and or fence/gate to indicate that the public is not allowed. Also everyone else that that was walking the path only asked how the fishing was and if we caught anything? Only the young snooty couple was interested in what we were doing there. If there are no signs indicating any privacy, can I actually be charged with trespassing?

if they wanted to push the issue, 1st you would be asked to leave by them, then next by police then if argumentative arrested more than likely...then next time they saw you the could call police and then yes b/c you had been warned...ok now heres how you can get over on it...next time approached, politely ask them to show you documentation showing that is private property and that you dont want to be doing the wrong thing...if they never come back then i wouldnt worry about it

Good enough for me....Thanks for the input....

There is a pond in a Trophy lake neighborhood I have fished kind of like what you�re talking about. This pond does have a sign up with rules like no swimming,pets on leashes, catch an release only, ect.
It does also state it�s for residents only. The thing is how do they know you do or don�t live in the neighborhood. I would have told the lady you just moved in last week and invited her to a party at your house. Hell if your tated up you should of said your in a rock bad and MTV is doing an episode of Cribs at your place (the reason for the party).

I had this come up with a different pond recently. I called the GW and he told the following.

It depends who owns the land and the pond. If it is private property they can tell you not to fish. You don't have to have no trespassing sings posted to keep people off your property. If you are asked or told to leave, you are best leaving. He told me they can write you up for trespassing and fishing without permission.

I am sure it is just some stupid Southlake lady with nothing better to do. Might want to think about it before heading back out there though. If you really want to know, call TPWD and get the # for the local GW.

I used to work in Southlake and what a whippin to deal with many of the townfolks. Catch their fish, throw them back, and give them the bird afterwards

My family pays in the realm of $4,500 a year for property tax alone that goes to things like schools, landscaping and yes, the ponds. Southlake has the some of the best pond fishing around, even I (a resident) get flack -once in a blue moon- from nosey locals but most of the time it's a "NICE CATCH!" Your stereotype of Southlake residents is uncalled for, but I am sure they are reciprocated accordingly. Ultimately they are right and you are wrong. Trespassymcpasserson.

I've lived in Keller my whole life, I am dead on with my stereotype. Point is, I never remove a fish from any of the ponds I lurk around. I don't leave trash behind, actually I leave most places cleaner then when I get there. It's only a small percentage of people who will actually say anything to a guy doing nothing in the form of threatening behavior, just enjoying the day fishing. I live in Watauga now and I welcome anyone who respects nature and what it provides to come fish, walk, run, bike...etc..etc..etc. Just don't be disruptive or disrespectful and have fun. It don't matter to me how much money you have, we are equal.