Thanks, FishHarder. I agree about the four legged animals being another issue.

Always good to clarify the rules regarding CHL and permits, lest someone forgets.

I believe Florida law says that if you are fishing or hunting, you may openly carry a sidearm, since there is a greater risk of needing one, being isolated, usually.

Lite-liner: apologies if it appears I'm coming off the top rope at you. I just re-read my post and, even to me, it sounds a little harsh. That was not the intent.

A big dog.

TIGHT LINES, MAN.

Most CHL holders I know carry 24/7. So yeah I'd say that bank fishing would be included. You never know when something crazy is going to happen.

Pack of stoggs and a machete to get through thick brush on the bank

Every self respecting man should be armed.

Find another place to fish. It isn't worth the risk.

You know the sad thing is.. its easy to avoid the places you think you "might not need one" Its the places you don't think you would ever need one that when the SHTF you would wish you did. I have never forgotten Lubies and all the people in there that THOUGHT they would not need one..

You just never know when or where.. crazies are everywhere and its always better to be prepared than the alternative.
But to each there own.

Excellent points, Robert. As someone else mentioned, there are hogs, dogs and any number of situations that can arise. The reason people carry concealed is because anything can happen anywhere and at any time.

Thanks for the tip, lite-liner. The bank fishing map is how I found TFF...

You've been very helpful in suggesting another state and telling me about another river completely outside of the city I mentioned, ignoring a great local resource. I guess I'll just fish on the weekends instead of driving five-10 minutes to the Trinity after work to fish for a few hours before dinner.

I'm all about checking out new places on the bank fishing map, scheduling a visit, traveling. Keep in mind that the bank fishing map is how many years old, and some of those places may have been "safe" in 2011 when they were posted. Now they are full of druggies, homeless or prostitutes. Kind of like Gateway Park, which is just now reopening. Or, years ago, that area was more populated, or less populated, or there wasn't any reason for wild hogs to populate the area. Or that entrance to the trail has been closed off for whatever reason, as I found out recently.

Tight lines and all that.

I don't own a hand gun, but I know exactly what you're talking about. Bank fishing can put you in some pretty secluded places & you meet all types (fortunately all friendly).

Put it this way - if I owned a firearm, I would have CHL, and you can bet I'd be carrying when banking.

Fishin solo on an all-nighter in granger, had a warden walk up on me... he asked me where my pistol was, told him I wasn't carrying due to being under age. He told me carry a shot gun until I turned 21. So I did, now I carry my 9 every trip.

I consider a firearm as a last line of defense. I will leave / avoid an area that i am not comfortable with.
That being said, you never really can be sure a place is safe, or will be safe, say 30 minutes from now.
I think it is a good idea to be legally armed. This is why i dont fish ACE land.
Also, if you are going to become a CHL holder, make sure to practice. Dont just take the course and walk around with it on your hip.
The last thing you want is a case where you have to use it, and you forget to release the safety, or something else goes wrong and you end up getting hurt or worse.

Duck hunter if I were you I would get you a bud on here to kinda hang out with when you fish.I am an avid Bike rider and have fished most of the fishing holes around this part of the hood.I have had seen some strange folks up to no good in my opinion along these trails especially over on the trails in FW.Just watch the the 1st 48 on tv and you will see bodies showing up at Whiterock,Bauchman lake and FW.I have floated the creeks in my Yak and heard gunfire.Let your gut instincts rule your head and make sure no one sneaks up on you Bumming money etc.