As in, a firearm? I haven't needed it yet but I've been thinking about it more and more as I spend time on the water. I'm trying to find different places to fish, so sometimes the new spots I "find" on google maps look like good fishing, but I can't tell much about the neighborhood.

This morning, I tried a spot on the Trinity River that was near downtown and I30. There was a little thicket near a stream I was working and I could see the mattresses, blankets and clothes strewn around the edge. Then I noticed a tent about 10 yards into it. I moved on because it just didn't feel right. On my way back to the truck, there were four people walking towards the thicket and one of the men stopped to chat. Of course, he was very nice, as was one of the others, but it reinforced the point that you never know who or what you might run into. Yesterday, I had another interesting encounter with a guy. Again nothing went wrong but I didn't notice him until he was 20 feet from me and I was standing on a point, so there wasn't anywhere for me to go.

Bank fishing in particular can put you in a bad spot. You're probably somewhat secluded, even if the Trinity Trail is close, it might be above you or set back from the bank. Sometimes you're under a bridge with traffic and other stuff going on and you might not hear everything that's going on around you.

So, the question is, does anyone carry while they bank fish? What is the reason for it (did you have a scare at some point)? Any horror stories? I heard one about Como Lake.

I know to keep your head on a swivel but enjoying/concentrating on fishing is important too. Fleeing isn't always a sure way to get out of some situations, especially when you're on water.

And I'm aware you need a CHL and apparently the Corps or Engineer-controlled waters are off limits.

I stay away from these kind places.

I asked a warden about carrying on Corps controlled land because I was planning on bringing my dad and he's got his CHL. This particular warden said that while it is illeagal to carry on Corps land, none of the wardens in his area would give you any trouble over it as long as you weren't being irresponsible with it, waving it around and such. Not that his word would keep you out if trouble if something were to happen, but I can see why people would want some protection at certain bank spots, especially at night.

Yes!

Thanks, guys.

I asked the question because these types of places happen to be everywhere. The two places I mentioned are in the shadow of high rises downtown, right in populated areas, around city-owned recreation fields or centers, as well as the Trinity Trails, which are heavily-traveled paths for runners, hikers, bike riders, horse riders and families. I'm actively avoiding Como because of the stories I've heard about it.

If you walk 100 yards up the river off the main cross-cross of trails, you are out of earshot even on the busiest of days.

Thanks for the tip on the corps, but you can't be waiving it around no matter what if you have your CHL. I guess I'd repeat the old adage "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

I don't carry one but if I have a gut feeling I just don't go to those places. Beside I've got short fuse when someone upset me or wake boarder/jet skis get near me while I'm fishing. I might have an itchy finger so I leave it at home.

I carry two weapons...my right and left. But if those don't work, yes...I usually carry a sidearm as well

the idea of a CHL is that it's concealed.... so unless they stopped you, and had reason to ask you, you'd never get in trouble for having it on you in a worst case scenario anyhow.

I did have cops spazz out about my "killer knife" that I use for everything from cutting through brush to cutting bait... their logic was that my fillet knife, while well over the legal limit for a fixed blade, was 'reasonable' but that my large bowie knife was 'a killer knife' as they repeatedly said 'that's a killer knife' and seemed slightly embarrassed as my friend and I struggled to control our laughter.

The idea that the large bowie knife in the bottom of my tackle bag under my trays could have murdered me all this time was rather alarming. They should make public service announcements about killer knives... SMFH

Years ago me and buddy of mines use to run trotline's out a Hubbard overnight. I always carried because we ran across a some nut jobs. Sounds like the places you are fishing or putting you in contact with homeless people. I would rather be carrying than be put in a position in which I really wish I had a weapon. Get your CHL and protect yourself.

Reggie

Pepper spray is good. If you can, take along a dog. They will let you know if anyone's in the area.

I'd love to take my dog. There are two problems with that. He's a two years old Lab that loves the water. If I got him to finally stop swimming so I could fish, he would jump in and swim after my lure after each cast. The second is, he would definitely alert me to the presence of people, but he is such a lover that he would want to lick their faces off. Also, he is 100 lbs and as tall and long as a miniature horse, so people freak out when he runs towards them, even though he is just excited to meet everyone.

I've thought about pepper spray, and will probably get some, but that doesn't cut it for every situation.

Thanks for the replies!

How about fishing in an area where you dont feel like you need a firearm
to feel comfortable?
just thinking out loud.....................

I always carry.Even on Corp land. Like Mulholland said, if you're not asked don't volunteer although I will make one very important point. If asked for ID and you are carrying you MUST show the CHL.
If you're carrying with no CHL and get asked for fishing license I would just be cool and not say anything about being armed. Be aware-it is against the law to carry without a CHL. Just be cool. You will have to judge the situation.
I have it for self-protection be it snakes, hogs,dogs, or humans.I am not going to shoot it unless I have to so there will be no reason for anyone to suspect I have one, wardens included.
Other than that sometimes I carry a little TP, just in case.

So, that's a no, lite-liner?

Where do you fish?

That would be much more helpful than your response, since you seemingly ignored most of the first post.

There is a finite number of bank spots to fish. I am new to bank fishing in the Fort Worth area and I am trying to find spots and learn the ropes. I'm not trespassing or finding crazy places in the middle of nowhere. These are places with the Trinity Trail running right by them. Yet, the 16th largest city in the country has some skeevy characters around it. Part of Gateway Park was closed down because of the drug users and gay prostitutes that disc golfers and cyclists complained enough about that the city finally did something.

So, no city parks and no Trinity Trails. That leaves where I can fish where I will feel totally comfortable?