In Texas, it is generally illegal to carry a handgun outside of a person�s own premises. However, a person may carry, either open or concealed, in a non-threatening or alarming manner, a shotgun or rifle.

However even with a handgun, in Texas, there are several places where a person may possess a handgun legally without the benefit of a Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL). These places include:
�A person�s residence or other real property under their control.
�A person�s private motor vehicle or watercraft if the handgun is concealed, and the person is legal to possess a firearm, is not a member of a street gang, and is not engaged in the commission of a crime greater than a Class C misdemeanor traffic or boating violation.
�A person engaged in lawful fishing, hunting, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the persons� residence or motor vehicle, if the firearm is a type commonly used in the activity.
�While storing a loaded firearm, it must be in a place which cannot be accessed by a child under the age of 17, or secured with a trigger lock if there is reason to know that a child under 17 may gain access to the firearm

I don't know exactly what they consider to be the type of firearm normally used in fishing but when I'm in my boat I carry a 22 mag revolver or a small rossi single shot 410. The way the law is written it makes it seem like you could open carry a pistol while fishing but I guess it depends on the cops interpretation of the law. In most places open carry of a long gun is legal so you should be good with a small shotgun or rifle when bank fishing.

Every self respecting man should be armed.

I grew up in a pretty rough part of Dallas. Learned early how to carry myself in rough neighborhoods and ensure situational awareness when in secluded areas. Now, I'm 350 lbs., and a hair over 6 feet tall, so I don't get messed with much. I won't admit on a public forum if I do, or do not, carry weapons, including firearms, while bank fishing. I can tell you that I bank fish in places that are pretty darned safe (demographics-wise). Like I said, I grew up in a rough part of town, so when I grew up, I swore I'd live in a much safer part of the country. I also fish in the same safer area. Nothing's guaranteed, but I'm feeling really good about the low probability of problems in my heck of the woods.

My biggest worries bank fishing...
-snakes
-poison ivy
-chiggers
-feral hogs
-rabid critters
-wasps
-bull nettles
-too much sun
-ticks
-getting hung up/losing lures
-not getting any bites (from fish)