The line between public and private property has to be drawn somewhere.If that line is the high water mark then permission isn't required.Obviously,giving a little consideration is always the right thing to do.I don't think it is reasonable to expect someone to ask permission to fish on public waters,though.
What if the guy says no?
Do you allow yourself to get run off the river?
I would think that the landowner is breaking the law in claiming public lands as his own.
Maybe if a few of these folks who pull guns on fishermen that have commited no wrong were prosecuted,less people would feel the legitimate need to carry while fishing.
Share the river!!!