mattd

In my experience, it is safe some places and not safe in others. It all depends on whether the gators associate humans with food. In areas where people feed them, they will come straight up to you. I have never really had any problems, but I don't push my luck when they show that they are not afraid. I simply give them that area and go find another spot to fish. In areas that are less travelled, they shy away. As for pythons, no real threat there. They are primarily in the everglades from what I hear. I fish canals all the time and have not run across one yet. Any where you go there is a chance you will run across snakes. Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.

I haven't seen any floaters in the waters I fish. I'm sure the population took a hit though. Will let you know when the weather warms up.

Thanks guys. I'll try to stay in the boat. Wild Bill, so far I've only fished some local canals. Haven't put in at lox yet, but that will be my first launch. Then I will check out Holiday park and the everglades canals after that.

Will do. We should be getting out there pretty soon. Thanks for the replies. I've driven out there to check it out and liked what I saw. Anything different than fishing the canals will be a welcome change.

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of! I grew up fishing in Mississippi and we had a few gators to contend with there, but nothing like it is down here. I just have to give it a shot and hope for the best. No guts, no glory...

I live in Deerfield Beach and fish mainly in the local canals. Haven't found any hotspots yet, but have managed to catch some decent peacock bass and largemouth bass along the way. I grew up fishing in Mississippi and recently brought my little jonboat down here. Been to scared to put it in the water since most of the gators are bigger than the boat!

bocabasser, I have an 11 foot jonboat and have been a little hesitant to fish at Lox. Would you think it would be OK or are the gators too aggressive there?