Alligators

[Robert Bagnall Jr]

So some of you remember I spoke about gators in the month of May. Well I fished Tamiami trail. This gator comes out from the grass unprovoked and sits right there as we move along. Clearly she was unhappy I was there. Happened twice yesterday. 

[PoppaCrowe]

Gators gotta eat too

[Robert Bagnall Jr]

She was very aggressive. Came straight at the boat from the pads. For those that fish the trail that was right after the overhead walk bridge. 

[soflabasser]

We are in the month of May now so its Alligator mating season. The female gators don't want anyone near their nest sites and the male alligators are more aggressive than usual. 

[Mike L]

Ahhh he's just a little guy, he won't bother you. 

Just don't throw a top water anywhere around him or he'll follow you all over the lake. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[B-Dozer]

you call that a gator?

 

[geo g]

Over a 40 year period of fishing south Florida this is the time of the year they will be occasionally more aggressive.  Last year I had an 8 footer slap the side of the boat with its tail.  Also on the Alley we had a female, guarding a nest on the bank, bump the trolling motor with her mouth.  Luckily she didn't grab it!  The scary thing is when you think they can propel 2/3 of their body out of the water in a heart beat.  This threatening behavior is very rare, but both happened last year.  They will sometimes rush the boat but usually turn off at the last moment.  Don't want to be in a Kayak!  Often the mid-size ones are the biggest pain in the butt.  We are still living with true Dinosaurs.

17 hours ago, Robert Bagnall Jr said:

So some of you remember I spoke about gators in the month of May. Well I fished Tamiami trail. This gator comes out from the grass unprovoked and sits right there as we move along. Clearly she was unhappy I was there. Happened twice yesterday. 

 

 

That's a mid size one, they just seem more aggressive then the big ones!

[Gundog]

5 hours ago, B-Dozer said:

you call that a gator?

 

I only wish I could rep you even more for this post. Totally out of nowhere and hilarious. Thanks for the laugh. 

[Koz]

Most of the time the gators down here will hang out somewhere near where you're fishing in hopes of an easy meal. The little ones are a pain because they think every splash if food and usually won't leave your lures alone.

 

A few weeks ago I had one come from an opposite bank about 60 yards away and it just kept coming - right out of the water and chased me up the bank.

 

Last weekend at another lagoon there was a 9 footer lurking around but not really bothering us. I was moving down the bank and left my tackle bag about 20 feet or so away from where I was fishing. A few minutes later the gator crossed in front of me and was making a bee line for my tackle bag.

 

I was casting as the gator was moving and with my focus on the large reptile the lure hit the water before I stopped the baitcaster from spinning. Bird's nest! So I'm trying to get that untangled and keeping an eye on the gator and my tackle bag. Luckily my son swooped in and grabbed the bag as the gator reached the bank.

 

Frankly, I'm getting tired of alligators constantly getting in the way of fishing. It's no big deal if they just hang out, but the little ones are annoying and this time of year the big ones are aggressive.

[soflabasser]

I personally enjoy seeing alligators in the areas I fish. They are a beautiful, unique animal and feel fortunate to see them in the areas I fish. Alligators in the area are a sign of a healthy ecosystem and a good sign that's there's lots of fish in the area you are fishing in. 

[KHNC]

Soon as i draw my GA gator tag again, there will be at least ONE less at Seminole! 1 for 1 so far.

 

[N Florida Mike]

He's been used to getting fed by people. He's waiting for you to throw him something.

 

[Sam]

Never feed an alligator.

 

As stated above, they will follow you around waiting for a goodie.

 

The problem is that tourists or those out in a pleasure or pontoon boat will throw marshmallows or chicken to the gators so when the reptiles see you they think of a free meal.

 

And as also stated above, gators can be fast, in the water and on land.

 

Very powerful animals.