From MN, fishing Florida for the 1st time

[otulp]

Hi,

I'm from Minnesota and will be doing some bass fishing in Florida for the first time. I will most likely be fishing in a state park (not sure which one yet). I just have a couple of questions.

1) Is it relatively safe to fish from shore? I'm concerned about alligators, pythons, and poisonous snakes.

2) Is it relatively safe to fish from a canoe or kayak?

3) If yes to 1 & 2, can a person fish in an area where there is an alligator. For example, I don't want a situation where I catch a bass and the struggling fish attracts an alligator. Or if an alligator will try to eat a 10 inch plastic lizard.

Sorry if these are stupid questions. The Florida fish and wildlife conservation website has more info on hunting alligators than the dangers of them. Thanks in advance.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Really the first way to answer all of your questions is to start with one of my own.  Where in Florida are you fishing?  Florida isn't just swarming with gators every which way you look.  Certain areas have them, some don't.  Certain areas where they congregate can have a lot of them at one point, or just a few another.  Really the answer to all three questions is yes.  If you're in an area where gators are, you better be paying attention.  The Pythons won't bug you that much.  The Water Moccasin's can get very aggressive at times.  Just pay attention.  There are snakes around almost every lake you've ever fished, nothing different but the breed down here.  For the most part the gators will probably leave you alone.  If you go near a nest though you better be ready to drop your gear and haul butt.  You don't want to mess around with a mother gator. 

[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. 

[Steve P.]

I'd be more concerned with creatures that have 2 legs and walk upright.

[SirSnookalot]

Been bank fishing here for years and came across less than 6 snakes, but they do scare the crap out of me.  I have caught gators on plastics or top lures and have caught going after a fish I caught, they are usally not interested in you..........but if they are, no way you can outrun one.  Have yet to see a python.

[gar-tracker]

Perfectly safe I'm posting as we speak from a canal bank, there's absolutely noth......aaaaahhhhhhhh......

[FD.]

Rob?

Rob?

Anyone know what happened to Rob?

[FD.]

Seriously, I have only had a problem with one gator, but he is one of Steve P.'s pets. 99.99% of the time they will run from you. If you are fishing from a bank that is easily accessible then the chances are low that they are going to be in the area anyway. As far as snakes go, make lots of noise and you should be fine.

Addict has is right. Let us know where you will be fishing and you will get better info.

[flyboy]

http://webmail.aol.com/31888-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.27216220&folder=NewMail&partId=4&saveAs=Fishing_in_Florida.wmv

[Fishing Cowgirl]

FYI, a green Anaconda was caught this year at east lake Tohopekaliga . Green Anacondas can reach 30' in length.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jan/14/12-foot-anaconda-found-kissimmee-deputies/news-metro/