First time canal fishing in Florida. How concerned should I be about alligators?
May 5, 2019 14:13:32 #
I'm a very experienced fisherman/outdoorsman, but my experience is mostly in the northeast. I'll be spending a month at my friend's home and he lives on a canal that empties into the tamiami canal. I plan on exploring and doing lots fly/spin fishing. I'm a real bushwacker and enjoy covering lots of ground. How worried should I be about gators and what precautions would you suggest I take?
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by GreenDrake007
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by GreenDrake007
May 5, 2019 14:13:38 #
Wading, or in a boat? In a boat you'll be fine. Just watch for them taking your fish!
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by musicofsound
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by musicofsound
May 5, 2019 14:13:48 #
I plan on walking and fishing from along the shoreline. I don't intend to be wading much at all, but I fear getting ambushed at the water's edge while landing fish.
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by GreenDrake007
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by GreenDrake007
May 5, 2019 14:13:58 #
You do need to be aware of them this time of year since its mating season so gators are moving around and more aggressive. That being said, you'll probably sneak up on a few. They'll blast off the bank and scare the crap out of you and you will never cross paths with them again. The saying holds true...they are more afraid of you then you are of them.
If you do come across one that doesn't want to move on, or is following you it's probably been fed by humans and I would move on from that spot.
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by FLAquaGuy
If you do come across one that doesn't want to move on, or is following you it's probably been fed by humans and I would move on from that spot.
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by FLAquaGuy
May 5, 2019 14:14:22 #
Native Floridian here. It’s mating season for gators. Honestly just keep your ass out of the water & don’t f— with them. Only wade in salt or brackish water and, in the latter, keep your eyes peeled around brush, mangroves & banks. Avoid using stringers.
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by youtubefishingfamily
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by youtubefishingfamily
May 5, 2019 14:14:30 #
The vast majority of gators aren't big enough to even consider attacking you. The only gator on human attacks that I'm aware of are children or someone getting too close on purpose. They aren't like salt water crocs waiting to ambush a zebra. But they will go for a fish you're reeling in.
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by musicofsound
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by musicofsound
May 5, 2019 14:50:19 #
Hey there GreenDrake 007 one thought of advice. Until you enter the water you are at the top of the food chain. One step in and you could be dinner.
Plumbob
Plumbob
May 6, 2019 07:40:48 #
Raw Dawg Ron
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
Beware at dawn and dusk. They are moving around for mating and do not eat people! Wade fished around many medium sized ones with no problems! Just give big bulls some space and do not enter brushy spots that looks like a nest! They will protect babies during nesting season. Scout out area and note any big gators, give-em some respect and avoid area with babies too!
May 6, 2019 08:50:36 #
Just keep this in mind: there are things in Florida that no other state has and everything in Florida is trying to kill you. Still, you're safer near the water than on the roads; the drivers are more dangerous than the 'gators. Just be alert to your surroundings at all times and try to keep away from the water's edge. Pull the fish out of the water; don't reach down to get it, just in case.
May 6, 2019 09:32:43 #
just be aware of your surroundings, avoid any likely ambush areas, scan the water, stay alert. If one gets hold of you, go for the nostrils and/or the eyes. The likelihood of a gator attack is extremely minimal. I fish the canals down here all the time, especially if I am not on my boat and have only seen one gator. it was 3-4 feet, 20 ft away and didn't stay around long. On the other hand, while on a lake in Georgia recently, we saw a monster on the shore. we guessed maybe 15 ft and 1000 pounds; easily the biggest I've ever seen, even pictures! It opened its mouth and entered the water, went under and swam by our boat. We could follow it by the bubbles. I have a carry permit and actually pulled a 9mm. The damn animal was bigger than our boat! No way would I have used my weapon except if it had tried to swamp our boat … extremely unlikely. Try and imagine what an animal like that eats; probably not 3 pound bass. The attached picture is of another gator taken from the same lake. The one we saw was honestly bigger.
May 6, 2019 09:39:40 #
can't seem to find the gator picture. do a search for "picture lake blackshear gator." the picture I am referring to is of the DNR guy kneeling behind the behemoth.
May 6, 2019 10:30:22 #
Just use some common sense around them and you will be fine. Don't know if you plan on having a dog with you, I know a lot of people that fish carry theirs with them. Don't take the dog with you. You will hear of more gator attacks when a dog is with a person. Good luck fishing is good in the canals now
May 6, 2019 15:25:44 #
Do not use a stringer, ever in the canal. Gators need to be looked for yes, but we have a cornucopia of poisonous water snakes and rattlers that love the canals. It's those critters to look for.
Quite frankly, if it's brushy and you can't see all the way through to the ground or water....don't go there. Find a nice shore spot with 180 degree site line and fish away. Depending how far from the salt water, Bull sharks cruise the canals looking for easy meals even though it's mixed salt and fresh...brackish. Good luck and use 20LB test at least.
Quite frankly, if it's brushy and you can't see all the way through to the ground or water....don't go there. Find a nice shore spot with 180 degree site line and fish away. Depending how far from the salt water, Bull sharks cruise the canals looking for easy meals even though it's mixed salt and fresh...brackish. Good luck and use 20LB test at least.
May 6, 2019 18:12:55 #
will
Loc: Tampa, Florida
I would say you're best bet is to not wade fish at all. From a boat you will be okay,but avoid having stringers of fish in the water. They will usually take to the water if you approach their whereabouts,but if don't get going you should get outta there asap.
Good luck out there and happy fishing.
Good luck out there and happy fishing.
May 6, 2019 18:41:52 #
There are 2 four footers in the local pond that I fish. This is the first year that I haven't seen a bass on the bed. I think the gators got them while they were guarding their nests. The pond is in a public park and I called the city to have them removed...people are feeding them...the city has done nothing...guess someone or their pet will have to be the sacrificial lamb before the government will intervene. Sometimes small kids play around the lake. Sad but true. The guy behind the desk doesn't really give a damned. I have even tapped one of the gators on the head with the tip of my fishing pole. Didn't faze it one bit!
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