Gators

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Inshore Mike
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Gators

Post by Inshore Mike »

I'm new to kayaking fishing and I want to check out a few lakes/ponds. I have not had a problem with gators when fishing from shore. I think I would feel a little lower on the food chain when floating next to them in a kayak. Do gators investigate you while you're in their home? Are they likely to attack? Thanks.

Mike
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BearsFan
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Post by BearsFan »

How big is your kayak? In my mind a 6' gator is not likely to attack a 14' kayak.
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Inshore Mike
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Post by Inshore Mike »

It's a Redfish 12
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yohan1973
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Post by yohan1973 »

Inshore Mike wrote:It's a Redfish 12
You'll be alright unless you see two 6 foot gators coming at you! :lol:
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Pip
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Post by Pip »

I've been kayaking lakes, ponds, and rivers in central Florida for over 10 years, and have never had a problem w/ gators. I've been in the water in a 10' kayak where 6 to 8' gators are very common, and they are very shy and elusive.

Once my friend an I paddled right over a larger gator in the Peace River...he was sitting on the bottom and just let us pass right over him in 4' of water. Thats the only time I was worried, but we didnt know we were on top of him until it was too late...my friend said keep paddling and we hauled ass out of there, just in case.

Long story short, just be aware of your surroundings, keep and eye out (know where they are), leave them alone (dont try to feed them), and you should not have a problem.

Personally, I'm more worried about snakes than gators, I keep a sharp eye out for them when paddling through lilly pads and any emergent vegetation.

Just have fun!

Phillip
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