I hunted there quite a few years ago. Got me a BIG Gator.
Here's the Trick, at least in my opinion.
*** I use a set up rig for SHARK. Big Hook, Stainless Steel Braided Leader.
1 - Get there early, day before if you can. Meet with the Wildlife Biologists if you can. Get to know him. Why? I did that and he knew I was serious about the hunt. He set me up in a "Good" compartment the next day.
2 - Get one of those big chlorine buckets with lids.
3 - About 5 - 7 days before the hunt. Buy at lease 20 pounds of chicken "thighs". Throw them in the buckets with a level amount of water. Set outside. MAKE SURE THE LIDS ARE ON TIGHT!
4 - Get some sheets of Florist foam at hobby lobby. The 2" thick green foam.
5 - cut the foam into 4" x 4" squares minimum.
6 - get some dacron fishing line, 80 lb. test.
7 - when you get out to your spot the day before, you are going to "sew" that chicken to those foam blocks.
8 - wear plastic gloves - your hands will stink for weeks if you don't.
9 - randomly toss those blocks around the perimeter of your spot.
10 - when you set your cane pole, pay attention to the tide. Set the bait at least 24" - 30" over the water.
*** Too low and you will catch a little one or the turtles and fish will eat it.
*** Too high and you will only catch flies.
11. Try to find a DEEP canal where the gators travel thru. Or try to find a small n "island" in your compartment to set your pole.
12. Off of the end of your set up, tie on 50 feet minimum, of some of that colored ski rope or the plastic rope like they sell at Lowe's or Home Depot.
13. Get a Boat Anchor Buoy - paint it florescent orange or some BRIGHT color. Tie that to the other end of your rope.
14. When you reel in your gator, don't fight him. Pull easy and slow. If he pulls back, let go. Easy and SLOW.
15. As long as the gator is in the water he feels safe. So shoot him in the back of the head while he is in the water. Yes, you will get a little splash. Put the barrel in the water if necessary.
Got any other questions - You can call me.