My nephew and I went down to Gus Engeling WMA to try and get on standby for the Alligator hunt this weekend. They had two spots open. Three groups of two showed up for the standby drawing. Darn the luck, we did not get drawn. I really really wanted on that hunt. I was bowhunting that place during the September deer hunts over 25 years ago and knew where to take a large gator that has lived there as long and I'm an old gator hunter from way back having hunted Sea Rim and Murphree with over 50 gators that I either caught or have helped catch. My nephew has been on several also. We would have done well.



Our plan B was Gator Gar fishing in some ponds/oxbows off the river that I have fished in the past. That looked to be a bust after talking with a wildlife biologist ombudsman I knew down that way. Everything is drying up due to lack of rain.

Plan C, with the river down, we found we could walk the bank down far enough to find a good shaded river bend eddy to fish. We picked up some live goldfish at the bait store. As well had our alligator bait beef heart and beef kidney to use for alligator gar bait.



We both hooked into one giant Garasaurus each yesterday. Ryan's big fish broke his 80lb braid line. Mine got off after a long run. But we did catch a few smallish gator gar and longnose gar to save the day as well as some other bonus off target fish.







Did not get to hunt, but fishing sure beat staying home and mowing the lawn. Oh well. I wish the lucky few out there braving the hunt despite the muggy heat, mosquito swarms, and snakes; the best of luck. Wish I was there. Being the first gator hunt that place has ever had, I predict there would have been some good stories to hear from those guys when they come out of those creek bottoms.

at least yall got to get out like you said and have some fun.

I always enjoy your posts. Looks like a lot of fun. Too bad about not getting drawn on the gator hunt.

Good story. Better luck next time on the draw.

Nice pic John!