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Gator Hunt #5907253 09/01/15 02:08 PM
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Matthunts Offline OP
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I got drawn on a TPWD gator hunt and am looking for any tips on hook size, what to use for leader, what bait works best, etc. Thanks for any help or advice you can give!

Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5908074 09/01/15 09:51 PM
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Palehorse Offline
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For a hook, use a NON-STAINLESS hook about 12/0 in size. The non-stainless is because TPWD wants the hook to rust away if the gator gets free. You don't need a steel leader, alligator teeth aren't sharp. Just tie to some line at least 150# test, about 50'. Chicken quarters about a couple of days old work great. Don't let it rot too much or the bait will be too soft on the hook.
Set a big cane pole in the mud hanging at an angle over the area you want to bait. Tie the loose end of the line to something solid like a tree or some type of metal anchor driven deep in the mud. The hook end, dangle it about a foot or two from the top of the water from the end of the cane pole. Secure it LOOSELY with a rubber band or clothespin. You want it to come off freely when the alligator pulls on it.
Leave and drink many cold beers that night at the bar. Come back in the morning and see what you have caught. Your buddy pulls it in and you shoot it in the head.
TPWD wants you to use a shotgun. .410 is plenty at a range of a few inches that you will be shooting. I used a beat up old H&R single shot 20 gauge with low brass #6's. Worked great and if I lost it overboard, it would be no big deal.

For the hook and line, you can buy them here http://www.fishnetco.com/products/fishing-accessories/hooks-and-swivels/alligator-hooks/

Good luck!

Last edited by Palehorse; 09/01/15 10:02 PM.
Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5908080 09/01/15 10:00 PM
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Palehorse Offline
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One more thing. Post a lot of the hunt pics on this forum! That way, those of us who didn't get drawn can enjoy it too!

Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Palehorse] #5908692 09/02/15 03:59 AM
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Matthunts Offline OP
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Awesome. Thanks for the tips. I hope I can deliver some pics! Thanks again.

Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5909678 09/02/15 07:58 PM
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Deep Sea Offline
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I didn't even put in for this hunt as I was not sure how to hunt alligator. If I had known it was that easy, I sure would have!


Scott Eastty
AW Scott Construction Company
Bastrop, TX
512-845-0187
For all your metal building needs, state wide.
www.acscott.com
Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Deep Sea] #5910132 09/03/15 12:12 AM
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Palehorse Offline
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Originally Posted By: Deep Sea
I didn't even put in for this hunt as I was not sure how to hunt alligator. If I had known it was that easy, I sure would have!


Yea, there's not a lot to it. Sort of a combination of running a trotline and shooting a big ole snake at your feet. It is pretty exciting though when you are trying get a clean shot while a ticked off man eating reptile is spinning and snapping.

Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Palehorse] #5910279 09/03/15 01:16 AM
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skinnerback Offline
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Originally Posted By: Palehorse
Originally Posted By: Deep Sea
I didn't even put in for this hunt as I was not sure how to hunt alligator. If I had known it was that easy, I sure would have!


Yea, there's not a lot to it. Sort of a combination of running a trotline and shooting a big ole snake at your feet. It is pretty exciting though when you are trying get a clean shot while a ticked off man eating reptile is spinning and snapping.


This is something I've always wanted to do.

Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5910728 09/03/15 10:27 AM
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Deep Sea Offline
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That is too cool, I will now put in for the hunt next time!

clap banana


Scott Eastty
AW Scott Construction Company
Bastrop, TX
512-845-0187
For all your metal building needs, state wide.
www.acscott.com
Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5912811 09/04/15 01:09 PM
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Alabama doesn't allow bait poles. Only snagging. What a fight that would be to snag a 12 footer and get to reel it in.


coffee spelled backwards is eeffoc. I don't give eeffoc until I have my morning coffee.
Re: Gator Hunt [Re: Matthunts] #5912862 09/04/15 02:01 PM
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scratch i caught a geco with my bare hands once... bang just dont sound as funny when try using proper english... Was gonna type me bar hands ... Theirs some goid info... Make sure ya take camera with.. i huntosolo mostly, & since camera's went high-tech, SD cards & can video started carring mine on archery hunts... If it out of bow range video, rofl not always best wuality, video took of hogs sleeping, was bad day for me shoulder, was in thick stuff... But had a blast & got it on video, ta share... Stay safe, & cheers congrates on Draw Hunt.... As pappy once said: keep your head held high & your powder dry .... flag



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