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Gator Hunt
#5907253
09/01/15 02:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Matthunts
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9 |
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!
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5908074
09/01/15 09:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
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.
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5908080
09/01/15 10:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
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!
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Palehorse]
#5908692
09/02/15 03:59 AM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Matthunts
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9 |
Awesome. Thanks for the tips. I hope I can deliver some pics! Thanks again.
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5909678
09/02/15 07:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 353
Deep Sea
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 353 |
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
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Deep Sea]
#5910132
09/03/15 12:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
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.
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Palehorse]
#5910279
09/03/15 01:16 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 27,891
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 27,891 |
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.
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5910728
09/03/15 10:27 AM
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 353
Deep Sea
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 353 |
That is too cool, I will now put in for the hunt next time!
Scott Eastty AW Scott Construction Company Bastrop, TX 512-845-0187 For all your metal building needs, state wide. www.acscott.com
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5912811
09/04/15 01:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,971
Dry Fire
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,971 |
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.
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Re: Gator Hunt
[Re: Matthunts]
#5912862
09/04/15 02:01 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,591
1860.colt
emoji colt.45
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emoji colt.45
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,591 |
i caught a geco with my bare hands once... 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, 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, & congrates on Draw Hunt.... As pappy once said: keep your head held high & your powder dry ....
i'm postaddic
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