gator hunting report central Florida

It’s gator time! This time of the year is one of my favorites! I tend to change things up a bit and switch gears from playing in the salt to playing in the swamp. Gator hunting is like fishing on steroids! From August through November, we are allowed to harvest two alligators (with proper tags) which you typically apply for in May. During this process, you typically enter the zone in which you would like to hunt. I personally choose areas I am familiar with, which is Lake Pointsett and Stick Marsh. Once you apply, there is a random drawing, and, if chosen, you’ll get an email approval and shortly after a paper with your tags in the mail.

On to the hunt! There are several ways in which you can go alligator hunting. You can either use my favorite method which is a snag hook on a fishing pole, or the slower method of bait on a wooden peg. No hooks are allowed when using bait and you must be attached to a rod or your boat at all times.

Snag hooking — in my opinion, this is the most fun way to hunt an alligator. The hunt starts from 5pm until 10am the next morning for a week straight, depending on the week for which your tag is approved. You are not allowed to hunt between the hours of 10am and 5pm. I like a heavy action rod between the 50/100 lb class with a large spinning reel, anywhere from a 6000 to a 10000 size, loaded with 65lb braid. On the end I like a 10/0 or a 12/0 treble hook with a 3/0 lead zip tied to the bottom. This is for distance and to get down into the gator. If day hunting, look for the gators roaming around with a set of binoculars. This same method can be done at night with a headlamp (look for the red eyes). Try to approach them as slowly and quietly as possible. Get as close as you possibly can and toss the hook past the alligator. Once you feel it, tap the side of the gator and give the rod a hard hook set! Nine out of ten times you will not embed the hook into the gator, you will just be holding it against their hide. It is very important to keep a tight line and the rod bent at all times!

As you get the alligator close to the boat you will need a harpoon. The end of the harpoon will have a sharp tip. Jab the hide anywhere you can reach except for the head! Once the harpoon is in, you pretty much have sealed the deal. Next you’ll need a bang stick, I like to use a .357 caliber bullet. Grab the line attached to the harpoon and slowly lift the gator up off the bottom, then just behind the eyes with the head slightly under water, give it a good pop! The rest is simple. Tape the gator’s mouth with it outside of the boat, roll the gator into the boat, severe the spine with a big knife, and attach your tag.

There are several processing plants around the county. The best bet is to google the nearest to your location and they will help you handle the rest. I highly recommend hiring a professional, if possible. For more questions, or for ways to bait fish alligators, feel free to contact me directly!