Gators?

[SirIsaacNewton]

I am from Florida so gators are definitely not a new concept. I went on an airboat bayou tour and as soon as we stopped we are stormed by alligators looking for marshmallows. Me being a pale white some what plump guy this makes me very nervous. Has anyone had problems with them? I mean in florida they usually book it when you come up to them. I used to go gator shining all the time but I never had 12 gators literally move in the direction of my boat.

If this is normal my first modification to my, not yet purchased, yak might be adding a holster for a 10mm glock or something.

[Branch_Office]

That only occurs because they are used to being fed when they hear the boat pull up and know what is getting ready to happen with an easy meal. Otherwise they go away like you said. Besides there are many gators in the salty marsh..only brackish water and fresh water usually.

[bigredbobber]

As you guessed it, they are probably used to being fed by humans. I've personally been in a canoe surrounded by alligators (at least 5-6) several times (Alligator Bayou in the shallows, Florida Everglades near 10,000 Islands,and Lake Martin near Lafayette) and they don't do much but keep their distance and float away from you, normally. Other gators I've seen such as those that lurk near Lake Rd. in the Northshore, won't come near you. Just like bears can get used to a free handout from humans, gators will make the connection quick. And just like Florida, they are federally protected except during gator season, so you better have one heck of a story and aim if you ever light one up.

The good news is that most of the places you kayak or paddle will not have gators. Chances are, you will never see that many gators that not afraid of people.

The only time you would have to worry about them is if you are duck hunting in a small boat. During duck season, gators learn that shotgun blasts mean free food in the form of fresh ducks.

Other than that, you should be fine.

[Psycho Joe]

If they get too close just tap him on the head with the paddle!

[Yak-a-Lou]

If they get too close just tap him on the head with the paddle!

Adjustment... their bulbous noses are MUCH more tender than their extremely hard heads.

[Psycho Joe]

Adjustment... their bulbous noses are MUCH more tender than their extremely hard heads.

I was just trying to put the paddle AWAY from the teeth!

[bigredbobber]

Unless I'm in a stinkpot, or the gator is getting way too agressive, ain't no smacking going on with me.
I've had some pushy ones around, but never had to touch them, I just paddled away, on plane. Lol

[swamppro]

Last trip out I had one chase a topwater 10' from the boat and he just sat there with his mouth partially open. That same day we probably saw atleast 10 different gators and one was probably about 10'. Water was very salty and 2 of them were sitting right in a mess of trout where we were fishing birds diving on trout feeding. Alligators are more scared of you then you think. I paddle right up to them all the time and usually within 4-6' they dive down and scoot away. I am more worried about paddling under a branch with a wasp nest then a gator

[Yak-a-Lou]

So far I've only had one that was somewhat bothersome. It was about 5' and kept following my cork back toward my kayak. It actually took a little effort on my part but I finally got it close enough to the boat to use the edge of the paddle on it's tender nose. The next day I returned and fished the same spot. The gator was napping on the bank. He opened one eye, peeked at me and stayed where he was. I fished in peace that day. Evidently the lesson lasted in his wee little reptilian brain.

Had a big boy scare me one day near Chawee Bay when he launched himself from the bank but he meant no harm. I think we scared each other. We parted ways peacefully.

Other than those two events my experiences are that gators want nothing to do with humans. Reportedly there have only been two unprovoked alligator attacks in Louisiana in the past 30+ years. Like Swampy,I'm more concerned with wasps, hardhead catfish, stingrays etc... Actually, in the last decade, mosquitoes more killed more than ten times as many Louisiana residents as snakes, gators and sharks combined. Whoda thunk it?

[papawd]

the only that really worries me is wasp in trees as mentioned but what really worries me is a snake climbing in the back of the yak when I am not looking and I get bit on the arse or hand reaching for something. This has never happened but I do think about it.

[bigredbobber]

Now Florida is the place for gator attacks and missing pets. They know they have nothing to fear from humans there. Here, in Louisiana, they know they could end up fried or in a sauce piquante come September.

They know we are the dominant predator in the water and on the land. Just stay away from any nest you find out there. Finding one usually would require you to get out of the boat most of the time, so...... If you hear the low gutteral growl of a female, you are WAY TOO close, but you just can't see her on her little island. Back out slow and calmly and you're cool. Talk about a hair-raising experience. Go paddle Lake Martin in July during nesting season. You'll see tons of rookery birds but you'll hear and not see the nesting female gators.

[bobjean1]

Went to Rigolets yesterday to find a fishing spot. About 2 miles past marina towards Slidell, there is a posted private canal and directly across there is a great looking canal heading W into the marsh. Just pulled up when a local stopped and told us that canal went to Salt Bayou. But, there were at least 2 gators, one 12ft and another 16ft long. Said he went down there in a pirogue and they will charge the boat. We took his word and found someplace else to fish. Anybody been down there?

[Branch_Office]

Sounds like someone did not want you to fish their secret spot...Kind of like the sign on the camp in th woods - Bob, killed a big rattlesnake but did not get the mother or the babies.. Be Careful!

[yak-aholic]

I find a 16 footer kinda hard to believe. That's friggin huge.

[BAYOUfish]

the only that really worries me is wasp in trees as mentioned but what really worries me is a snake climbing in the back of the yak when I am not looking and I get bit on the arse or hand reaching for something. This has never happened but I do think about it.

Thanks for putting that thought in my head Warren. I am always reaching to the back of my yak without looking. Haven't seen any gators or snakes yet.

[Yellow Submarine]

Back in the mid 80's My girlfriend and I would book a moonlight canoe tour in Lafitte National park with a park Ranger. We saw hundreds of gators in the swamp. They all reflect red in their eyes when shinning a flashlight to them. The scary part is every eye is looking right at you, not off to the side or another direction they are always focused on what you are doing. Only to move away when you get too close, some of the younger gators you can almost grab right out of the water. We were told not to do that Duhh. This was before the tour boats came with the chickens hanging off the boats to get them to leap out of the water. Nothing would make me happier is to outlaw tourboats cause all they do is make a wild beast see you as part of their food group, otherwise they would naturally fear humans but those days are almost gone.

[Psycho Joe]

Am I the only one that knows....

Stay clear of gators in the month of August! It is the time the eggs hatch!!! Gators are highly aggressive from late July until mid October or the first cold snap.

[Psycho Joe]

Back in the mid 80's My girlfriend and I would book a moonlight canoe tour in Lafitte National park with a park Ranger. We saw hundreds of gators in the swamp. They all reflect red in their eyes when shinning a flashlight to them. The scary part is every eye is looking right at you, not off to the side or another direction they are always focused on what you are doing. Only to move away when you get too close, some of the younger gators you can almost grab right out of the water. We were told not to do that Duhh. This was before the tour boats came with the chickens hanging off the boats to get them to leap out of the water. Nothing would make me happier is to outlaw tourboats cause all they do is make a wild beast see you as part of their food group, otherwise they would naturally fear humans but those days are almost gone.

The tour boats is the reason that St. Tammany made it illegal to feed the gators. And they are serious about this, I have a friend on the Sheriff's Dept, he says they put plain clothes officers on gator tour just to see if the guides are following the rules.

[Yak-a-chick]

Thanks to all for letting me beaware of gators, wasps, snakes and I have also been reading about shark attacks... I don't know if I'll ever fish in a kayak again! :hide:

Just joking, but I have been very afraid of all of the above, but thought I was the only one. Glad to know I am not the only one :smilegrin:

[yak-aholic]

Personally, I think the only things that you really have to worry about are the wasps and maybe the occasional snake. For the most part the rest will shy away from humans.

Funny thing though. At Outcast 2 I was dangling my feet in the water to give my back some relief. Paddled away from the area. About 20 minutes later ran into Joe who had been fishing that same area and he showed me his half-eaten fish. Kinda gave me the heeby jeebies.

[BayouTiger]

Speaking of gators, did anyone watch Swamp People on the History channel last night?

http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people

Kinda dramatic but still pretty cool to watch, knowing it was filmed down the road.

[Branch_Office]

I like the idea but kind of stereo types us like idiots if we live in LA.....just saying!

[Sandman]

Thanks for putting that thought in my head Warren. I am always reaching to the back of my yak without looking. Haven't seen any gators or snakes yet.

Took my first trip to Magnolia this past weekend and withing about 20 minutes of being in the water, I saw a big water moccasin sliding through on of the grass islands. It definitely made me keep my boat away from the bank for the rest of the day.

[KBO]

I have spent considerable time on the water in MS / LA as most of us have over the years ! Do not become CONTENT. That's where you will get in trouble ! Recently (July), while crabbing from my Flatstalker in Slidell...I was confronted with a particularily aggressive gator approx. 9-10'. It's actions spoke for itself ! I spotted it when it came off the bank some 100 ' away. It was swimming higher in the water than you normally see. I could see the tail moving back in forth propelling it towards me. It was unbelievable how quick it closed that distance without any hesitation. No amount of "smacking it" would have prevented it from its intentions. It got within maybe the length of the paddle before I could turn around completely & paddle out of the channel ! I can conservatively paddle my Ocean Kayak 4.5 - 5 + mph according to my gps. The Flatstalker is slower than a kayak...I briefly thought for a moment that I may not be able to get away from it ! Never been scared of water enviroment (swimming, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, wade fishing, etc...) before but the incident put things into a different perspective ! Don't be content & assume each situation will be the same.

[Paul Barnard]

the only that really worries me is wasp in trees as mentioned but what really worries me is a snake climbing in the back of the yak when I am not looking and I get bit on the arse or hand reaching for something. This has never happened but I do think about it.


Yeah, if you get bit in the arse, I know at least one of your buddies who isn't willing to suck the venom out.

[Paul Barnard]

I like the idea but kind of stereo types us like idiots if we live in LA.....just saying!

You say that like there is a problem with it.

[Psycho Joe]

I like the idea but kind of stereo types us like idiots if we live in LA.....just saying!

Hey, if they think we are ALL crazy maybe they will leave us the Hell alone!

[Branch_Office]

Really don't care too much what "they" think .... I like our little part of the world and would have to think hard about moving somewhere else. PS..I love to eat Gator!

[Gnatless]

:lol:
Yeah, if you get bit in the arse, I know at least one of your buddies who isn't willing to suck the venom out.

Hahahahaha thats funny stuff man:lol:

[northshoretiger]

I like the idea but kind of stereo types us like idiots if we live in LA.....just saying!

Hrmmm. I think it portrays the honest, hardworking, and easy demeanor of most of the people around here. However, I did not care for the insinuation/statement that all Cajuns are superstitious voodoo practitioners. Voodoo has no real placement in Cajun culture. Superstition..well maybe they kinda have us there.

[Yellow Submarine]

If you roll your kayak and fall in. They scatter away, but at some point they turn around and become curious again. Get back in, keep you paddle handy.
Marty
Blue Ocean Prowler15 (for sale)
Orange Cobra Marauder
Green Cobra Marauder

[OlDog]

If you roll your kayak and fall in.

Don't take this wrong way, but I believe I'll pass on that technique. My own attempts
would involve paddling like crazy followed up by a .45 if the escape attempt don't work.

[Musicdoc]

Choot 'em! Choot 'em!!

[swampmonkey]

Choot em rite dare ,rite dare , dare ya go dats how ya do dat

[ijuswannafish]

Anyone seen the choot em t shirts for sale now?

[MDR]

Anyone seen the choot em t shirts for sale now?

Have not seen them yet, but probably will not be long.

Found them on the Meche Donut Facebook page. They also have drink coozies with "mudda fricka" on the bottom of them. Too funny.


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troy-Landry/146566858710250#!/photo.php?fbid=163261243708198&set=a.163261190374870.34638.123122931055363&pid=359985&id=123122931055363

[yak-aholic]

I saw someone wearing the "CHOOT 'EM" shirt a couple weeks ago. The "mutha fricka" drink coozie is too funny.

[ijuswannafish]

These were just a screen print of Troy's face with the header CHOOT 'EM, CHOOT 'EM. they might not be official shirts but I thought they were pretty cool.

Hwy 22 gas station right, by the interstate, that sells the fishing supplies has them.

[Paul Barnard]

There are no gators around here.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g157/PaulBarnard/Bayou%20Sauvage/BayouSauvage123.jpg

[swampmonkey]

There are no gators around here.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g157/PaulBarnard/Bayou%20Sauvage/BayouSauvage123.jpg

Lol cool shot

[MDR]

I saw this on the WAFB site the other day and absolutely loved it. It might be one of the best statements I have ever read. It is during an interview with Troy Landry about the show "Swamp People".


"I was scared they were gonna show a lot of the killing part and the shooting part. And I was scared that would turn a lot of people away," Troy added. "Lot of women and all will go out and eat a ribeye for supper, but they don't wanna come home and watch you shoot a cow on TV."