EyesUp83
Senior Member
What are the biggest mistakes people make when hunting for a BIG gator, and how to avoid those mistakes?
They don't treat it like they would if it were any other species. Many just show up and if they get a gator they are happy but if you want a trophy you have to spend a lot of time scouting, you can't get a BIG gator if there is not one there. You also have to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. You don't need a guide unless you don't want to put the time in or purchase the necessary equipment to have the success you are looking for. I have never hired a guide and have caught several over 9.5 feet including an 11.5 footer.
All good points but if you are only going once every 4 to 6 years, depends in Georgia which area you want to hunt, then have to see is investment in time and equipment is worth it. Big E if I had to pick only one mistake that might cost you a chance at an alligator it would be using to much light at night. You can, and many have, take one during the day but if they have received much pressure you have to be lucky and good.
I think all these are good points and each piece of advice caters to a certain type of hunter... the person who gets the best guide for the biggest critter as well as the person who goes DIY and therefore calls any gator approaching over 8' a trophy.
No doubt a local guide with a good reputation is your best bet in 90% of scenarios.
What about the DIY hunter... what are his/her biggest mistakes? Treble hook to small, rope too thin, etc?
You can also learn different techniques. We have done probably everything you can do to catch one but we prefer to use beef lung attached to a small two inch dowel on a fishing pole to catch our gators. Once they eat it we simply sit over top of them until they have to come up and then harpoon them. Depending on the size of the gator we may try to hook them while they are on the bottom. We put on a good sized lung to discourage little gators from eating it. As always check your local regulations to insure it's a legal technique in your area. It's a pretty relaxing hunt.
What size treble hooks are you referring too? After reading your post I've seen (on YouTube and advertised) everything from 2/0 @ 1/2 oz to 14/0 @ 7oz. Are you hand casting or casting from a surf rod?Not having enough small castable treble hooks. You'll lose quite a few. 1/4" line is plenty on the big hooks although some on here will swear by Mule Tape. Buoys or boat bumpers are great on the line ends too. Just in case. Use the trolling motor, be patient and trust the bubbles.
What size treble hooks are you referring too? After reading your post I've seen (on YouTube and advertised) everything from 2/0 @ 1/2 oz to 14/0 @ 7oz. Are you hand casting or casting from a surf rod?