East COast Fish Whsiperer

My parents retired down there and I visit a lot. The bass fishing is great, seems like almost every pond I hit I find nice sized bass. But it's true the gators are everywhere. You get used to them for sure, at least I did lol... but always keep my head on a swivel. Had a show down just back in September, hooked a nice 3 lber and saw this 8 foot gator steam towards me... got the fish to shore seconds before the gator could have snapped him up. Was crazy (and got in on video lol). Was taking my pic with the fish and the gator was just staring at me... had to walk down the shore to safely release., which I find a soft belly toss is safest. No losing hands like that guy in Happy Gilmore for me! I keep and big knife on me too. The guy who said these golf pond gators have no fear is 100% right. These gators own the pond, you're second in command. That said if you're smart, and safe, you can even hook the 2-3 foot juveniles on fishing tackle... Now that's a fun fight!!!! If I can offer any advice for those who are fishing around gators for the first time, or until you feel comfortable. Be wary and beware. But dont be afraid. Just leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Keep your ears peeled for cute chirping sounds while walking the bank. Those are the babies, and mama is nearby and watching you like a hawk. Stay away from those sounds. Also look at the bank, if there looks like depressed dirt... like someone slid a sled on the mud or grass, could be a gator entry exit point. Look for bubbles in the water... that move... imagine a steam locomotive underwater, and the steam coming up in a trail of bubbles as it travels... that's a gator letting air out as it swims. Gators are amazing creatures, beautiful in their ugliness, amazing in their raw power. And one of the few things that keep that d**n Burmese python problem in the everglades at bay!!!