Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

[jtexas]

Grapevine lake...guy on the bank with a digital camera snapped some pics - <br /><br />

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<br /><br />from http://www.nbc5i.com/news/8958550/detail.html

 

[MYTJC]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

Why would anyone put it back in the lake?? Is the normal procedure??

 

[jtexas]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

Protected species, MYTJC - he might have violated the law just by handling it. Besides which, probably less than 80% of Texas bass fishermen carry firearms - how else would ya dispose of it? They're no real danger to people, anyway (talkin bout the gators - you take your chances with the bass fishermen).

 

[MYTJC]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

i wouldnt want that back in my lake.....i would have contacted fish & game and let them decide...

 

[cwilt]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

thats a baby in my neck of the woods. all kidding aside, i've seen 'em at 16 feet long down here. bit average is about 8 ft. alot of times they don't get out of the way when your running down the canal. most of the time if you don't taunt them they don't bother you.

 

[ztim]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

They won't hurt you. They will keep their distance and disappear if you get too close. The one I caught was about that size, and he was after my bait. Just let him go/leave him be.<br /><br />Oh...and leave nests alone.

 

[NIGHTFISH]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

I agree with ztim and cwilt that one is just a baby. I have seen hundreds living in louisisna and they never hurt anyone or the fish population. So I suggest let it live out its life in peace.

 

[brownies]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

Saw a 14' yesterday and seen em longer than my boat before. Protected here also. Game and Fish would have a ticket fest with that guy.<br /> I don't know why they are protected though? Probably at the top of the food chain with hardly any competition.<br /> People would be their only fear I'd think and as of right now, they sure aren't afraid of people or boats. They won't even change direction or give a boat a "first" look when swimming toward one.<br /> Sure don't seem to bother anybody and they pay you as much attention as they would a tree. BUT, duck hunters sure loose a lot of dogs every year???<br /><br />Think about that...How'd ya like to wade around in 30,000 acres of 4 and 5' deep water all day long knowing what lives there......

 

[Queequeg]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

Eat 'em!!!!

 

[JB]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

Oboy. Now Jeff (Gonfishn) will come to Texas hoping to catch some musky bait.

 

[Ripfence]

Re: Bass fisherman snags gator in local lake

I grew up in Florida and waded many lakes with gaters around me. I never had any major problems with them. They can be a little scary during mating season and when they have hatchlings around.