Myakka River

[SteveGibson]

The Myakka River always has been one of my favorite places to fish. However, fishing has really been bad for the last two years. In fact, I haven't fished it in quite a while.

I decided to try it again. I was surprised. I had to work hard for every fish, but I ended up with 25 bluegill, shellcracker and stumpknocker. Almost all were quality fish.

Had one hit (a miss) on a popping bug. Things heated up when I changed to a No. 10 nymph. Got all my fish on it.

The river is beautiful and a true reflection of Old Florida.

It's only 10 miles from the house, so I plan to hit the river more often.

Myakka River:



Bluegill:



Shellcracker:



This gator made me pick another route:

[Crash13]

Good deal. Liked the first three pictures but not the last. Those guys worry me. Glad you got out and caught some fish.


Go catch a fish,

Gary

[Eight Thumbs]

Hi Steve,

Looks like a beautiful river and it certainly has some fine fish. I'm afraid that I have to sound like a Yankee since we don't (usually) have gators in my neck of South Carolina. How long was that gator sliding into the water and how big a route change did you make. I believe I would have changed to the West side of the Rockies. Very nice camera work too! 8T

[SteveGibson]

Hi Steve,

Looks like a beautiful river and it certainly has some fine fish. I'm afraid that I have to sound like a Yankee since we don't (usually) have gators in my neck of South Carolina. How long was that gator sliding into the water and how big a route change did you make. I believe I would have changed to the West side of the Rockies. Very nice camera work too! 8T

I would guess that gator at 10 feet? He wasn't sliding in the water. He was lying that way. His presence meant I had to backtrack at bit. At that point, I was about 75 yards from the truck. I had to turn around and paddle about 300 yards. No big deal considering the circumstances.

[Joe Hyde]

Steve, a technical question:

Is this the time of year when alligators are breeding (or nesting maybe)? The time of year when (so I've heard) they will aggressively challenge people who come close? Even on land they'll do this?

My #2 son is visiting Florida right now and is planning to do a bicycle trip through the Everglades, is why I'm asking. If there's any special thing he needs to do, or avoid doing, I'd appreciate knowing what it is so that I can try calling him on his cell phone to warn him.

Thanks much,


Joe
"Better small than not at all."

[SteveGibson]

Steve, a technical question:

Is this the time of year when alligators are breeding (or nesting maybe)? The time of year when (so I've heard) they will aggressively challenge people who come close? Even on land they'll do this?

My #2 son is visiting Florida right now and is planning to do a bicycle trip through the Everglades, is why I'm asking. If there's any special thing he needs to do, or avoid doing, I'd appreciate knowing what it is so that I can try calling him on his cell phone to warn him.

Thanks much,


Joe
"Better small than not at all."

Joe,

As far as I know, the alligator breeding season is in the spring: March, April, May.
I've never had a problem with a gator, but I certainly respect them and I err on the side of safety.
In the wild, they're fairly shy animals. Of course, if you come across newly hatched gators, it's not wise to stick around because you know that mama is near -- and she won't be happy.

Biggest problem we have -- especially in state parks -- is people feeding them. They come to expect food and lose their fear of humans.

[Lake Erie High Ball]

Are you kidding? I like fishing as much as anyone I know but if that thing not dead I would conceder another river. Do you have to have a point man while fishing? I'm serious do ya?

Sean

[SteveGibson]

Are you kidding? I like fishing as much as anyone I know but if that thing not dead I would conceder another river. Do you have to have a point man while fishing? I'm serious do ya?

Sean

I was the point man and I deferred to the gator.