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Gator Setup

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    #1

    Gator Setup

    We were drawn for the TPWD gator hunt at JD Murphree this year and would like to attempt to shoot one with my bow fishing rig. My question is, what do I need to do differently rigging wise? I assume I need to upgrade the line ad arrows/tips. Will my regular AMS reel work? DO you have to have a float?

    Any other tips would be appreciated, thanks!

    Chris
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    #2
    I think by law you have to have a float. I'm not sure though. I looked into doing a gator hunt a few years ago now so my info may not be up to date.


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      #3
      I'd go with an arrow with detachable head. Line ties to head instead of slide. Upgrade to 640# line with the oversized bottle to get as much line as possible. As far as your reel goes as long as it's slotted it'll be fine. I'd also go ahead and add a float

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        #4
        You MUST have a float. 8 inches i believe. They selll 800lb gator line but 400lb fast flite shoots MUCH better and is still stronger than you are so its plenty. Also your bottle will hold more 400lb.

        As far as arrows, the tip needs to be detachable. if not, a gator will just grab the arrow with his mouth and pull it out or break it off. Line secured to the tip is a must. Have a hunting arrow or two ready to finish him off. Lots of people like to shoot behind the head and that is ok but margin of error is small. A 100gr muzzy through the ribcage the first time he comes up will drastically shorten the fight if you get a big one on.

        Good luck and post pics

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          #5
          It's very difficult to get one there with a bow. I've been many times, and I've gotten one with a bow. If they let you hunt at night, it would be different, but, given the rules, the vegetation, and the wariness of gators during the day, it's pretty tough. The best shot you have will be in the early morning. What we do is set lines in the afternoon, and, if we don't get one by morning, then we hunt with the bow. You will have to take a long shot in all likelihood, so you need a lot of line. I'd say 20 yards at a minimum. Don't buy a heavy gator arrow. The range is just too short for them. Used a standard bowfishing arrow with the line attached to the head. Anything that will penetrate a gar will go through alligator skin. Generally, if you hit him, you've got him, even if it is in a limb. Absolutely try to get a second arrow with a line in him if you can. Best of luck.

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            #6
            Originally posted by GarGuy View Post
            You MUST have a float. 8 inches i believe. They selll 800lb gator line but 400lb fast flite shoots MUCH better and is still stronger than you are so its plenty. Also your bottle will hold more 400lb.

            As far as arrows, the tip needs to be detachable. if not, a gator will just grab the arrow with his mouth and pull it out or break it off. Line secured to the tip is a must. Have a hunting arrow or two ready to finish him off. Lots of people like to shoot behind the head and that is ok but margin of error is small. A 100gr muzzy through the ribcage the first time he comes up will drastically shorten the fight if you get a big one on.

            Good luck and post pics
            I'm just going to throw out a wild arse guess, you've done this a time or two or maybe 40?

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              #7
              What about rigging for the hanging a hook?
              I'm reading online but would like first hand experience I make my own shark leaders figure I can make one as well. Most show hook to wire, to rope. Anything I'm missing? Anyone have pics of their set? Probably going to rig my extra bow up as well to take.

              Never caught a gator

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by outlook8 View Post
                We were drawn for the TPWD gator hunt at JD Murphree this year and would like to attempt to shoot one with my bow fishing rig. My question is, what do I need to do differently rigging wise? I assume I need to upgrade the line ad arrows/tips. Will my regular AMS reel work? DO you have to have a float?

                Any other tips would be appreciated, thanks!

                Chris
                What dates are you going?

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by screaminreels View Post
                  what dates are you going?
                  9/18-19

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by SCREAMINREELS View Post
                    What about rigging for the hanging a hook?
                    I'm reading online but would like first hand experience I make my own shark leaders figure I can make one as well. Most show hook to wire, to rope. Anything I'm missing? Anyone have pics of their set? Probably going to rig my extra bow up as well to take.

                    Never caught a gator
                    Mule tape is just perfect for leader and rope.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Originally posted by GarGuy View Post
                      Mule tape is just perfect for leader and rope.
                      Thanks I have plenty of mule tape from my hiking days, so hook to wire to mule tape? Swivels inbetween and double crimp?

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