The state of Ms has recently established a highly regulated season on alligator here in south Ms. I've been approached by a couple of permit holders about building a rod for catching gators. I've mostly built rods for bass fishing and light saltwater fishing. Anybody got a suggestion of what type of rig to use for a gator pole. Need to know the whole setup. Ain't gotta clue on this one. Best I can determine is that they throw a large treble hook with about a 3 oz. weight on it. I'm lost after that but I believe these guys are willing to pay for quality and durability.

A glass blank that can handle 100# braided line and TONS of abuse. My experience is that they don't want to pay for anything custom. Any heavy duty Wal-Mart special will do. They use a giant weighted snatch hook to do the deed. Again, this isn't fishing or anything like it and almost any broomstick will get the job done ... durability is the main issue.

Maybe solid glass

How about a flagpole? ;)

Just be careful lipping them.

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone "fishing for gators" before although smaller ones will go after topwater lures with a vengeance.

Real alligator trappers set a large hook on a pole with a piece of chicken as bait rght above the water and wait for the gator to have lunch. Once he's caught the trapper will come by later to retrieve him by shooting him in the head then bring him in the boat. At least that's how it's done here in Louisiana. Our gator season is the whole month of September.

Get a XXHeavy Daiwa Beefstick



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2008 02:55PM by Matt Smith.

I hear most fellas that do it use a solid glass rod and 100-150 lb braid. The guys I have helped set up used spinning reels but I'm sure a casting or conventional set up would work well as well.