Gator Safety Tips for Kayaks and Canoes

[@MavrikUSMC]

Never let a gator take a fish from you, if he does, dive in, establish dominance, and get it back.

[@redfishrambo5761]

Exactly. If a gator takes your fish, you take the gator.

[@h.n.441]

I'd rather buy a fish from the market....don't want to be a gator's lunch lol

[@redfishrambo5761]

@@h.n.441 In Southern America gator dont eat you, you eat the gator

[@TheBelldiver]

I wanna watch that one.

[@MilneEli]

I would record you can get that fish...

[@carlstewart365]

Thanks for a great video, Chris. I'm in central Florida, and I regularly go fishing in nearby creeks & rivers where there's a gator around every bend. They will normally try to avoid contact with humans in the wild unless they've lost their fear of man, which is what happens when someone feeds 'em. I've been around 'em long enough to read their behavior, and I agree with everything you said.

[@Dman9fp]

Yep I've worked outdoors in Central Florida pretty much since 2016, seeing all shapes and sizes both during and away from work, they don't want anything to do with people the vast majority of the time. They are indeed big fearful creatures, not unlike us if we saw an equally sized (or smaller) creature if we had no idea what it was

[@ryanmiller5473]

This video is very well done, I never plan on going fishing in a swamp but I still watched the entire video. Very informative, thanks for the upload!

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

That's some good solid advice every kayaker should follow!

[@leamarie1974]

Excellent video! Thank you for the valuable information. I live in Florida and I absolutely love alligators. I love to see them in their natural habitat. I agree 100% about giving gators their space and NOT feeding them. As the saying goes, "A fed gator is a dead gator."

[@swamppappy7745]

I was fishing on the Alapaha River and got between a big gator and the bank. The river got real narrow and swift in this particular spot. And, I didn't notice the gator until I was on top of him. And, he didn't notice me until I was on top of him. We both scared the heck out of one another. Pucker factor high! I bow hunt and use a canoe sometimes. Be VERY careful hauling a deer out by canoe.

[@alexmaccity]

Is it allah fiya? Or ah lof eya?

[@mikecoglione1308]

Excellent video chock full of information that most outdoors-people, especially those of the Southeast will already know. Simply put keep your distance from all wild animals and the worst thing you can do is feed them.

[@Coreybeavs]

Very useful tips, Chris. Thank you! I'll be back down there again in February, and a couple of these were points I'd never thought of.

[@cflcami1008]

Thank you so much, I am a born and raised Floridian and grew up on the Myakka River. Never been kayaking down here because I’m scared of the gators, so I’ll go to a less populated gator area. I feel safer knowing these tips. Thank you!

[@chitchat3156]

I go kayaking in brackish water and some rivers, but I am terrified of kayaking in Myakka State Park. I swear they just slowly trowl the paddle boats and kayaks. I'm sure all the tourists are feeding them.

[@PatNLizAdventures]

Thank you! My wife and I love the outdoors, kayaking, paddle boarding and such and moving to Florida soon. I know I’ll miss being able to just paddle and swim freely as we do in the PNW, but looking forward to the beauty of the Southeast.

[@litigator8098]

Excellent advice, not just for gators but for most wild animals.

[@captrodgers4273]

thanks for the tips. i have a very large pond on my property that depending on the water levels connects with the swamp half the year so ive been exploring on a kayak and its awesome. hell i even enjoy it but ive always been scared of gators poppin up. i bring a machete and 9mm with me just in case

[@hikewithmike4673]

I am from Florida and I have had lots of experieinces with gators....you just need to know the behavior of the gators and you will be fine....the most dangerous gator is the one that has been fed by people....people feed them and then they endanger people and the alligator as well..btw.....the Okefenokee is on my bucket list, funny I am only a couple hours drive from it..I need to get out to the Okie!

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Hike with Mike i look forward to every trip there. i fully agree with your thoughts on fed gators. sure wish folks wouldn't do that!

[@visitor3756]

So true. There are a few rest areas where we notice how they are following us around. Dam tourist !! feeding ugh!! We go kayaking at a few places were we see them. I don't go without my husband though.

[@philpique3187]

Great video, Chris! You have a wonderful attitude about nature, and how man can share it. Thank you for posting!

[@imedina111]

Great info im in Louisiana and starting to kayak amd ive been nervous abt gators! This is good info!

[@michaeloffgrid]

You still alive? 😂

[@brockwillenborg7517]

Go in groups and u will have no problem

[@lindapoehnelt1163]

We will be kayaking at Lemon Bay in Englewood. Shouldn't be too many gators but my husband is worried. This is great advice! Thank You!

[@Pilot545]

Thanks for the tips, Chris. My partner and I love to kayak here in Florida and have seen a few gators so we definitely appreciate advice from people with more experience like yourself. They are amazing animals that deserve much respect!

[@davebentley7508]

Thank you for sharing your gator advice, Mack. You make kayaking in Florida look inviting as long as you keep to certain safety standards.

[@jeanwilson8211]

Great tips, Chris! Enjoyed rewatching this video. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@ln2182]

such amazing tips. so chill too. thanks for the teachings. super educational since i am kayaking tomorrow. i learned like 12 different things from you here in 5 minutes lmao. i feel like these are super crucial tips i didn't know about either. i hope more people would see this video though so there'd be less of a chance of them getting hurt. I've been kayaking before and seen gators. but didn't watch this video so i was so scared of them. mostly after watching videos of them just wrecking kayakers because they didn't know to stay away from them, yet alone start swimming with them

[@TheBlueLightChannel]

I appreciate this video man, there are lots of gators in my area and I’m about to start kayaking.

[@jennilang721]

I like the footage, and the clear, responsible way that you share great info!!!👍👍👍🐊🐊🐊

[@cyberdog7872]

Hi Chris thanks for the video! We are coming to visit Florida this summer and I was unsure about a kayak tour. Your video really helped me. I'm already looking forward to it!

[@whatsnext8696]

great video, I was raised in the north east. moved to mcrae gerogia, well they have gators here. i just got my first kayak and well a little worried about the gators, up north we slept with bear and big cats felt normal, but these fellas with all these teeth are going to take some getting use to lol. stay safe and happy fishing.

[@jimgam730]

Some great safety tips. Thanks for the info. I got a chance to visit the Okefenokee swamp back in the 80s when I was stationed at Kings Bay when I was in the navy. Would love to go back and do some fishing there.

[@American-Plague]

Yes. PLEASE DO NOT FEED ALLIGATORS. The last time I was at Okeefenokee kayaking I was charged by a juvenile right at the launch area which I'm pretty sure people had been feeding, as that isn't normal behavior, and he just wanted food from me. I wasn't worried that he could flip me but that juvenile will grow up to be a massive beast who wants food and CAN flip me. I do not want to die from a gator attack so again, PLEASE DO NOT FEED ALLIGATORS..

[@braydenburns8300]

Great knowledge! Thank you for sharing. You’ve got my sub 👍🏻

[@Floridaangler354]

Good video, had a close encounter once in Louisiana. Gator was back in a pocket and popped up almost right in front of my kayak. He was being territorial I guess and made a straight line for me, almost like a charge?? I just paddled back and left him be. Better to err on the side of safety!

[@patricksmith9297]

Thank you for telling people to leave the pets home. Gators love dogs. I think that is the single most important advice you gave to folks

[@TyroneNorthcutt]

"That's like trolling for gators" "You don't want to be trolling for gators" Love it. Great tips, thank you

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you for making this! Very informative!

[@joannescholl7216]

Great advice Chris. Enjoyed your video.

[@frankie3089]

Very well done video. Thanks for the helpful tips.

[@cristianbarbosa6951]

Thanks for the info I just started kayaking and I live down in the wetlands of the texas coast

[@williamcarlson6249]

Thanks for this video, my wife and I just moved to Florida from the Midwest and we love to go out kayaking but we were uncertain about going out at all with gators around here, I have been tempted to try to get out on Lake Tarpon near me (we live in Holiday, just Northwest of Tampa about 30 minutes or so) but have no idea what I need to know about them so I can avoid having a nasty run in while also enjoying myself and fishing, I appreciate the info!

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

you are welcome! that is a fine area to fish in, both fresh and salt water. i am a bit envious !!!

[@dennislewis7602]

I know it’s a old video but I appreciate your video! I’ve grown up on the coast line of NC. My friend and I just got kayaks and honestly I’ve never thought about gators although we have them and I’ve seen a lot. I’ve always thought about sharks 😂. What you say makes 100 %. It’s common sense to the beast! My friend is scared to death every time he hears something splash. Hopefully your video will calm him down some but not let his guard down. Tight lines buddy!! 👍

[@jamesd7527]

Great video!! Thanks! Headed to Merchants Millpond in NC this spring and there's definitely some out there!!

[@no_handle_required]

This is all good info that everybody, especially tourists, should listen to.

[@marisolmarisol2864]

Thank you! as a new kayaker I want to enjoy nature but learn the basic rules.

[@caliadvocacyfor1735]

Excellent training! Thank you!

[@duanewilson8436]

Great video! I just finished watching one of a guy in Florida who was feeding the gators cut bait and shrimp. He’s causing trouble for someone else down the road.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

no doubt!

[@Cathmoytura]

Gators can't digest food unless they're 70 degrees (21 C), so they get less aggressive when it's cool. I grew up on the St. Johns River with gators literally in my backyard, so they don't worry me. But, I kayak with inflatables, so I can bicycle to kayaking spots. From April or May to September, I stick to local lakes with houses and regular use. When temps drop, October to March or April, I'll kayak in places such as DeBary Creek at Gemini Springs Park.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Ha ha..."that's like trolling for gators". I laughed out loud. Awesome video, I'm surprised you haven't had more views on this one.

[@warren-freshoffthevinemedia]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@dontall71]

Thanks for sharing this advice!

[@MyBoomStick1]

Great video

[@littlebird3495]

Thank you for these tips. We’ve recently moved to central Florida from Canada and enjoy paddle boarding…I’ve taken my board out a few times near wekiva springs. This past couple of weeks I’ve seen so many large gators that I’m a little more hesitant. I keep my distance but there are some that quite casually cross in front. I question if a paddle board is just too dangerous.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i think you would be okay on a SUP, but i would be more cautious with one than with the kayak just because i was not as stable on my SUP than i am in a yak!

[@superphishal5724]

Very nice video and thanks for the advice and tips... RESPECT 🤝

[@AJLAKE1717]

Your an intelligent man sir I wanna be like you just mentally I go kayak fishing in the Louisiana swamps below lake Ponchatrain safety is always first I have done some of the donts you have taught me not to do appreciate it I just need me a kayak I’m trying to straighten my life out can’t afford but one day I’m trying but thanks this video will help many friends and relatives

[@cu3729]

Thanks man for sharing your experience!

[@sykostudios7423]

Man thanks bro. I live in Louisiana. My best guaranteed bass limit spot has a ton of gators. I don’t know if people feed them but judging by the way they start coming towards me, I assume they do. So do you recommend just staying away from my spot? Thanks. Btw. Almost every great spot I know I find myself on the go too much from spot to spot. My kayak might look like a dog?

[@Liquidforce4441]

Well put, good video.

[@Donnie8612]

I agree with every tip you said. Recently i was fishing with my wife in a 10’ twin troller, in Louisiana, while a small gator was harassing my cork. I’m trolling slow so he is able to keep up. I’m approaching a choke point when a large 12-14’ gator launches off shore right behind the point. I paused and thought he went the other way so I continued. In the middle of the point, he came up alongside us doing a barrel roll, possibly hitting the boat. I’ve never seen one do that before and have been wondering, was he defending the little one behind us? Just being territorial? Was he attacking? All i know was he was longer than the boat.

[@tabliechty9318]

Bless you Chris . Quite an impressive post. Count me as subscribed.....

[@joannashook1990]

Great video!

[@jwlee1979]

Is that at Stephen C. Foster? I absolutely love that place. I've been going there for years.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

sure is! me too!!! i will be headed down this week as a matter of fact and i can't wait!!!

[@melissakrueger7506]

Are you ever afraid of your kayak tipping and you falling in? I often think about how it’s fairly easy to accidentally do so, and then, as you said, your splashing would be like a dinner call bell to the gators. Great video!

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

It is a concern ma'am, for sure. But the kayaks i use are extremely stable and you would have to really try hard to flip one. But even if that happened, i believe if you were patient and didn't flail about you would still be fine. We are not "normal" prey for gators so it would have to be pretty rare for one to take advantage of that opportunity. I will do my best to not give them that chance! In all my trips to the swamp i haven't felt anything but respect for these big lizards. I give them their space and don't give them a reason to think i am a food source. Thank you for the comment!

[@matthewcampbell4947]

I fish on in a small 10ft inflatable pontoon boat and there are a lot of gators in the lakes I fish, some of course, are longer than my boat with massive heads. I’ve never had a problem with any but some of the older guys that fish these lakes make me nervous because they don’t think it’s safe for me to fish in such a small inflatable boat especially around mating season when the big males become more active and aggressive. So I don’t know if I should keep fishing these lakes or if I should stop. Like I said I’ve never had a problem with any acting aggressive or approaching me but I don’t know if that’s usually the case for people in small watercraft.

[@TheBelldiver]

Very good common sense advice. I hunt in the swamps kayak and fish the swamps and I've noticed every spot where alligator and human contact is a regular thing; the gator has been reprogrammed to consider humans a food sourse and they have lost their feat and in many cases have become acclimated to come out of the water or lundge for food. People dump dead bait at the place they fish or camped. That's bad business.

[@jonmichaels3113]

nicely done. thanks for sharing!

[@jpettymd]

Thank you for the advice brother!

[@mpoboy71]

Nice video

[@haiquoc2013]

Is kayaking near gators dangerous? Kayaks are very low to the water and can flip?!?!

[@sighck]

nice video and valuable info.

[@405boy4]

Brugh just basically gave everybody all the reasons not to be paddling with gators.lol🐊

[@EcoNeato]

Is a dog in a larger john boat safe in gator waters?

[@1FourChrist]

I'm going to row in the St Johns River and my brothers try to scare me with it by saying gators come up from the bottom of the river and bite down on your kayak's walls, is this true? Is there really anything to be afraid of?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Don't believe everything a brother says! I have friends that paddled all 310 miles of that river!

[@kylemannion8452]

Great video thanks

[@the45er]

I fish on an oxbow lake off the Brazos River in Texas. Lots of gators. Most "advice" videos on gators are BS. This one is not. Good job!

[@runlolarunpunk]

Has your paddle ever touched or hit an alligator in the water? Or the boat run over one under the water?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i have had my hull slapped by one i ran over as it surfaced. that was a spooky experience! i haven't hit one with a paddle but hit one with a push pole once!

[@NFTeve]

Thanks

[@jonnybravo9950]

Great advice

[@bloodOntheStep]

Can you do a more detailed video on how to identify a gator nest because I’ve seen a video of a guy getting knocked out of a boat by a mom that ambushed him when he came around a tree

[@lokisith69]

Great job 😀

[@DavidAguilar772]

Going fishing today with the kayak

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

You are saying exactly what I’ve been saying for ever. I’m 66 and grew up in that swamp hunting and fishing. Believe it or not. In many places the gators were nearly hunted to extinction so; a lot of places where you see hundreds of gators; there were one or two, very few or none. So; I’m glad to see the gator population back and healthy however; people are constantly feeding them and there are places that gators see or hear a human and all they hear is the dinner bell. I really get annoyed and unload when I see morons feeding gators. We use to count the gators and swim in the same pool but when one move in the water; that was the end of the canoe fight or jumping in. No one I knew ever was bitten; we played nature’s dare you game and always won.

[@taymo4102]

Haha. Thank you for giving advice.

[@bloodOntheStep]

And during mating season give them all the space lol

[@konosubaette8511]

I just don’t go out I like paying it safe dying from gator dosnt sound like a good way to go

[@ripjeffhanneman5838]

Same rules apply to San Quentin State Penitentiary.

[@jaimeparadise]

Any advice on how were you able put on a kids rated life vest on a 300 lbs body?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

not sure if'n you are talking about my adult XL paddling PFD on my 280lb body, that is now about 80 pounds less, but if you truly need help knowing how to put on a PFD i'd be glad to help.

[@footcavalryhikes7989]

I live in Pensacola and I understand the dangers of bringing a dog but I don't think they will mess with my 80lb Doberman.. Opinions?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

I have seen gators with 150lb hogs and 120lb deer.... all depends on the gator really.

[@footcavalryhikes7989]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne I want to the great salt lake paddling trail which goes around the state of Florida but I wanna bring the dog. I've hiked a lot of the Florida trail and I did Apalachicola with my dog. We saw four gators hiking thru chest high water and they left us alone. I realize it's a risk but he's a big Doberman. I think they'd be less likely attack a dog on a kayak over one swimming or near the shore.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

@@footcavalryhikes7989 i would agree with that for sure. sounds like an awesome adventure!!! be aware, down in the glades are American crocs and they are a totally different critter! i have paddled with them but never had worries. the biggest thing that can mess up a paddler down there is an unsuspecting manatee! they go crazy if you spook one.

[@a.c.993]

Great Video :)

[@4oughthooksTx]

Question - I was yakin' the other day in Galveston Island State Park. I turned around and saw a large gator probably 25 or 30 meters from me. Dunno how big it was as soon as my brain caught up with my eyes it submerged. I wonder if it was potentially stalking me, and if you think it is safe to go out there by myself?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Had you caught any fish yet? Possibly it thought you were going to feed it and a gator that is fed can be dangerous. The other possibility is that you were near a nest or it was a bull and you were near his "dating" area. Just give it a good wide berth and if it follows again i would notify the local game wardens to the possibility of an aggressive gator. Hope this helps!

[@4oughthooksTx]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne Hadn't caught any I paddled away came back a different route and got out of the water.

[@alexmaccity]

Florida fresh water scares me

[@NFTeve]

What about a row boat? I juts moved to a small lake. I want a self powered boat and to not be afraid

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

that would be fine, but i LOVE a kayak or a canoe, just so much fun on the water!

[@ChristelVinot]

I like this.

[@pietteeric5997]

No part of that video made me feel better about paddlin it! I thought could still enjoy with the fishin until you talked about it being a dinner bell.

[@Serenityindailylife]

What Bar is that behind you? I need one like that for my Wounded Veteran nonprofits kilroy. It can help me with my amputees.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

that is the YakAttack Command Stand, i have a video about it if you need to see a little more. i have been very impressed with it in front like it is meant to be but i also knew it would make an incredible camera mount as well and i was right. thank you for your service and your service to others !

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

here is a video i did on the Command Stand if that helps ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIGYoGqJm9Z_fa8

[@Serenityindailylife]

Thank you sir, I needed to buy one anyways for the guys and girls to hold to get in. The hardest thing to do is getting the funding for things. We have been paying out of our pocket for most of our stuff lately. nobody wants to help us because of what WWP did, we are different, we use 99 cents of each dollar to support the program and take no salary. Thanks again for your videos, they really help us alot.

[@mr.beaver1232]

What do you have the vest for? Ur not gonna need that anymore if youre in the water lol

[@chrisdravez6837]

I’ve been seeing some 13-16 footers in south Florida, should I be a little more worried about them when I kayak fish?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Just respect them and thier space and you should be fine. I have paddled with the gators and the American crocs down there on multiple occasions. The swamp where i go it is not unusual to see 8 or 10 over 12 in one small area!

[@TheChiconspiracy]

Neither the American Crocodile or American Alligator will go out of their way to chase down a kayak. Thankfully they don't behave like their far more aggressive Nile and saltwater crocodile cousins.

[@redfishrambo5761]

@@TheChiconspiracy I'll paddle right past an American alligator. If we had Nile crocs i'd probably just sell my yak and get a boat. Fishing from the bank wouldn't even be safe around those. Hell, I feel safer fishing from a kayak around Alligators than I do fishing from the bank around them too.

[@twohawk1203]

Yes, it's gators' home. But, it's OUR home, too. I have just as much right to be on that river as the gator, I just am one who does not make my living there. The gator does.

[@maskedfishing7168]

My dad always use to tell me as mankind we left the woods long ago. It is not our home anymore it is theirs. We visit they live here. We must be courteous in their home.

[@christopherh6361]

How do i go about free swimming with them?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

don't know, i value my life too much to attempt that. once you enter the water, all bets are off.....

[@dudediva69]

awesome video ... !! thank you ... what about SNAKES when fishing tho .... i would love to kayak but there are many unknowns...

[@dudediva69]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH6qi6VnpblmgKM

[@jaymed3773]

Don't paddle under trees or low branches. Snakes might fall into your boat and you don't want to deal with an angry potentially poisonous snake.

[@sadies8100]

If you see a cottonmouth(all black, swimming on top of the water), turn around and leave. I knew someone who had one jump in his boat from the water, and he ended up shooting holes in his own boat. They're just not worth it.

[@rebeccadees2300]

No worries...😜

[@teop7887]

Great video, very informative! Word of advice: you're holding your paddles backwards 😉 The curve should face forward, not backward Stay safe! 😎👍👍

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Not sure what you are seeing in there, but that paddle is 100 percent facin' correctly. I have put thousands of miles on my yaks and Bending Branches paddles and you may catch me with it wrong once in a while, but i feel it the minute i hit the water with it!

[@teop7887]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne In the first 30 seconds (between 0:26 and 0:30), the left hand, the curvature pointing back, at least that's what it looks like 😉 p.s. between 1:28 and 1:39, look at the tip, faces back :-)

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

@@teop7887 the curve should go from the paddler and belly out then turn back like i have it in this and all my videos. It "digs" that way to move you forward, if it is the other way, belly towards the paddler, it will flutter and slip. If it is upside down, the paddle will rise out of the water instead of digging. I've been paddling kayaks for about 14 years and canoes for 20 before that and you are the first to tell me i had my paddle in the wrong direction.

[@tjsullivan4793]

Although I appreciate your video do really think you are avoiding gators? There are probably so many you dont even see around you and underneath your kayak etc.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

no sir, my video is about paddling around them safely, there are actually 5 or 6 sitting right there with me while i was shooting this.

[@adventuresofmom]

Great tips!

[@travelguy1564]

You just talked me in to making sure I have my Glock in my Yak for now on when I'm in Florida!

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i worry more bout the folks in florida than i do the lizards!!! LOL

[@bikemike6953]

what area was this video?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Michael 450 okefenokee swamp near Fargo Georgia.

[@RoScFan]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne Have you ever kayaked in central/south america, africa or australia? or are you in contact with those who have? Can you kayak around crocodiles?