Spotlighting question

[glennonja]

We struck out last weekend hunting for the first time in central alabama. This weekend is the last time to hunt so I am looking for some advice. Our biggest problem seemed to be getting close enough to the gators. We spotted several large ones but they would go down before we could get in casting range. We tried casting in the area they went down but had no luck. We were using a trolling motor and had a spotlight on them the whole time. Should we be shining the light directly at them? Any advice on getting closer to them would be greatly appreciated.

[admin]

I would try not putting the spot light directly on them. I would aim the spotlight far above them and use just the glow around the light to reflect their eyes. As long as you can see the eyes there is not need to hit them with a heavy light. Keep eveything as quiet as you can. People talking and equipment being move around can spook a skitish gator. Also try to aproach from downwind if possible.