MacGregorSailors.com

Badfish? Leefrankpierce? you guys OK?

wfaa.com https://share.google/t17hPwcZl6AG5AswM

I don't know about Texas alligator populations but Lake Monroe in FL (where Herschel has his boat docked) and Eagle Mountain Lake in TX are almost the same size and Lake Monroe is estimated to have at least 12,000 alligators in it. I'd be willing to bet that this was not the only 10+ foot gator in Eagle Mountain Lake.

When I was much younger and significantly more foolish Lake Monroe was my preferred water skiing locale. I have swum and kayaked within yards of alligators on many occasions without incident. A few of them were the size of the gator in the article and I'm happy to report that I'm still in possession of all of my appendages and most of my faculties.

Seriously though, as far as being safe, it really depends on how the locals treat the alligators. If they get fed they will lose their fear and become more aggressive. If they are left alone they are usually not a problem. We've just come out of breeding season so the larger males will be less aggressive and the smaller males are no longer being displaced. The females will be guarding their nests for the next couple of months so they are the main concern right now.

Outside of breeding and nesting behaviors an alligator that has not been fed by humans will prefer to move away and hide whenever possible.

That was our mascot!
Had been "seen" or "rumored" for a number of years.

Aww man.
Now we gotta go get another gator.

We have plenty. All you have to do is ask!

leefrankpierce wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 8:24 am That was our mascot!
Had been "seen" or "rumored" for a number of years.

Aww man.
Now we gotta go get another gator.

Hey leefrankpierce -

I am thinking about taking my and putting her in a slip and I am looking at Eagle Mountain Lake as a possible landing spot. Any thoughts?

I am in a slip at Harbor One.
Likely the least $.
Only issue = the long finger to get to a main body of water.

Eagle Mountiain Marina:
When I was trailering, I rented a slip for a week.
Immediate access to large body of water, seems to be the main marina for the "Sunex" group of marinas.
They have put a lot of re-furb money into all the marinas so all are good.
I am at Harbor One due to a tornado that damaged Eagle Mountain a few years ago, they did not have slips when I wanted to start.
So while I would love the company, but would go to Eagle Mountain to start with.

Lake Choice.
The drive can be annoying, I come from next to the DFW airport, and HWY 183 has become over crowded.
Otherwise Eagle is a peaceful lake, I rarely see more than 6 other boats out at 1 time, most times only see 1 or 2.
With the Lake having fingers, you feel like you have gone someplace.
Lake grapevine = Stickinthemud57 sails there = To me, it is not as pretty, but much more social activities.

The Fort Worth Boat Club = too much $ for me, but they have been sending out email trying to get group sails together, so hopefully the social activities will pick up.

If you want to go out with me on my X just to tour the lake, ping me.
We might want to wait for cooler weather though.


Lee