I appreciate all of the warm welcomes! I have done quite a bit of research on the areas and it seems that there are tons of fishing opportunities in and around the Polk area. I would love to come to the gathering ya'll are having, but I won't be there until mid-March. Hopefully I will be able to get a line wet shortly after. My boats been sitting for a year and a half...I'm praying a quick tune-up and a new battery is all that is needed. So since I have never lived in the south before, one big question I've had is, how many gators are there? Do they bother you in the boat? I am from Indiana...we don't have em up there! lol Need to know if I need to brush up on my wrestling! lol