Done in by a gator.

Sunday my daughter Misty and I went looking for some bream. She loves to watch a cork go down. We hit Orange Grove for a while and were catching enough to keep it interesting but decided to ride over to the 70 Mile Canal on the way back. On the way there using Antil Canal to get back to the Intracoastal Canal we ran into many loose floating lilies that were being pushed from the Intracoastal into Antil Canal by the wind. While zigzagging through the mess we saw a small gator of about 5 or 6 feet who went under like they do when a boat approaches. I seen this thousands of times and with a lot larger gators. Evidently this one didn't dive deep enough or away from the boat and as we crossed near where he dove, we hit him. Well it didn't sound like much of a hit, more like a soft bump, but it spun the bushing in the prop. We pull up to a fairly dry spot on the bank and I changed out the wheel. It sure was nice knowing that I had a spare prop and the tools to do the job. We decided to call it a day as it was getting late and also called it a successful day. We ended up with enough fish for all of us that wanted some had some to eat and more. It was a great day being out with Misty and she sent me a text later that evening with thanks for the great day and wants to do a monthly trip. I agreed. Sorry no pictures, but a great day for both of us.
"gene"

Good report Gene.....glad you and your daughter had a good day together.....sorry about your prop though....good thing you had a spare.

Like the post. Thanks. The story makes my day. Again.

I will look forward to your next trip

I don't have a spare prop . I guess I should get one, huh? Good thing you had one.

I don't have a spare prop or a paddle in the boat :(

Thanks for the comments friends. Actually the spare prop I have is the original aluminum one that came on the motor, but we bought a stainless one. It's been on the boat for more than five years without a problem so I guess it was time for it to give out. When you fish swamps, the basin, or canals with no ends like we have here it's always good to be prepared. No need to have an expensive prop for a back up, you can even by a plastic one.

"gene"

Nice post Gene, enjoyed it. My spare aluminum prop is in my shop, not in the boat. Have a stainless on the boat. Will have to think about toting it along - but at least I have a paddle in the boat 20 watt :) I've learned through experience, but won't talk about that. Pictures next time please. Again, nice post.

"tis the season for prop problems".......got mine back and made a test run today......glad U had a spare with U.......

Thanks for sharing! I used to carry my spare factory prop too but not anymore. Will have to add it to the boat inventory again thanks to this reminder.:highfive