Tagged: alligators

If you live in Southern Louisiana you don’t have to be Catholic to know that the Friday Fish is a New Orleans tradition. From fried catfish to potato salad and savory sides, there are plenty of meatless options for the faithful foodies.

But what if you’re just not in the mood for fish on Friday? Well, there are some less obvious Lenten options in the Crescent City.

State wildlife and fisheries officials have extended the East Zone wild alligator harvest season through Oct. 4.

Robert Barham, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, approved the extension Tuesday.

The scheduled opening of the East Zone season was delayed from Aug. 29 until Sept. 1 due to the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac, which reached hurricane strength before landfall. Resulting flooding and displacement of residents prompted the extension.

It was a huge catch for a Montegut commercial fisherman: a 12-foot-long, 800 pound alligator found in the Intracoastal Waterway at Bourg.

The Courier reports 35-year-old Rob Neil had gone alligator hunting in the waterway Wednesday when he spotted the huge 'gator. He had to shoot the reptile 15 times with a .22-caliber rifle.

Neil said it was the first alligator he ever caught. He sold the gator to Big Al's Seafood restaurant in Houma for $350.