Thank you FishinRod! It is quite the job, I'll keep that in mind! I am starting to see fish close to shore now which is nice smile

Eastland, I know of 3 gators in the lake, all of which are under 6 ft. From what other people have said, they swam away upon sight. I haven't personally seen any. Others have seen some Cottonmouths and Rattlesnakes in some of the areas. (I haven't seen any snakes either). I always keep them in mind while wading waste deep, but being able to see the water clearer has eased some concern. Cutting the farthest vegetation out and working in seems to provide more visuals. If I was further south, instead of the Panhandle, I probably would be more worried going out there though grin