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Gator Fleas (Hellgramites) Gator Fleas as they are often called in Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama are the larval form (Nymph) of the Dobson Fly. Better known elswere as the Hellgramite, they are primo bait for almost every fish in fresh water. Hellgramites reach a length of close to 3” near the end of their3-4 year life span, just before they emerge from the water to molt and become their adult form, the Dobson Fly. Hellgramites are an important part of the food chain though not nearly as abundant as the larval forms of other insects. Most people down here have never seen a Dobson Fly even though they are large flying insects. Dobson Flies emerge at night. They live only a few days during which time they mate, lay their eggs on stream side rocks and plants then die. They are well camouflaged and, since they don’t move around by day, they are not often seen. Dobson flies are attracted to lights so you might see one around a stream side light. They are strong fliers so don’t be surprised to find one a mile or more from the nearest stream. Hellgramites are fierce predators that will kill and eat anything they can catch. Take a look at the mandibles on the Hellgramite. They are both sharp and strong and capable of giving a painful pinch. Hellgramites are seldom seen out in the open. Those that venture from under underneath rocks and logs are quickly eaten. To catch them for bait, I turn over rocks and logs in shallow water. I find them clinging to the under side of rocks and under the bark on logs. I grab them before they can crawl off. Yes, I get pinched occasionally but these critters are such fine bait, I don’t mind the pinch too much. Since Hellgramites are so high of most fish’s preference list, you must catch a lot of them or be very selective and cast only to quality fish. I prefer the later. My best day among admittedly very few days Trout fishing resulted in 2 Rainbows of 4# and 7#, my best 2 Trout caught south of Canada. These two were caught out of Tanneyhill Creek near Birmingham, AL. I spotted both of these fish well before casting a Hellgramite at them. I spooked the 4 pounder several times before he bit. Fish that big in 2’ of clear water require a perfect cast with the perfect bait and you can bet they will not bite if they know you are around. The very biggest Bluegills and Shellcrackers in the Rainbow River near Dunellon Florida are duck soup for Hellgramites just as they are everywhere else. Bass of all species and sizes attack Hellgramites. You don’t have to worry about killing a Hellgramite with your hook. When you toss it at a fish, his life expectancy is nil. I generally use a #2 brown wire Tru-Turn hook and set the hook at the first peck. Fish simply slurp Hellgramites so, when you feel the bite, you can hook the fish. Black, dark gray and brown Woolly Buggers from 2-3” long do a good job of imitating Gator Fleas.