Tagged out!!! Two nights=two gators

Well, let me start off with the fact that me and my buddy had no previous gator hunting experience. We both put in this year. I lucked out and was drawn during phase 1, so we decided he would get the agent license and keep a gator each (if we were lucky enough). I spent a lot of time on forums researching and learning. Big thanks to http://alligatorhuntingequipment.com/ for all our equipment needs. Had plans to be on the water by 5pm on wednesday. Numerous factors, including weather, slowed our start till past sundown. Regardless, we were determined to give it our best. Hours of cruising around, spotting, and casting attempts.. with no luck. FWC paid us a visit and was on his way shortly after, informing us of yet another bad storm heading our way. We decided to stay in the water and keep at it. By midnight we were hooked up, and we were stoked!! my buddy fought it on the rod, while I put a dart in it and he put it to sleep.
7' 4"

Got home and kept it on ice, while we slept for what was left of the night. Next morning, we decided to process it and head out again before 5pm. Inevitably, we made it back on the lake even later than the first night. Regardless, we were still stoked about our first night results. Spent a majority of the night scoping out areas and gators. By now its 4am, and still nothing. I'm losing hope, and about to give up the rod. When suddenly, we get on something. Nothing impressive going by the little fight and small run. I reel till I see liter tie, and he lights up the water on a slightly submerged head that is about the size of the entire light circle. "IT'S HUGE!!!!" I yell back. When, suddenly the gator realizes he wants no part of us, and dives under. It took every bit of me fighting back and forth for an hour to no avail. My buddy decides to take a few tosses with the hand treble; and finally he hooks up and we are getting pulled around on our 16' jon boat. After a number of almost losses, 2 harpoons, and finally a noose around his neck, I finally get the bang off and we proceed to float/drag him back to the ramp and find help loading him up in the truck. We were truly blessed for such and awesome experience and results.

11' 3"