This guy on the river was 2/3rds as long as my boat. 
-Barry-
I've gotten to the point where I'm just resigned to the fact I'm probably going to lose a body part while fishing eventually. I've encountered them non-stop all summer long, starting Mother's Day. Seen 'em nearly every day I've gone fishing, and had far too many get way too close for comfort.
I've gotten to where my scare factor depends on size.
"Meh, that one's just big enough to sting. Shoo! Shoo, ya big lizard!" *throw sticks*
"Oop, that one could take a leg or foot. Better give it some space."
"Yeah, I'm just a snack for that one. I'm out."
Then, just once so far, thankfully...
Sighed, thought about my family, and looked a legit dinosaur in the eye and just hoped to die quick.
It was just too close, I was so well within striking range I coulda poked it with my rod without even fully extending my arm, and it looked big enough to swallow me whole.
They scare the hell outta me. They're quiet, patient, can strike from underwater, and I fish from the bank.
Also, they're curious, especially the smaller ones. So if you're making some noise, they're very likely to come check you out. That's exactly what put at least two of them too close for comfort.