YOUR GAR FISHING GUIDE

Fishing for Alligator Gar is an awe-inspiring adventure. These fish be over 7 feet in length and have two rows of razor-sharp teeth. With its alligator-like head and tough mouth, fishing by rod and reel is challenging to do without breaking the line. After they are caught, these hard fighting fish are often too tired to survive after being released. Bow fishing is another method, but will also result in the death of the fish.

The most exciting fish to catch, typically require the most responsibility of anglers and this species of fish is no different.

The state of Texas bow fishing record was a fantastic 290-pound gar, and the world-record for rod and reel currently stands at 279 pounds.

The freshwater Gar is a fish found in many of our southern state's rivers.

Gar fishing in Texas is a popular activity, especially for the angler who enjoys bow fishing. Texas has some monster gar, and the Trinity River boasts the most substantial numbers of these amazing giants.

Gar fishing in Florida will require a special permit, but book a half-day or full-day bow fishing trip with one of the many excellent fishing guides, and you will be primed for a fantastic fishing experience.

Check out our list below for the top places in the United States to catch Gar.

Top Gar Destinations

• Trinity River - Texas
• Bull Shoals Lake - Arkansas
• Venice - Louisiana
• Missouri River - Missouri
• Lake Texoma - Texas
• The Rio Grande - Texas
• Ochlockonee River - Florida
• Mississippi River - Mississippi

Fishing for Gar can be tough, especially with a rod and reel. If you plan to test your angling skills, you will need the right fishing geat. Your line will need to have a steel leader at the end to protect it from its teeth. The upper sides of its mouth are rock hard, so setting the hook will take some skill. We recommend waiting until the fish has turned and then try your luck at hooking these gentle beasts.

These fish are opportunistic predators, so fishing with smaller fish as live or cut bait is a good tactic. When using live bait or cut bait, a sharp treble hook is the best option.

The eggs of Alligator Gar are toxic, so humans should never consume their eggs. Additionally, before you harvest a fish from any water, it is crucial to verify that it's approved for the consumption of its fish. The white meat is dense, and the flavor will depend on the waters it was pulled from, but many anglers enjoy their taste.

Gar is very susceptible to overfishing. Anglers must obey the local laws and regulations of their fishing spot to ensure this prehistoric fish can maintain its population. It's our belief and the belief of many fish and wildlife departments that any native species is not a "trash fish" and plays an essential role in the ecosystem it lives in.

Florida requires a special permit for alligator gar, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife has a strict bag limit of one per day.

This species is being closely monitored by all states where fishing for Alligator Gar is possible. Anglers will need to check online before heading out to fish.

• Alligator Gar typically stay close to home and will remain within a 25-mile area.
• They typically rely on flooding to help them migrate to their spawning areasFemales can usually live for 60 years, which is twice as long as males.
• The difficulty in spawning means that only 5 percent of the population can be harvested.
• A trophy catch is a gar more than 6 feet in length.