To catch a GAR

[sfef84]

What is the best method to catch a big gar? By big, I mean a 6 footer. I have tried a couple different baits w/different size hooks,leaders but have been unsuccessful so far.

My method has evolved after some trial and error.
I take out the thick mono leader from the walmart popcork and replaced it with some steel single strand leader (forgot the lb but its not thin, not super heavy, I think about 60lb and have been using two 8/0 treble hooks, one in the middle of the leader and one at the end. I caught a decent sized mullet stuck it with a knife, and put one treble behind the head and the other mid back.

Two days ago I tossed that baby out and continued to fish for trout, periodically checking the cork and after about 45 minutes I hear... cllllick click click click on my big penn sargus with 40lb mono. I started to get giddy, I opened the bail and hand fed line. I waited about 10 minutes and the cork reappeared about 100 yards down the canal and could still feel weight on the end. I figured now is a good time to set the hooks and almost lost my balance in the process. And then... nothing...

I didnt bust the line because everything was basically intact (including the mullet)

Waiting 10 mins felt like a lifetime but how long does it take for these suckers to swallow the damn thing?

Also, are 8/0 trebles too big? Maybe it realized something wasnt right and spat it out...

[reeltime]

This may piss some people off but sand trout...i've seen them feed on sandies several times.

[WestEndAngler]

Squid... Or fray a rope throw it out there tie it up to a 250lb leader to 100lb line to 65lb braid and hold on for a fight... You don't really "hook" a gar you more or less wrap them up in line & drag them in

[sfef84]

ahhaha... Ill lasso that *******.

I guess there are two ways to catch em (on rod n reel that is)... either gut hook them or mouth hook... If I want to mouth hook it, do I still wait to set the hook?

[coachlaw]

I know I've caught them twice on dead scrimps under a cork. Dad gum pre-historic ugly sons of hades. I can still hear my 9 year old self, screaming like a girl when I grabbed that cork and pulled up that nasty lookin' dinosaur.

The second time it was much bigger, but so was I, and I knew what it was. They were rolling all over and I was trying to catch one. Had to chase it with the boat as I was using 12 lb. test. Sucker was almost 4.5 feet. Don't remember how long it took me, but we went in circles for over an hour.

[majek_maniac]

Under a spotlight/floodlight with a bow. Haha, as far as the big ones, they are harder to bowfish for, but it can be done. I have very little experience fishing for them with rod and reel.

M.M.

[dbarham]

Chicken legs with a big hook

[bountyhunter]

The best way is bowfishing, no worry about getting a hook in them or bait. Just get close enough and put an arrow in them and hold on for the ride. You will need to put a second arrow between their eyes before putting them in the boat.

[aqua pimp]

Chicken liver put inside pantyhose is all you need. They bite the pantyhose and they will have that stuff all in there teeth. Use to do that when I fished the Berri Farm Lakes in Danbury as a kid. The guy that run the place gave me a dime for every one I killed. That and with a bow, had alot of fun shooting those d@mn things.

AQUA PIMP

[sfef84]

The chicken liver/pantyhose idea sounds like a good idea.

I just want to catch it, take some photos and release it. I'm no tree hugger and wouldn't mind putting one between the eyes if it was eating peoples' dogs but the thing is probably 50 years old.
I heard TPWD is doing research on alligator gars, maybe I could catch it and donate Gary the Gar (hes been in this cove for 8 months now and hes kind of like a permanent fixture...)

[WestEndAngler]

I got a the Texas State record for saltwater gar that's been living in the canal near the house for about 15 years now...

[sfef84]

Gar, Alligator 186.19 96.25 Oct 14, 1995 Galveston Bay Johnny Gilbert

[sfef84]

That must be you!

Are gator gars rare in Galveston bay? They must be territorial because I see it in the same area every day. I first saw it last September and stopped seeing him in November.... figured it either died or found greener pastures. Didn't see it for 6 months until a couple weeks ago and now hes back... Im surprised it survived the long harsh winter, especially since they prefer hot tropical climates

[Mell Wader]

I got a the Texas State record for saltwater gar that's been living in the canal near the house for about 15 years now...

I know that Gar....it is a tank. I have broke off on some big ones in our canal.

[aqua pimp]

I caught one wading in Chocolate Bay about 7 or 8 years ago on a plum Bass Assassin. It was nearly 5' long and weighed in at 52lbs. Took close to an hour to land the d@mn thing. I will see if I can find the pics.

AQUA PIMP