![]() While the Alligator Gar is running with your bait, give him 15-30 seconds before setting the hook (by this time, the fish is positioned for a proper hookset).Once you get a bite, you will know when it’s a gar as they tend not to bite but RUN with your bait.The bullet points below are a step-by-step guide to exactly how I catch Alligator Gar with a live bait circle hook. (Sticking your arm in an Alligator Gar’s mouth and throat is terrifying). My goal is always to get a hookset in the mouth, as I do not want to get a hook stuck in the gullet/throat. Most of the time, Alligator Gar anglers find their preferred way to fish, as I have done myself. Let’s talk about how to catch Alligator Gar. How to effectively catch an Alligator Gar I catch my bait and use what is in the waters where I am fishing. I tend to use either Carp or Tilapia due to how tough the fish is and the fact you can possibly use the same bait twice. Still, you can use anything from Smallmouth Buffalo to giant Gizzard Shad. The most popular bait is Common Carp or Tilapia. Now that we have the geography and tackle needed to catch Alligator Gar, all we’re missing is bait. Below are illustrations of the two leaders I use to understand better what you need and how to set up to catch Alligator Gar. The float rig is ideal for when you are in a boat to stay on top of the Alligator Gar. I mostly use the Carolina rig when fishing from land, as I can get my bait to stick to the bottom better than with the float rig. The most common rigs I use for Alligator Gar (besides my fly fishing rig) are a typical bottom fishing Carolina rig and a float rig. I have found that the Quantum Optix 6000 and Berkley Big Game rod are a good bang for your buck setup, compared to the highly-priced Penn fishing equipment that I use for my personal fishing. This is a fundamental outlook of the different types of tackle I use. Everything else pretty much stays the same tackle wise.My favorite hook to use is the SandBar Tackle 8/0 Live Bait Circle hook (as they tend to hook through the mouth).If not, Marsh Tarpon has 8/0 2 foot treble hook leaders and 10/0 3 foot treble hook leaders for shark and gar! Marsh Tarpon leaders (currently prototyping a leader you can load your hook of choice on).Also, we will cover leaders, lines, and the rigs we use. You’re going to want a rod stiff enough to hold a gar and a reel with enough drag to keep the fish from spooling you. I will share what I use and then what I use on my guided trips. If you do not know, Alligator Gar is a one-of-a-kind species with an air bladder, meaning that they can breathe air! Tackle Another good indicator for Alligator Gar being present is an abundance of air bubbles trapped on top of the water in slow-moving water. Targeting these areas seems to regularly produce fish ranging from 3 feet to 7 feet. An Eddie is an area of swirling water behind an obstacle in the water ( logs, trees, rocks, etc.). They hold together in rivers and streams, deep eddies, and long flats. I tend to have the best luck targeting Alligator Gar in rivers and creeks. Found in creeks, lakes, rivers, ponds, and even the saltwater of the gulf coast. Where to find Alligator GarĪlligator Gar is a widespread species across Texas and many other states. It helps keep a perfect balance between every species in the environment. They are the main reason our rough fish (carp, buffalo, shad, etc.) population stays in check. Alligator Gar holds a vital role in our Texas ecosystems. ![]() They may look menacing, but it is far from it. Still, once being out in the field and studying this fish, I concluded that Alligator Gar is, in fact, one of the most docile, gentle giants you can be around. I was always told that Alligator Gar was “trash fish” and is a nuisance. My journey with this fish started some years ago, thanks to my best friend, Howard Fain. They are the fish that I have dedicated my time, blood, sweat, and tears to target full time. ![]() It takes time, patience, and most of all, a love for fishing to target.Īlligator Gar holds a special place in my heart. So, you want to learn how to catch an Alligator Gar? Before we get into the specifics, I want to let you know this fish is HARD to target. Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Tips and Tricks (How to catch Atractosteus Spatula)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |