Tips for Gar Fishing

Where to Find Gar

Gar are found in rivers and lakes. They can eat up to 40 lb. of fish per feeding, which makes them a pest for anglers. If they happen to be near while you are fishing for a different species, they will take your bait and most likely the fish around you. Gar are often present right under the surface of the water, waiting to strike at fish surfacing. A good pair of polarized sunglasses in bright sunlight will help you see gar. You will see their long, slender and sometimes spotted bodies gliding in circles under the boat.

Lures

Anglers mistakenly catch gar on trotlines and with live bait meant for other fish. Gar take bait quickly and fiercely, which gives the person holding the pole a big job. Hooks are not the best choice for catching gar since gar have such a long, narrow mouth. This makes it extremely challenging to set a hook. Hookless rope lures are one method anglers use. Nylon rope is frayed and tied on the end of the line. Gar go for the frayed rope, thinking it's food, and their teeth get tangled in the rope, allowing the angler to reel them in.

Catching Gar

Place rope lures and nooses in the water, and let them sink toward the bottom. Use a heavy 16 lb. to 30 lb. braided line. Experienced fishermen can set multiple lines at a time. Fishing for gar is much like fishing for other bottom dwellers. Gar will take bait easily, so when they see the lure going by, it's likely you will catch one. Gar appear to be slow moving until the fish are ready to strike. They strike fast, so using live bait may take a few tries. Many anglers swear by the hookless rope lure since it's effective and doesn't cost anything for bait.

Once Caught

Gar make for good exercise once on a line. They become angry and will swim away quickly or jump in and out of the water. Large gar jumping around your boat can make a big mess. You can haul smaller gar onto the boat with gloves and wrap them in burlap to protect yourself from sharp fins and scales. You may need to hold larger gar on the line, in the water, until you can run the boat ashore and drag the fish out of the water.