Alligator Gar
04-17-2016, 07:46 AM
#1
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,230
Alligator Gar
I just found out that the Trinity River in TX is one of the best places to fish for Alligator Gar in the nation. These things are huge, often over 7 ft long and the TX rod and reel record is over 270 lbs. The trotline record is over 300 lbs. And the best thing is I live less than 12 miles from the river! I did a lot of shark fishing while I was in the Navy and it is time to dust off the heavy gear and go to the Trinity.
For those that have never seen an Alligator Gar, this is the beast I'm talking about:
DISCLAIMER: I don't know either of the guys in the photos, they are from a google search on Alligator Gar from the Trinity River in TX and I'm using them simply for visual effect.
For those that have never seen an Alligator Gar, this is the beast I'm talking about:
DISCLAIMER: I don't know either of the guys in the photos, they are from a google search on Alligator Gar from the Trinity River in TX and I'm using them simply for visual effect.
04-17-2016, 10:16 AM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Port Neches, Texas
Posts: 5,514
Fun to catch, but not particularly good eating! If I remember right, Texas has recently lowered the bag limit to one fish. Mainly due to over-fishing, especially by bow-fishers. Alligator Gar are true ancient relics, and it takes many years to reach the sizes of those pictured. You will need a good hand axe if you are going to clean one that big, scales can be over an inch thick! Good luck!
