Targeting gar on fly rod

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wittich
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Targeting gar on fly rod

Post by wittich »

I have been seeing some large gar in the marsh lately. I had 4-5 foot gar swim near and I tossed out a chickenboy lure. That was such an aggressive eat. the fish ripped out drag and destroyed by 20 lb leader. how would you guys target gar on flies or conventional gear? Do you need a wire leader or would 100 lb mono work?
loonycamp
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Re: Targeting gar on fly rod

Post by loonycamp »

You'd need a wire leader with double haywire twist and then a foot or two of mono leader to rub up on their body.
I've caught gar in the trinity quite a bit. It was actually the only fishing I really did before getting into saltwater a year ago.
Usually you need to bend a large circle hook to more of a "U" shape to lock on their bony jaw as well.
Now if you're targeting long- nose gar or spotted gar, then you can catch them with pretty much anything. I would suggest 30lb mono for anything under 2' long. Higher for bigger but they usally stay under 3'.
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karstopo
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Re: Targeting gar on fly rod

Post by karstopo »

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I don’t know. I just toss whatever I’m using for bass or redfish or whatever for gar. The spotted gar in the lake I live on go for about anything put in front of their face. I don’t cast to them a lot, but if I do they’ll hit a variety of flies, clousers, Gartside soft hackle streamers, woolly buggers, deer hair divers, crawfish patterns, not picky fish in my experience. The hope is to get a jump or two and then they will come off the hook. Sometimes, I have to actually unhook them!

I’ve hooked a few alligator gar on lures and flies. Same story, just drag it in front of their faces, they will go for it. Occasionally, I’ve caught one by accident dragging lures or flies where alligator gar are actively feeding.

I hate using wire leaders so whatever fluorocarbon leader, 15-30 pound is typically what i use conventional, 15-20# for flies, this is what I have gotten gar on. But, gar hasn’t been something I necessarily target, more of a spur of the moment “hey, there’s a gar, wonder if I can get it to eat my lure or fly” type of deal. I’d rather not even bring one to hand, but hope they get off before I need to unhook them.

I have eaten gar, but it’s not my favorite.
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Ron Mc
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Re: Targeting gar on fly rod

Post by Ron Mc »

They're hard to plant a hook, but I've landed a few long-nose gar on cats whisker (Tiemco 5363 hook).
They make astounding aerials - like tarpon.
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We have a favorite spot to sight-fish them down from Center Point Lion's Park - they mill in the shade overhang on the far bank, and it's a riot just to watch them lunge 8-10' to attack your fly.
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It's been 10 years since I took Kevin Townsend after endemic bass for an episode of KT Diaries.
On the same episode, he's visiting the TPWD hatchery, and hooks up a couple of 100+-lb alligator gar in their pond - doesn't try to land them, and pulls the hook, but he's having fun.
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