Where can I catch a Gar?

[Kalashalite]

Anyone have any tried and true Gar fishing holes? Or tips on going after them?

I know most people would never try to get a gar on their line on purpose, but I am fascinated with them.

 

[ed1838]

Cypress lake by I65/Hwy 11 used to have alot of them I am sure it still does. Never caught one tho just saw them following my lures.

 

[Mongo59]

Lakes, streams and rivers. Stay away from salt water, highways and plowed fields...

 

[snorko]

Hovey Lake in Posey County is lousy with Gar. I've never fished there for them but was startled all get out by ones jumping while I was kayaking there.

 

[Dholcomb]

Reelfoot Lake

 

[Titanium700]

Ohio river below the falls of the Ohio.
Caught a few of them down there.

 

[xwing]

Evidently they are in the creek near my house. One of my neighbors got a couple with a .22.

 

[tomcat13]

Used to catch them in the Ohio River, close to McAlpine Locks (Louisville).
Best way we caught them was to cut a 10" length of White Twisted Nylon Rope (Not Polypropylene) & tie it to the end of your Fishing Line. Comb out the "Untied end" of the rope so it looks like hair & then cast it Topwater.
The Gar will bite it & their teeth become hopelessly entangle in the rope.
They Are Fighters!
After getting them to the boat, Use a Heavy Glove (welding gloves work)-grab their Snout & cut the snout off with a Hacksaw, just at their Head.
A Word of Caution-when you grab that snout, be advised their numerous teeth stick out Both Sides of the snout-hence the Need for Heavy Gloves.
Since they are a Predatory Fish (eating/killing Game Fish) this is a Public Service to whatever body of water they're in!
If you wanna re-use the rope, it'll need to Dry & then it will come out of the teeth.
Used this technique Many years ago.
I'm sure that If this is against any Laws/Regs, Game Wardens on this site will provide info.
Good Luck!

 

[printcraft]

Used to catch them in the Ohio River, close to McAlpine Locks (Louisville).
Best way we caught them was to cut a 10" length of White Twisted Nylon Rope (Not Polypropylene) & tie it to the end of your Fishing Line. Comb out the "Untied end" of the rope so it looks like hair & then cast it Topwater.
The Gar will bite it & their teeth become hopelessly entangle in the rope.
They Are Fighters!
After getting them to the boat, Use a Heavy Glove (welding gloves work)-grab their Snout & cut the snout off with a Hacksaw, just at their Head.
A Word of Caution-when you grab that snout, be advised their numerous teeth stick out Both Sides of the snout-hence the Need for Heavy Gloves.
Since they are a Predatory Fish (eating/killing Game Fish) this is a Public Service to whatever body of water they're in!
If you wanna re-use the rope, it'll need to Dry & then it will come out of the teeth.
Used this techniques Many years ago.
I'm sure that If this is against any Laws/Regs, Game Wardens on this site will provide info.
Good Luck!

It’s not snagging, it’s a lure they bite at so I don’t see where it would be a problem.

 

[Clayton]

34th and Sherman

 

[Bstarkey_46947]

Wabash River. Used to gig them as a teen.

 

[Kalashalite]

Thanks for all the advice. I can't wait to get my hands on one (with gloves on)

My plan is to use the skin as a knife sheath and prepare the skull as a display.

 

[nipprdog]

I used to work with a guy that fished for them on purpose. called them "the poor man's muskie". he used scented cloth that would snag on their teeth when they bit.

 

[Mounty09]

Used to catch them in the Ohio River, close to McAlpine Locks (Louisville).
Best way we caught them was to cut a 10" length of White Twisted Nylon Rope (Not Polypropylene) & tie it to the end of your Fishing Line. Comb out the "Untied end" of the rope so it looks like hair & then cast it Topwater.
The Gar will bite it & their teeth become hopelessly entangle in the rope.
They Are Fighters!
After getting them to the boat, Use a Heavy Glove (welding gloves work)-grab their Snout & cut the snout off with a Hacksaw, just at their Head.
A Word of Caution-when you grab that snout, be advised their numerous teeth stick out Both Sides of the snout-hence the Need for Heavy Gloves.
Since they are a Predatory Fish (eating/killing Game Fish) this is a Public Service to whatever body of water they're in!
If you wanna re-use the rope, it'll need to Dry & then it will come out of the teeth.
Used this technique Many years ago.
I'm sure that If this is against any Laws/Regs, Game Wardens on this site will provide info.
Good Luck!

looks like you aren't the only one catching them that way.