Alligator gar is the largest species of gar in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the USGS, the distribution of the alligator gar is in the lower southern portion of the United States.
Alligator gar are marked by their large teeth, primitive appearance, and large size. These fish are also unique in that they can breathe air in addition to traditional gills. They have large teeth on the outside of their hard mouths and can grow up to at least 10 feet in length. They are thought to grow approximately a foot a decade. The oldest fossil of these fish is approximately 100 million years old. Also, in most places, they are protected as they have been largely overfished and in many areas of the United States.
I was lucky enough to do a catch-and-release fishing charter with Buffalo Bayou Fishing Champs in Houston, Texas. We went out on the San Jacinto River for these prehistoric beasts. Alligator gar eat a diet largely of fish and are ambush predators. This style of fishing is a little different than classic jigging, trolling, or bobber fishing. Catching one of these fish takes some skill and incredible patience.
First, you throw out your bait, and then wait while being very still. Then, when you feel a nibble, you let the fish take several chomps while not moving the pole and line. The gar will then take off with your bait, and you have to set the hook very, very, very hard several times. These fish can grow to 300 pounds, so this is a big fight.
My first one on the line nearly pulled me out of the boat. Alex, the guide for Bayou Champs, walked us through the process for every bite, and it was a challenge to successfully hook the gar. Then the battle began. You must reel in this large fish, who is several decades old (smart), then get this large, toothy fish safely on the boat with a lasso while also ensuring that you do not hurt the fish (or yourself), as this is catch-and-release fishing. If the fish is extra-large, you go to shore and jump in the water to hold the fish.
This is a fishing adventure that I will repeat many times, as it is interesting to learn about new wildlife and meet them in their environment.
