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Photo: Greg Hume, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Atractosteus spatula
How to catch Alligator gar
Alligator gar feed in 60–94°F water and bite best at 72–88°F. Fish Scouter's season calendar follows them in 6 waters; in October they are at their peak in Texas fresh water, Louisiana fresh water, Mississippi fresh water and 3 more.
80 pts · trophy at 72"Feeds 60–94°FBest 72–88°FIn season nowRiverReservoirLake
About
The giant of the Gulf rivers: eight feet and two hundred pounds of double-toothed, armored fish in the Trinity, the Atchafalaya and the Red. Slow to mature, spawns only in flood years, and managed carefully.
How to fish it
A big chunk of fresh carp under a float in the slow river bends; let it run, then wait. Heavy gear and a long-handled release. Bowfishers: check the tag rules first.
What it eats
cut carp and buffalo on a floatbig cut bait
What to fish it with
the sizes that fish itLeader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
Hook#2–3/0
Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
Braid10–30 lb
The rule
not confirmed hereRules differ by state — check Texas Parks & Wildlife or your state agency before you keep one.
The current rule →Where it is, month by month
PPeakSSpawningAArriving·AroundLLeaving
Fresh water by state