Alligator Gar
name: Alligator Gar
other names: Long Nose, Pike Fish
Alligator, the largest of all gar, they get their name from their distinctive, reptilian head. They are one of the most distinctive freshwater fish species. They can be distinguished from all other gars species by the 2 rows of teeth in the upper jaw, their short-broader snout and their size when fully grown. The sides are mottled toward the head with large black spots toward the rear and on the rear fins.
Alligator Gars are easily distinguished from other freshwater species by their long, slender, cylindrical bodies, with long snouts, and the fact that they are equipped with diamond-shaped interlocking scales. Additionally, the dorsal and anal fins are placed well back on the body, and nearly opposite each other. The tail fin is rounded. Alligator gar may be distinguished from other gars by the presence of two rows of large teeth on either side of the upper jaw in large young and adults. Colur wise they are olive or greenish brown along the back and upper sides with white to yellow bellies. The young have a light stripe along their back from tip of snout to upper base of caudal fin.
Alligator gar is found inhabiting sluggish pools and backwaters of large rivers and lakes. They rarely are found in brackish or salt water. Gar are also often found near snags where they can ambush their pray.
They mainly feed on fish but are known to eat ducks and other water birds. Although Gar catches live food but they will also scavenge often eating dead pray or fish.
Little is known about the breeding of the Alligator Gar but what is known that they are one of the monsters of fresh waters. They can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weights of more than 200 pounds.
Despite their huge size and great strength, alligator gars are not very popular with anglers. They are not a fish that is caught easily because its sharp teeth will cut most lines in an instant. Therefore it is paramount that to target these species you use a wire trace, strong hooks, line, rod and real. Most fishing is done with dead baits, however over the last two years results have improved using live baits presented to Gar that have been spotted.
