Alligator Gar

	Scientific Name	Atractosteus spatula
	Other Names	Long Nose, Pike Fish
	World Record	279 lbs Rio Grande River Texas

Description

Alligator, the largest of all gar, 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. The body is long, slender, 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

Habitat

Alligator gar are 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.

Feeding Habit

They mainly feed on fish but are known to eat ducks and other water birds. Although Gar catch live food they also scavenge often eating dead pray or fish.

Age and Growth

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. Providing great sport for any angler who dares.

Tackle and Methods

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. Great exciting way to fish stalking 200lb monsters.

Related Species

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Florida Gar

Gar Fish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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