Blake’s Outdoor Report

When there are no limits and regulations regarding fish species, quite often it makes catching them more fun simply because you can catch dozens and it remains exciting.

There is really no worry about how big the fish is because even though the fight may not last long, you can get many more chances. That is how Gar fishing used to be.

With the new regulation bag limit of one, there is now a pressing need to catch a big momma Gar that makes the trip worth it. I can help with that.

There are a couple of good local spots that will have the big Gar you need without having to travel by boat. Anywhere along the Nueces River, Mission River, Aransas River and around Copano Bay and Bayside, Gar frequent the waters – and, not just any Gar . . . big Gar.

With the water warming and the wind blowing, river fishing for Gar will be much more satisfying than in months past. With all fishing trips, the right tackle and bait make all the difference.

Usually a larger rod and reel setup is best and the type of reel I prefer is a barrel style because you can leave your drag completely loose and turn the clicker on. This is important since you need to let Gar run for a few minutes and swallow the bait thoroughly.

The best bait to use is a 6-8 inch Mullet with a slice cut through it so it can bleed out slowly in the water. Take a few good size weights and place them on your line so they can flow freely up and down.

At the end, tie a swivel and then about three feet of leader line with a 4/0 wide gap hook at the end. By doing this, you are able to cast out your bait further and let it sit in one place on the ground.

When the Gar grabs it, he can pull line from the spool with no resistance and the weights act as a pulley so that even if he runs toward you, the clicker will still let you know that you are getting some action.

Once hooked up, set your drag tight enough to fight, but don't break the line, and then hang on. Gar are nasty fighters and don't go down easily. There have been trips in the past during which I have caught five-plus-foot Gar and hours later they were still kicking in the back of my truck.

Use a rope to lasso the Gar when you get it to land to pull it up without breaking your line, and then you should have a tire iron handy so you can break its neck and put it out of its misery so it doesn't suffer from suffocation for hours.

Gar meat is difficult to cook since it has cartilage and fat in it, but if cooked right, it is delicious. Gar fishing is like Drum fishing – you must be patient and wait for the bite.