48" Spotted Gar

[Bottombouncer]

Wednesday 8-12-15. This lake is new to me so I spend a lot of time exploring, trolling, this Gar woke us up from a relaxing slow ride between points 8 & 9, quite exciting for two Nebraska boys, never caught one before, these fish really put up a show, jumping and skipping across the water. Longest fish(48") I've ever boated, no net big enough on this boat. This was my buddy's biggest lifetime fish. Water was 84-85 degrees, caught 2 Smallmouth almost as small as our lures, mainly scouting for Walleye. I need you help Tanderson! Gar measured and released.

[Old plug]

Nice Gar but come up here to LOZ and you might catch some larger than that. I caught a couple last year 48 and several 42 to 46. 

Have not fished for them this year. Boat is in the shop with a cracked keel or i might have been out there. With all the shad we have I imagine there has been some growth. I tried to catch one several times up in soap creek last year that must have been 10 inches across the back. He just would not take that rope lure. They live a long time so I bet he is there. Next time I find him I will be throwing him a big chunk of shade impaled in that rope.

 

[M_Taylor]

Nice fish. A jumping and hard fighting fish is definitely what most fisherman are after, "non sport fish" that it is. 

A buddy of mine caught one recently on a crankbait, they must be feeding on the shad pretty good. 

[bc23champ]

I've caught plenty of gar on crankbaits.  To the point where if I even see a gar I load up and find another spot.  It's not worth the hassle   

[Bottombouncer]

I've caught plenty of gar on crankbaits.  To the point where if I even see a gar I load up and find another spot.  It's not worth the hassle   

Definately a hassle, no net that big, kinda just scooped him into boat, it broke  the flicker minnow clean in half. They have an attitude both out and in the boat! Reminded me of  a big Tiger Musky.

[Old plug]

I have lost a few crank baits to gar. I tend to put 6 inches of wire leader between my line and the Rope Lure.  

[Tanderson15]

PM sent

[J-Doc]

I had a gar shread my Rapala crankbait.  Ripped it to shreads.  It was about 4-5ft long too.

Feathers&Fins caught one and cooked it up.  I told him I'd try some.  I think he baked it if I remember correctly.  Might have been fried.  I can't remember.  What I do remember was, it tasted surprisingly very good.  It was a cross between steak (yes steak), chicken, and just a hint of fish.  It was the strangest thing.  You couldn't really tell what you were eating taste wise because it was tender like chicken, taste a little like a mild cube steak and just a hint of fish.  The seasoning he used was good also.

So I can say I have tried gar and it does actually taste pretty good.  I've heard that many times but most people don't believe it.  I'm a believer now.