Non-stainless-steel hooks degrade relatively quickly and can be more easily shed by a gar.
Long-term survival is more likely if the line or leader is cut and the hook left in place. Hooks lodged beyond the mouth cavity (in the throat, gullet or stomach) should not be removed - most studies suggest additional damage is often caused by attempting to remove a deep hook. Minimize handling time.Ĭut the line or leader on deeply hooked fish. If possible, keep the fish in or near the water fully support the weight of the fish when taking photos before release. The use of lassos or snares to lift a fish over a boat gunnel may result in internal injury to a heavy fish like alligator gar. Whenever possible, landing the fish on shore is a better practice than lifting the fish over the gunnel and onto a boat deck. Land large fish on shore rather than on a boat. Stainless steel hooks and leaders have been shown to persist in fish for years, while bronze hooks and leaders degrade relatively quickly. Larger hooks are more likely to result in damage to internal organs, particularly for smaller fish. TPWD recommends the use of single hook styles no larger than 3/0 when fishing for alligator gar.
The best available science suggests gar anglers follow these key guidelines to maximize survival: Alligator gar can grow up to eight feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. TPWD biologists have put together some best practices for anglers to follow when they head out to the water in search of these massive fish.
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