How to Catch Alligator Gar: Rig, Bait and Hook Sets

How to catch alligator gar? Most anglers in Texas use cut common carp on a 3/0 hook, tied to a steel leader on strong braided line, fished on the bottom or under a large float. Give the gar time to run with the bait, set the hook hard, land the fish on shore and release it quickly. Expect plenty of missed strikes: these fish have a bony, toothy mouth that resists hooks.

Below are the rig, bait, hook-setting and release steps, plus answers to common questions. Planning a trip? See our alligator gar fishing shirts.

How to catch alligator gar: the basic rig

Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) describes the most common Texas setup as "cut common carp placed on a 3/0 treble hook or J-hook." The hook is "often fastened by strong braided line to a steel leader, with or without a weight, and fished suspended or on the bottom of a river or lake" (TPWD: Alligator Gar Fishing Tips and Tactics).

Why not a bigger hook? TPWD notes that "hook sizes of 4/0 or larger increase the likelihood of mortality when deep hooked." Bigger is not better here.

What is the best bait to catch alligator gar?

Cut carp is the standard in Texas. TPWD adds that gar "can and have been caught using just about every setup possible on a rod and reel, including casting artificial lures, using live or cut bait, and even fly fishing." Fresh, oily cut bait on the bottom of a river or lake is the simplest place to start.

How to set the hook on an alligator gar

This is the hard part. Gar "typically pick up a bait and travel a good distance before stopping to ingest the bait," and the mouth is "very resistant to penetration by fish hooks."

Option 1: set early for a mouth hook

TPWD says the best chance of hooking a gar in the mouth "may be using a powerful hookset to penetrate the mouth just after the fish takes the bait." A large slip-float shows which way the fish is swimming, and setting the hook when the gar faces away from you adds leverage. A mouth-hooked fish can be unhooked with thick gloves and needle-nose pliers.

Option 2: waiting for the swallow

Many anglers let the gar swallow the bait first. TPWD warns that waiting longer also makes the fish more likely to drop the bait or wrap the line around timber, and that deeply hooked fish should be released by cutting the leader, not by digging out the hook.

How hard is it to catch an alligator gar?

Hard. In TPWD's words, rod-and-reel gar fishing "can require climbing a steep learning curve," and "even experienced anglers and professional guides experience a high proportion of dropped baits, debris hang-ups and failed hook sets." Bring patience, extra leaders and a plan for landing a big fish.

Catch and release tips for alligator gar

• Use non-stainless hooks and leaders, 3/0 or smaller. Bronze hooks degrade faster than stainless ones.
• Land fish on shore rather than lifting them onto a boat when you can.
• Keep the fish in or near the water and support its full weight for photos.
• Cut the line or leader on deeply hooked fish instead of trying to remove the hook.

Rules for gar (methods, bag and length limits) vary by state and water body, so check your state's current regulations before you go. Bowfishing is legal in Texas, but TPWD notes that once a fish is shot with an arrow it cannot be released.

What to wear on a gar trip

Gar trips often mean long hours on open water or a sunny riverbank. Our alligator gar shirts come in long sleeve UPF, hooded long sleeve UPF, T-shirt UPF and kids long sleeve UPF styles with a custom name; some designs also offer a face shield. Check each product page for exact styles and sizes. For more on sun protection, read do UV fishing shirts work and how to avoid sunburn while fishing.

FAQ

What is the best bait to catch alligator gar?

Cut common carp is the most common bait in Texas, according to TPWD. Live bait, lures and even flies have also caught gar.

What size hook for alligator gar?

TPWD recommends bronze (non-stainless) hooks no larger than 3/0. Larger hooks raise the risk of injury when a fish is deep hooked.

How hard is it to catch an alligator gar?

Many strikes do not end in a hookup. Even guides see a lot of dropped baits and failed hook sets because of the gar's bony mouth.

Can you release an alligator gar caught with a bow?

No. TPWD notes that bowfishing is regulated as a lethal method: once a fish is shot with an arrow, it cannot be released.