Lures for the longnose

[AJayToRemember]

One thing I haven't been able to find any info on this forum about is "lures" or rigs or techniques on how to catch gar, specifically longnose gar. Anyone besides me target them from time to time with something other than a bow and arrow? If so, what do you use to catch them? Depending on how or where I am fishing I will either use a live sunfish on a no. 4 or 6 treble hook, with a braid or wire leader under a float, or if I've been in the mood to tie them, I'll use a rope lure.

[Jerry V]

My Step Son loves to target Gar...

with a bow and arrow.

[2XL]

I remember reading an article some years ago about guys fishing for Gar with strips of velcro. They were using the looped side attached to spinner baits.

[21xdc]

I remember Al Lindner using a wire loop/lasso with a minnow threaded onto the bottom... No hooks.  He was catching them lasso style around the snout and teeth would keep it from slipping off.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

I've seen wire loops and unraveled pieces of rope.  Depends on the Strain of Gar.

[MO QWACK]

A very small treble hook. Gar are the best tasting fish that swims!

[Muskygary]

I've never ate one yet, but I hear there good. People on "Swamp People" talk about smoking them. Youtube has video's on how to clean them.

[andrewlamberson]

I fly fish for them with a nylon rope fly. I tie them on a large bass hook and then cut off the bottom of the hook (so they don't hook me). You need a pair of long handled scissors and a comb to get all the nylon strands out of their mouth before you release them or otherwise they will not be able to breath or eat. Make sure you wear good gloves because their scales are very sharp!

And since those mean critters can gulp air...they don't slow down when they get in the boat and they will try to wack you with their snout!

They like to lay in the warmest water along weed lines during the summer and I can sight fish to them.

[MO QWACK]

His one was mmmmm good! I'll take every hat I can get!

[Justin9j]

Them things we eat you

[MO QWACK]

Don't worry I will not tell them your scared crapless of those things justin I promise lol

[AJayToRemember]

Good to see there's at least a few other people out there that like to catch these toothy critters. They're one of my favorite fish to catch, other than the bowfin. I've always been partial to a little more of a challenge, especially when it involves strong fish with sharp teeth. around where I fish I've spotted gar that were at least 6 feet long..and there's no gator gar here in NC. I've never eaten one but I plan to try it out this year!

[b.eipert]

Can someone tell me how to catch gar and where to find them? No weeds in my lake...

[efishnc]

I tend to find them most in areas with lots of fry or small minnows that are otherwise good areas for crappie (in back waters) and white bass (in the main lake areas).

[ctom]

I see them in backwater areas a lot and especially where the warmest water is.