Since GASS began in 1998, the most frequently asked question has been "How do I catch a gar anyway?" Understand, this is much like asking Bill Gates "What do computers do?" or like going to the Louvre and saying "So what's this I hear about art?" The first step to catching a gar is knowing which species of gar you're after. You can't catch a 40-lb longnose with the same techniques you would use on a 5-lb shortnose. So to help you identify the gar you may be seeing in your local waters, use the following gar key.
1. Is the snout long and very skinny; at least twice as long as the rest of the head and no more than an inch or two wide?
NO: Go to #2.
2. Is the gar in the Southern US, the snout broad, with double rows of teeth, and the gar large - even over 6 feet long?
NO: Go to #3.
3. Is the gar covered with distinct spots over the head, body, and fins?
NO: You are seeing a SHORTNOSE GAR! Click here to find out how to catch a shortnose gar!
4. Are you in Florida?
NO: You are seeing a SPOTTED GAR!
Click here to find out how to catch a spotted and florida gar!
All rights reserved. No part of this website may be copied, posted, or reproduced in any manner without written consent from the Editor. Be sure our favorite fish is in the Subject line. ©1998-2012 Gar Anglers Sporting Society. Sitemap