New PB Long-nose Gar

Breaking my personal best for a needle nose gar has been a long-time goal, and finally, it happened! Landing this incredible 20lb 4oz monster, which was an almost state record long-nose gar, was an experience I won't soon forget. If you're looking to target these prehistoric beauties, let me share some tips from my own river adventures. First off, understanding where needle nose gar hang out is crucial. I've found them most often in slow-moving rivers, backwaters, and calmer sections of larger lakes, especially near submerged structures like fallen trees, weed beds, or channel drop-offs. They love to ambush prey, so look for areas where baitfish might congregate. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be the most active times, especially in warmer weather. When it comes to gear, don't underestimate these fish. Their long, bony snouts are tough, and they put up a serious fight. I typically use a medium-heavy rod with a fast action, paired with a sturdy baitcasting reel spooled with 30-50lb braided line. A steel leader is non-negotiable – their teeth will shred fluorocarbon or monofilament instantly. For hooks, I prefer strong, wide-gap treble hooks, or even a specialized rope lure, which gar tend to get their teeth tangled in without needing a hook set. This is particularly effective for catching and releasing without causing harm. Bait choice can make a big difference. For this particular almost state record long-nose gar, I was using fresh cut bait, a common choice. Shad, sunfish, or even pieces of carp work wonderfully. Live bait, like shiners or small perch, suspended under a bobber can also be incredibly effective. Artificial lures can work too; I've had success with inline spinners, jerkbaits, and soft plastics that imitate baitfish, though patience is key as they often 'follow' or 'mouth' a lure before committing. Setting the hook on a gar is unique. Because of their bony mouths, a traditional quick hook set often fails. Instead, once you feel a bite, let them run with the bait for a few seconds. This allows them to fully engulf it. Then, apply steady pressure and reel into the fish rather than a hard, upward snap. You'll know when you've got them! The fight is exhilarating – expect powerful runs, acrobatic jumps, and a whole lot of headshakes. That 20lb 4oz needle nose gar fought like a true champion! Finally, handling these fish requires care. Their snouts are full of needle-sharp teeth. Always use long-nosed pliers or a de-hooking tool. A sturdy pair of fish-handling gloves is also a smart idea. If you plan to release them, try to keep them in the water as much as possible, supporting their body correctly to minimize stress. Seeing that massive almost state record long-nose gar swim away strong after a quick photo was just as rewarding as catching it. Tight lines, fellow anglers, and may your next cast bring you your own PB!