By: Jake Bussolini
The warm water of Lake Norman may have caused the bass and hybrid fishing to slow down but it has created a situation where Gar have become very accessible. Most anglers don’t actually seek out the Gar, but when hooked, they provide a fine experience, especially for the new anglers who need the experience of a strong fighting fish.
Many anglers have asked me if it is possible to actually fish for this species. Yes! it is possible but a slightly different approach is necessary. First it is necessary to understand a little about this species. The Gar is heavily armored with large and very sharp scales. To handle the fish in the boat requires that you have gloves available. The Gar has long jaws filled with very sharp teeth. The fish has a very large swim bladder and often comes to the surface to gulp air especially when the water is warm and the oxygen level is low. The Gar is edible but the eggs are very toxic. The fish this time of the year are usually between 24 and 35 inches long but other larger ones have been caught. The fish is very strong and hard to handle when brought into the boat. Gloves are recommended when handling the fish.
Gar will attack nearly any bait when they are active. To find them go to the back of small quiet coves in late afternoon when the water is calm. Gar are often seen lounging near the surface in these quiet waters but when they are actively feeding, they may be swimming below the surface. Let me offer an unusual technique for catching these fish.
Fine some white nylon rope possibly ¼ inch in diameter. Cut a piece about 6 inched long and with a lighter or match burn and harden one end of the rope as shown below.
With you fingers or a pointed tool, unravel the rope, combing it as a final motion resulting in a frayed section as shown.
Although a hook is not necessary, I suggest running a hook through the charred end to help with the tying process. I also attached a small weight to the hook to assist casting. You now have the finished lure as shown.
A spinning rod is best used for Gar since it can be more accurately cast. Cast the lure toward the shore or in front of the fish you can see the fish. Work the lure slowly until it is hit. Let the fish shake its head to insure tangling the rope in its teeth and then retrieve the fighting fish.
The hook is not necessary because the fish will attack the white rope and tangle its teeth in the material. I use a hook only to assist in tying the lure to the line. Once the fish is in the boat it can often be a chore to untangle the rope from the teeth but that is part of the experience. Don’t worry if the fish is out of the water for an extended period, the Gar can remain out of the water for long periods without damage.
Jake Bussolini is a freelance writer who has authored several books about fresh water fishing. His books can be seen or purchased at www.booksbyjake.com