Georgia Woman Snags Record-Breaking Longnose Gar; How to Snag Yours this Summer
In early March, Rachel Harrison, from Adairsville, Georgia, was fishing on the Coosa River when she reeled in an impressive 31 pounds, 2 ounces longnose gar, according to MSN.com. The catch broke the previous state record of 30 pounds, 13 ounces. set almost a decade ago. This was the third state record to be broken so far this fishing season, proving the waters are producing great fish this year.
If this inspires you to get on the water and start looking to hook your own record breaker, sources say gar are best found on the eastern coast and into the Gulf of Mexico. Gar love warm summer weather when they roll noisily near the surface during dawn and dusk. Found in all types of water, from oxbow lakes to in-flowing tributaries, these heavyweights require some specific gear.
Game and Fish Magazine suggests 30- to 80-pound test line, a stout rod and a sturdy reel with an excellent drag, multiple hooks and live bait. Certain techniques, such as creating a noose for a gar’s nose, are also common. Outdoor Life recommends using a rope lure to tangle up the gar’s teeth and catch its attention given gar’s naturally terrible eyesight.
Regardless of your tactics, most anglers agree that bringing in a big gar is one heck of a fight—making Harrison’s big catch all the more impressive. Check out all things fishing from iSportsman, such as how to fish the fronts, five top bass structures, and best western spots for summer trout.
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