Alligator gar hold a special place in Texans’ hearts as the largest and longest-living freshwater species in the state. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) works to ensure healthy populations remain in Texas for future generations to enjoy. As waters warm and alligator gar fishing heats up this summer, TPWD is working with anglers, who play a key role in conservation efforts through proper catch-and-release practices.
“Catch-and-release fishing for alligator gar has become quite popular and data from a current evaluation in progress indicates high survival rates for released fish,” said Dan Daugherty, TPWD Inland Fisheries senior scientist. “We’ve even recorded some fish being caught and released three or four times over multiple years.”
TPWD biologists have put together some best practices for anglers to follow when they head out to the water in search of these massive fish. Alligator gar can grow up to eight feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. The best available science suggests gar anglers follow these key guidelines to maximize survival:
TPWD’s alligator gar webpage provides comprehensive information on the species, including management practices and additional tips for anglers.
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