So I'm trying to fish for gar in this creek next to me. I'm using a float setup. I have a #6 or so plain shank hook, on 20 lb mono. I would cast, get a bite, and let the what I thought was a gar take the bait and run with it. As it comes to a stop, I set the hook. Fish on! Or so I thought... This happened multiple times. As I pulled this whatever it was into the shore, right as I would get it close enough to almost identify what it was, it would somehow literally cut my line right off and run for it. I'm pretty sure it's a turtle, but I've only caught one gar before and that was on a rope lure, so my experience with how gar fight (long nose gar) is the bare minimum. Any ideas of what this could be? This is a creek that meets up with the Trinity River by the way.

switch to braid

What pound braid do you recommend I use?

Longnose Gar have razor sharp teeth. They will bite through mono. You might try a wire leader.

20/30lb should be enough

try using wire or cable as they will cut right through mono. a treble hook or two would also help as their mouths are very bony and almost need them to swallow hook

definitely braid!

Get you some cheese cloth and fray it up, wrap you bait in it and the gar's teeth will tangle in it and in it will come.
Good Luck!
JR

Yup!

50lb braid and tie a good knot you'll never break off.