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Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
#12639877
02/21/18 10:57 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
Just some fish from last season. More to come
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12640294
02/22/18 02:11 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 75,712
banker-always fishing
Pumpkin Head
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Pumpkin Head
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 75,712 |
Nice fish. Looking forward to seeing some super catches in 2018!
IGFA World Record Rio Grande Cichlid. Lake Dunlap. John 3:16 Sinner's Prayer. God forgive me a sinner. I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior !
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12640626
02/22/18 05:38 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113
gar1970
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113 |
Good job Dawson! Looking forward to seeing more.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12641098
02/22/18 03:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,858
Pot licker
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,858 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12642652
02/23/18 12:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 195
cmc
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 195 |
Nice ones. Hope you have a good season this year.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12642780
02/23/18 02:03 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
Thanks. I'll put a few more pics up In a few days. I appreciate the kind words.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12644427
02/24/18 07:45 AM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,861
jackiekennedyfishingguide
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,861 |
I have fished with Dawson and he is a great guy and excellent guide, lots of fun.
903-603-3793 Clients or I have landed eight state record fish and eighteen water body records. TPWD Elite Angler jackiekennedyfishingguide
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12644744
02/24/18 03:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12649499
02/27/18 06:09 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 75,712
banker-always fishing
Pumpkin Head
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Pumpkin Head
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 75,712 |
Good Stuff!
IGFA World Record Rio Grande Cichlid. Lake Dunlap. John 3:16 Sinner's Prayer. God forgive me a sinner. I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior !
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12652034
02/28/18 10:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12656066
03/03/18 03:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12656482
03/03/18 03:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,610
Gitter Done
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,610 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12658318
03/05/18 01:47 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
I appreciate yalls kind words. I haven't posted much last few years after photbuxket went dead and I didn't figure out the mobile function until recently. I don't mind answering questions about how too etc, ask anytime.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12659921
03/06/18 01:20 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
We get a lot of fish this size and a little bigger show up, these run from 30 to 50#s usually, not what everyone sees on river monsters but are you mad when the small fish are 40#ers?
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12661457
03/07/18 01:45 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
Just out of curiosity, of you folks looking through here How many of you do any gar fishing on your own? I still don't run into many people at all when I am out and about that are trying to catch alligator gar.
Anyone bank fishing for them? I first got interested in them that way when I was still in highscool just north of Winona, Tx. Dawson
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12664891
03/09/18 01:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113
gar1970
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113 |
I do. 90% of the time i bankfish for them. I started fishing for them last year out of the back of my boat while crappie fishing out the front. I'll be doing more of that this year!
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12664953
03/09/18 02:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,610
Gitter Done
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,610 |
The only gar I catch are the ones I catch while fishing for catfish. They are all Longnose Gar. I have never caught an Alligator Gar!
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12665355
03/09/18 06:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
I like the way that fish looks in those green lights. I ran some of those on my boat and then never used them. Do you like fishing them or do they seem like more of a cool effect than fish attractors?
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12665386
03/09/18 06:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113
gar1970
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113 |
Strictly fish attractors
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12666230
03/10/18 12:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12666305
03/10/18 02:05 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 19,054
Laker One
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 19,054 |
Nice fish. Love post like these!
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12668778
03/12/18 03:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94
TxStLipRipper
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94 |
I have fished for them before with mixed results. The area of the Trinity I fish is pretty swift flowing, so I have a hard time fishing with a bobber or free lining my bait since it gets carried down to fast. What's you opinion on what # line (braid or mono) and how should I rig my line... Weighted to fish on bottom, or free line a chunk of carp? Btw, I saw you on Netflix the other day, awesome job!
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12668974
03/12/18 05:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
Hey man thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you liked that show. Too bad about the one that got away.
Personally, for fishing line I use 130# Cortland masterbraid for a main line on a Penn Spinfisher V Live Liner 8500. I attach my mainline to a good quality swivel crimped to 135# seven strand cable, uncoated. I always fish on bottom, float is for bite indication, it is rigged slip style. If there is a spot i think fish are holding i will use a weight to keep it there but usually it's weightless on the bottom. If you have any more questi9ns just let me know, thanks again
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12671215
03/13/18 09:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
kesagami
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39 |
I have fished on my own for the past 5 or 6 years maybe 20 trips. Never have seen another fisherman, which is strange because just the scenery is worth the trip. I have found bait caught day of is critical, the difference between consistent runs and no touches at all. Usually fish south Guadalupe or mid Trinity, kayak not too far from put in and fish from sand bar. Same rig as described with a 3/0 treble. My trouble is the dreaded hook set, "quick strike" pulls the bait out every time, let them run and they go straight for trees, swallow it deep, let go before I set, etc. Suggestions? Anyway congratulations on the beautiful fish and good luck to all for 2018.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12671300
03/13/18 11:10 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
If you are intent on quick striking or have hang up issues then step your hook size up to 5/0, rig two in tandem, make your regular leader and hook then a short 3 gon4 inch wire to another hook. Put one in the leading edge of the bait and the other in the trailing end. When you rig this way try to break the rod. Maintain pressure on your line at all times. Unhooking is very risky, be careful.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12671482
03/14/18 01:25 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
kesagami
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39 |
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12672448
03/14/18 06:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94
TxStLipRipper
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94 |
Also, what are your preferences on bait? I've always heard buffalo or common carp, do you just cut into steaks and throw it out there or do you prefer using the heads. I fish in Centerville right on a river bend and see 6-7 footers rolling constantly. 30 years and have never seen anyone on this stretch of river.
Is using a surf rod to cast from the bank the best idea?
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12672592
03/14/18 07:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
kesagami
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39 |
I have used store bought fresh tilapia and black drum with zero results, buffalo or drum caught day of works for me, most bites occur within 15 feet of bank due to current pushing bait there although I have hooked up fishing almost mid channel.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: TxStLipRipper]
#12672937
03/15/18 12:14 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
Are you fishing above hwy 7? There is no public access between there and U.S. 79 so that's probably why.
You do not need to make a particularly long cast. Those baits are good. That stuff above 7 doesn't get touched much, should be good.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12675740
03/16/18 03:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94
TxStLipRipper
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94 |
I'm actually about 4 miles below hwy 7
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12676206
03/16/18 09:36 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Posts: 3,644 |
Been there a few times. It's a good run from 21. Nice fish there still.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12680277
03/19/18 10:20 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644 |
This is an older picture of mine from the earlier days of my guide service, summer of 2013 I believe. I wanted to bring it back up because I have a history of not putting much commentary into my posts or back story. I had these two young men along with their Aunt and Uncle during the heat of the summer of 2013 when we were experiencing a bad drought. The banks of the trinity river were torn to pieces by all the wildlife traffic caused by various critters trying to find some form of relief from the oppressive heat as well as the acute lack of moisture anywhere except the river channel. It was not uncommon to see over 20 deer and pigs per day as well as numerous birds and other baked or fried critters depending on your choice for cooked animals. Moving on to the point of this post, these two young men were sweating it for all they were worth but they were not complaining a bit. We had caught several smaller fish on the day but we were looking for something better. We set up on a spot I had caught in a few times before with some conveniently placed shade trees and set back to the slow bake in the shade while our baits tempted the local residents. We got a lite bite on one rod and went to get it, while on the way to get that rod another went off. Uncle's turn was up and he got runner #1 and I handed #2 to one of the 14 year old young ones. Uncle was having an easy time of his fish, however young one with run #2 didn't move anything when he set the hook, and it became immediately obvious that there was something more to his fish. Big fish on! This young man followed my guidance to the t, making no mistakes but the fish was strong and he couldn't turn it, the big alligator gar took the line under the boat and along with it bent the rod under the boat snapping the 10' heavy action rod like a piece kinnling. The young man did not panic however and held onto the rod as well as kept his cool while I cut the eyes from the damaged section of rod. I never had to put my hands on any part of the rod besides the broken part, the young man kept his cool, dealt with the adversity and got his fish beside the boat. I got my snare around the fish and got her landed. 85.5" long and 35.75" around made this fish nearly two feet longer and 50#s heavier than the young man that caught her. I think the picture explains how he felt about it . I am still exited about this trip and it was five years ago. Dawson
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12690847
03/27/18 10:47 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
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OP
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Posts: 3,644 |
This fish was 68". Not exactly the monster everyone hopes to get but this is an example of an average sized fish. Average runs about 54" to 70". This fish was about 85#.
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12691952
03/27/18 10:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113
gar1970
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,113 |
It's amazing how fast and strong a fish that size is! People have no idea until they hook into one
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Re: Trinity River Alligator Gar from last season
[Re: Droyhef]
#12712970
04/12/18 04:49 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,644
Droyhef
OP
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OP
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Landscapes too
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