Been poking around here and see that everybody has been reccomending 100 lb test line ect.

I looked through the local fishing section here and the stoutest rods I could find lere larger ugly sticks rated for 30lbs test. Looked like a big catfish pole to me.

I was wondering if anyone could post pics of their gar rig, possibly model numbers and where they got it from and approximate cost. I cant afford big bucks but I am willing to drop some decent coin on a solid rig.

Let me know what I need...

Thanks,
Jeff

I think a large Ugly Stik rod is a good bet. Something in the 8- to 10-foot range would work. The 30-pound line rating rating is for monofilament line, so the Ugly Stik rod should be able to handle 80- or 100-pound test braided line without problem.

For a reel, I think an Abu Garcia 7000 C3 is a good bet.

Neither of these is expensive and they should be good, solid performers. People use this setup to catch big catfish, so it should handle gar, too.

Others can provide more details, but for tackle you might want to use a large treble hook (size 6/0 to 10/0) and heavy-duty wire leader, 3 or 4 feet long and about 100-pound test.

For additional information on gar fishing, look here: www.garfishing.com.

Thats a good site there. I am searching around it now. I was hoping to be able to use a large spinning reel....

I just picked up a sweet combo from Cabela's, specifically to target gar. Now...if I only get the chance to go one of these days.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...&hasJS=true

I put 300 yards of power pro 100 lb test (I think...can't remember at the moment). I plan on using leader wire, maybe 120 lb test or so. Since I haven't gone yet, I haven't thought about my rig too much. I'll do that when I get closer to going. I just picked up the rod b/c they had a "community service" sale and got a decent discount. Since I had the cash, I went ahead and splurged on it.

Of course, this combo might see some saltwater action before it sees gar action. We'll see, though...

I don't see why you couldn't use a spinning reel. I think most authorities say baitcasters are better for bigger fish, but I'm not sure why.

The combo I got is a spinning combo.

The reason I like a baitcaster rather than a spinning reel, for big fish like alligator gar, is because I can put my thumb on the spool during hookset and ensure that there is no line slip from the drag system.

Fishlady,

which one did you get exactly? The 8500?

They didn't have the 8500 in the store, so I got the 7500.

What species of gar? The tactics used to catch them vary a lot from species to species.

GG

nice combo krista.

I use a uglystik tiger and a penn squidder going again next weekend....from the kayak with Al...

I use 11-ft long Berkley Glow Stiks (ncredible rods for the money, $30) with Shimano Thunnus Spinning Reels spooled with 65lb test. I use this rig for Buffalom Carp, Cats, Gar. Granted, they will be getting a good workout on the AGar holes in the coming weeks.

i have some penn 209 lvelwinds on berkley catfish rods. they are pretty tough rigs. i landed a 34" redfish on one last weekend. Ive landed some pretty big catfish on cedar creek with them too.they hold a ton of 50lb mono. with a 3 ounce weight i can cast them about 50 yards.Ive thought about hitting the trinity and seeing if i could catch some big gar but i havent ever got serious about it.

Eagle claw water eagle rods are supposed to be really good for the price. Only 20 bucks. The penn 209s are only 50. To me that's a cheap tough set up.

100lb test huh? That's pretty extreme. I assume you're going to try and exclusively target Alligator Gar over 100lbs? Hehe. Which is awesome, by the way.

most people say 100lb test, but they mean braid, not mono.

100 pounds is 100 pounds, whatever the line.

If you hook a true monster, you'll need every pound of it.

GG

and if you don't plan to eat the Gar, Please don't gut hook them.
All that does it cause Delayed Mortality.

GG

A talented fisherman will be hard put to break good 20 pound test Mono and a 12 inch to 18 inch leader should be all you need. A couple of my rods have 30 pound test on em to bend the hook if I'm snagged to get loose.

Unless you let the gar swallow the bait, like Capt. Kirk does. In that case, a longer leader might be helpful.

You'll need at least a 6 to 7ft leader for gut hooking them, but again, that just causes Delayed Mortality.

GG

Don't forget the chainmail glove so we can see the pics of you lippin' one of them! hehe

Go for it!!
LlindeX

the 100 pound is for the teeth.

i'm curious of all those giving advice, how many have caught a gar over 10 pounds?

i have hooked a couple big lng but not landed anything over 30. wish i could get into them more regular...

if anybody feels like a reliable fishing partner around here to target gar.... well you know what i'm getting at.

I have.... only 2 of the five were under 15-10lbs.