I am wanting to some gator gar and am wondering what a good setup would be? I prefer bait cast reels. I have some Abu 6500's that I use for catfishing. However, I hooked into what I believe to be a big gar on accident a few weeks ago and could never get control of it and it eventually broke off due to using a mono leader (was fishing for catfish)
What would you guys suggest for a good rod and reel combo? Also, what kind of hooks would you suggest? I know gar won't eat anything they can't swallow, so I would like to avoid killing these guys if possible.
Thanks in advance!

best hook to use is a 3/0 non bronze treble hook (non stainless)
as for rods and reels i honestly think its mostly about the line if you have 100 pound braid or heavier i think your good to go on most gar as long as your rod doesn't snap..50 pound mono is effective as well..i use 28 inches of 105 pound single strand wire. preferred bait is carp (buffalo or common carp cut into chunks) gizzard shad work as well..good luck dont forget some wire clippers and a length of rope to rope it with..

I have caught huge gar before. My record being 175 pounds on rod and reel. 50 pound mono works just fine, we have proven it many times however if you are fishing from the bank and are afraid it can rub against structure or something then you can go up to 65 or 80 braid. I don't like anything over 80 but that's just me. I caught mine on an Abu Garcia ambassador 6600. I don't remember the exact model of rod but I believe it's a tiger lite jigging rod by Shakespeare. Any rod with a rather stiff tip will work. Of course if it breaks then it won't. We make our own custom wire leaders rated for 130 pounds. I always tie my leader straight to my main line. Sometimes I add a weight on my main line Carolina rigged but not always do I do that. A Gamakatsu big river bait hook in any size you think is suitable for the gar in your area will work. Trebles also work but I personally am not a big fan. Many gar run with the bait without eating it so it's important to give them line as they run with it. As far as judging the right time to set the hook, that's kind of difficult. Good luck.

I appreciate the info guys. Sounds like I need a little trial and error period. I guess I will have to go get some lines wet and see what happens!!!

When using gamakatsu's (12/0 is the only size I use) no need to let them run with the bait. powered set the hook as soon as the gar tightens the line. You don't want them to swallow it. I've hooked lots of gar in the corner, roof, and tip of the snout doing this. Abu 7000 and 100lb power pro eagle claw cat claw m/h 8ft rods. That's my setup. Good luck with whatever u decide to use.