hello everyone!
I am planning to head to the trinity river and fish for gar and catfish whenever weather permits. This Is my first time fishing for big game, as I normally fish for bass and sunfish. I was wondering where I could buy or catch carp for gar bait, and how long it would take me to catch gar. Im a bank fisherman, so I don't have access to shad.

also, where are some spots on the trinity where I can expect to catch decently sized gar? elm fork is closest to me, but I'm not sure where the big gar live.

I appreciate any help!

If you're trying to get Carp for bait I'd recommend going to any of the following lakes, ranked in order from best to worst:
Benbrook
Lewisville
Grapevine
Ray Hubbard
Arlington
Worth

You should be able to catch plenty of Carp to use for Gar, especially at the top 3 lakes. I'd recommend releasing anything over 15lbs you catch, but that's up to you.

I would add Joe Pool to the lake list. A lot of smaller carp there.

thank you for the tips! are carp all over lewisville, or are there any specific place i should go to catch them. would frozen carp from an asian market work for gar?

yes they will work and so will frozen tilapia

This guy will know for sure! He is one "Fish Catching Machine"

Be cautions about tilapia. TPWD has a lot of rules surrounding the transport of tilapia.

no rules for transporting FROZEN tilapia

You can go fish the Trinity River below Lake Livingston Dam and catch carp and then use them to catch Big Gar. You need to pay for a day pass at the 3278 Marina up the road first though. Lots of Big Alligator gar there but keeper size limit is 48 inches.