Gar are very slimy fish and the teeth are to be cautious of. Let's say that I don't have a net. How would you pick up the gar with your hands? Meaning, where on the fish would you grab?

I usually grab the back of the head and upper belly.

This^^^^also wear gloves because the scales of an alligator gar are sharp also the gill plates on spotted gar will cut too

Any time I fish waters where catching gar is a possibility, I always take a long-handled gaff with me. If you watch the pros that fish for gar, they use a rope (many videos out there on how that's done).

I've just always grabbed them behind the head/gills either top or bottom.

This^^^
Granted I haven’t caught any monsters. But be warned they are strong and fiesty when you get them on land . Apparently you’ve already figured out the teeth issue 🤣🤣

as stated above, those gill plates are sharp!

I usually either cut line or rip hook out with pliers if I accidentally hook one.....never tried to hold with hand....not sure why I would ever try and hold one.

Anything over 3' it's best to lasso them behind the fins. Run the lasso over your rod and down the line.

What kind you messing with?