Summers in full swing but fall cool offs are just around the corner making this a great time to score a giant alligator gar on fly. We had a really wet spring and summer but things have finally cleared up for the most part and are fishing the way we want it too. Why fly fish for alligator gar you might ask? Why not!? They get almost 300lbs, gulp air like Tarpon, can be sight fished like tarpon especially on slow air gulps and can be blind fished for similar to musky and pike. Need more? Did i mention weve been getting our asses kicked on 10 to 12wt rods and most big fish will have you into your backing? These ancient fish have gone under the radar for to long and its time to shine some light on this incredible species. Come out and fly fish a Texas river or swamp and add them to your fly list before it gets cold again(we have until the end of october) but hey theres always next summer.
Rigging for alligator gar on the fly:
10 to 12wt rods the big ones get big. Intermediate lines are our go to but a full sink is good to have especially in current. Leader set up varies but typically 80lb bite is recommended for the tippet, wire is ok but sometimes they reject it. Fly selection also varies depending on depth of gar but think baitfish flies like deceivers, half and halfs, game changers and stuff like that in shad colors, chartreuse, black and orange/yellow tied to good sharp hooks like gamakatsu sl12s 1/0 to 2/0.
