Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Charters
Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Charters
Top Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Destinations
Top Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Destinations
Best Alligator Gar Fishing Charters in Texas
Best Alligator Gar Fishing Charters in Texas
Alligator Gar Fishing in Texas
Alligator Gar Fishing in Texas
- Size 100 to 160lbs
- Food Value Average
- Game Qualities Excellent
- Habitats River, Lake, Inshore, Backcountry
(Atractosteus spatula)
Always wanted to hook yourself a little piece of history? The Alligator Gar is often called a “living fossil,” thanks to its prehistoric-looking features and genetic similarities to creatures that lived over a million years ago. On top of this, it can grow to impressive sizes and puts up an incredible fight on the end of a line, making Alligator Gar fishing in Texas something that really shouldn’t be missed. What are you waiting for?
Which trip should I choose?
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the state itself, which can make choosing a fishing location somewhat intimidating. Most captains specialize in targeting this species, or offer Gar-only trips, due to the heavy tackle and reinforced lines that are usually needed for this fish. The good news is that Gar fishing is suitable for everyone, from hardened anglers to complete newbies. So how can you choose the trip that's right for you?
Location, Location, Location
Thanks to its love of both freshwater and brackish saltwater fisheries, this species can be found all over the “Lone Star” state. Here are some particularly popular starting points:
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Rio Grande. Located in southwest Texas, the middle and lower sections of this freshwater river are especially productive when it comes to Alligator Gar.
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Trinity River. Downstream of Dallas is often considered to be the go-to Gar fishery in the whole of Texas, making this an especially popular hotspot for charters.
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Sabine River. This northeastern river and its surrounding waters borders Louisiana, and has been home to some record-winning Gar species.
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The Texas Coast. That’s right: this fish can be found in pretty much every bay system that empties into the Gulf, as well as its many estuaries and river mouths. Galveston Bay is home to Gar charters, as are Matagorda Bay and the Laguna Madre.
Fishing Techniques
When it comes to the How of hooking Alligator Gar, there are two techniques that charters tend to lean toward: using a trusty rod and line, usually partnered with seriously heavy tackle, and bowfishing. With a rod and line, you’ll generally head to the deeper parts of your chosen fishing grounds and will cast off there. Expect rod-bending action! Bowfishing will have you using a type of bow and arrow that’s been specially built for water activities, and requires a steady hand and plenty of precision – you wouldn't think it's possible to miss a huge Gar, but it happens!
Both of these techniques are suitable for anglers of all skill levels. In fact, the majority of captains who offer Gar fishing are more than happy to help new anglers learn the art of hooking these hard-fighters, whether it’s with conventional tackle or a bow and arrow.
What should I bring?
As is common in Texas, most Gar charters do not include a fishing license, so you should purchase your own from a bait and tackle shop beforehand. If you’re using conventional tackle, all fishing gear will generally be provided for you, as well as the specific tackle and lines you'll need. Trying out bowfishing? Talk to your captain beforehand, as you may need to rent or purchase your own equipment. Visit Texas for your very own prehistoric angling adventure, and get ready to make history!
Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Seasons
Texas Alligator Gar Fishing Seasons
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Seasonality
Alligator Gar fishing in Texas varies moderately throughout the year. High season is January to February, July to August and December. Low season is September to November. There is no closed season.
Texas
4.5
/
5
Based on 28,582 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Alligator Gar Fishing in Texas
What anglers said about Alligator Gar Fishing in Texas
Myself, son and grandson had a great time! We caught a bunch of fish but if we hadn't, the trip would still have been very enjoyable because of the guide, the boat and the lake!
5.0
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5
Myself, son and grandson had a great time! We caught a bunch of fish but if we hadn't, the trip would still have been very enjoyable because of the guide, the boat and the lake!
Hook Fish & Company
Fish with Tim!!! He will put you on fish even in the toughest conditionsโฆ
5.0
/
5
Fish with Tim!!! He will put you on fish even in the toughest conditionsโฆ
Tim May Fishing Guide Service - Lake Fork
I recommend contacting jaw jackers charters. Captain josh is the real deal.
5.0
/
5
I recommend contacting jaw jackers charters. Captain josh is the real deal.
Jawjackers Charters โ 22โ
United States
If this is your first time fishing Galveston, take the time to hire a captain. It will be a great experience and well worth the expense.
5.0
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5
If this is your first time fishing Galveston, take the time to hire a captain. It will be a great experience and well worth the expense.
Nautilus Charters
I don't think it was the best time of year for the atea but we had fun and caught fish.
5.0
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5
I don't think it was the best time of year for the atea but we had fun and caught fish.
Big Tex Fishing Charters
April a little early in the season for reds, some days good, some slower. Fishing improves in May and red hot in June and July. Good fishing for reds until December but they move around. Incredible lake! We live in NW SA and were home in a half an hour. Incredible!
5.0
/
5
April a little early in the season for reds, some days good, some slower. Fishing improves in May and red hot in June and July. Good fishing for reds until December but they move around. Incredible lake! We live in NW SA and were home in a half an hour. Incredible!
Hooked Up Fishing Guide
Backwater fishing with a great guide makes all the difference. We had a wonderful time.
5.0
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5
Backwater fishing with a great guide makes all the difference. We had a wonderful time.
Jackson Outdoors
San Antonio, Texas
When in Rome type of deal. Captain joe is absolutely great for the rate he lists.
4.7
/
5
When in Rome type of deal. Captain joe is absolutely great for the rate he lists.
Gojoe1
Not only the great fishing, the bay is also so beautiful. The boat ride was awesome
5.0
/
5
Not only the great fishing, the bay is also so beautiful. The boat ride was awesome
Slick Fin Charters
Make sure to get a good shady hat and a good pair of sunglasses. We bought my 7 year old Great Grandson his own life jacket (USCG approved) so he didn't have to wear one of the big orange jackets that are required if we hadn't. He was much more comfortable with the one we got him for about $70 dollars. His little sister will be able to use it once he grows out of it, so money well spent!
5.0
/
5
Make sure to get a good shady hat and a good pair of sunglasses. We bought my 7 year old Great Grandson his own life jacket (USCG approved) so he didn't have to wear one of the big orange jackets that are required if we hadn't. He was much more comfortable with the one we got him for about $70 dollars. His little sister will be able to use it once he grows out of it, so money well spent!
The "Fish" Guide Service
I highly recommend booking with Captain Kenny! Made it so fun and enjoyable! The morning was beautiful!
5.0
/
5
I highly recommend booking with Captain Kenny! Made it so fun and enjoyable! The morning was beautiful!
Kramer Fishing Charters
We fished before the eclipse. So it was a tough day. Would not recommend in the future. Fish before or after.
5.0
/
5
We fished before the eclipse. So it was a tough day. Would not recommend in the future. Fish before or after.
James Regini Guide Service
I would highly recommend captain Ray. Very nice and very knowledgeable. If you're a seasoned fisherman he will make sure you have what you need and if your a beginner he is more than accommodating and helpful.
5.0
/
5
I would highly recommend captain Ray. Very nice and very knowledgeable. If you're a seasoned fisherman he will make sure you have what you need and if your a beginner he is more than accommodating and helpful.
Fishing Guide Lake Conroe โ Ray Hunt
Lots of good fishing along the Laguna Madre in the Coastal Bend. Weโll be back!
5.0
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5
Lots of good fishing along the Laguna Madre in the Coastal Bend. Weโll be back!
South Texas Outcast Guide Service
Get your fishing license several days in advance. Can take a couple of hours if there are people ahead of you in line.
5.0
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5
Get your fishing license several days in advance. Can take a couple of hours if there are people ahead of you in line.
SeaPlay Sportfishing โ SeaPlay VI
Don't hesitate booking with Captain Jesse. He showed us a good time and we caught our limit on during our trip out. We will be back.
5.0
/
5
Don't hesitate booking with Captain Jesse. He showed us a good time and we caught our limit on during our trip out. We will be back.
Scale Chaser Fishing Guide
Definitely book with Zander Ray (Alexander). Professional, knowledgeable and definitely a people person. We will book solely with Alexander when visiting Corpus Christi
5.0
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5
Definitely book with Zander Ray (Alexander). Professional, knowledgeable and definitely a people person. We will book solely with Alexander when visiting Corpus Christi
Zander Ray On The Bay
Either do a personal charter with Henry or fish the Jetti at the state park
5.0
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5
Either do a personal charter with Henry or fish the Jetti at the state park
Henry's Charters
Dress appropriately for sunny conditions with cooler tempโs in the morning.
5.0
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5
Dress appropriately for sunny conditions with cooler tempโs in the morning.
Sea N Spots Guide Service
Lots of variety of fish make sure you got your red fish tag if you get a great catch
5.0
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5
Lots of variety of fish make sure you got your red fish tag if you get a great catch
Scouts Out Fishing Charters