Alligator gar season in Texas: How to safely catch and release - Houston Chronicle

While fishers may be anxious to catch and release their first alligator gar, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other agencies want the fish to be protected due to their status as "threatened" according to the American Fisheries Society.

Here's what to know about alligator gar and how to keep them safe while enjoying the fishing season.

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What is an alligator gar?

An alligator gar is a freshwater fish located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and near the coast of Galveston. It is the largest species of gar and one of the largest freshwater fish, with ancestors found in fossils 215 million years old. The fish are known for keeping the aquatic ecosystem balanced and healthy, feeding on buffalo fishes, carp and shad. 

"Catch-and-release fishing for alligator gar has become quite popular and data from a current evaluation in progress indicates high survival rates for released fish," Dan Daugherty, TPWD Inland Fisheries senior scientist, said. "We've even recorded some fish being caught and released three or four times over multiple years."

Alligator gar can live up to 50 years. TPWD said their lifespans can be extended through safer catch and release methods and practices. They are also non-threatening to humans.

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Are alligator gar an endangered species?

No, but they are considered threatened by the American Fisheries Society.

Dan Bennett, expert with the Inland Fisheries Denison District for Texas Parks and Wildlife, said flood control efforts in recent years have reduced spawning habitats for alligator gar within Texas. 

"Texas really remains kind of the last stronghold of alligator gar populations," Bennett said. "What we're kind of trying to do is just hold on to that and preserve the fish because they really are a long lived species and may only have a successful spawning event every six to 10 years depending on the potential for drought conditions."

How can I catch and release an alligator gar safely?

Bennet said catching alligator gar can be difficult.

Using non-stainless steel single hooks, no larger than 3/0, is recommended for those who are fishing for alligator gar. Stainless steel hooks and larger hooks can damage their organs and take longer to degrade than bronze hooks.

The most common way to catch an alligator gar is to use common carp on a 3/0 treble hook or a J-hook. Fishers are advised by the TPWD to not use hooks larger than 3/0 as the fish are more likely to be killed when hooked deeply. 

If a hook is lodged too deep into an alligator gar's mouth after being caught, such as their throat, stomach or gullet, the TPWD recommends cutting the fishing line instead of removing the hook to avoid further harming the fish.

Larger alligator gar should be landed on shore instead of in a boat to avoid harming them while lifting the fish onto a boat deck with lassos or snares. When taking photos, fishers should support the heavy fish's weight and release quickly in order to minimize handling time.

Why is catch and release still safe for the species?

The TPWD considers anglers a part of the conservation efforts as long as they practice fishing safely. The population of alligator gar is allowed to thrive if fish are returned to their original catching spot. 

"It can be very difficult to successfully catch one," Bennet said. "Reading up on the methods used is important."

chevall.pryce@houstonchronicle.com