florida/ spotted gar

[GarGuy981]

I've been researching and studying them for a while and think i'm ready to get one. I'm leaning more towards a florida right now. My question is where to get one? I havent had any luck at any bait stores or pet stores except for one that said they could order one for me. Would that be the best option or should i try to catch one? I'm in GA so i should be able to get one and i live on a lake, but i've only seen big ones and one small 4-5in one a few weeks ago. And also what is the average growth in one year, ive heard alot, but 12in in the first year seems to be normal.

Thanks and any other tips or info for me would be great.

 

[LittleMonsterFun]

I've been researching and studying them for a while and think i'm ready to get one. I'm leaning more towards a florida right now. My question is where to get one? I havent had any luck at any bait stores or pet stores except for one that said they could order one for me. Would that be the best option or should i try to catch one? I'm in GA so i should be able to get one and i live on a lake, but i've only seen big ones and one small 4-5in one a few weeks ago. And also what is the average growth in one year, ive heard alot, but 12in in the first year seems to be normal.

Thanks and any other tips or info for me would be great.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260066

And yes, I would try to catch one as young as possible, plus the ones you would buy would be around the 4-5" range. (at least thats what I bought mine at)

 

[xander]

stick with florida, most managable, tonnes of info on here, do ask if you have more specific questions!

 

[GarGuy981]

Thanks for the help guys. What's the best way to catch one?

 

[pagojoe]

The best way to catch one is probably with a seine. To do that, you'll have to have access to a ditch or cut or maybe a small creek that runs into the lake or river where the gar live. You aren't likely to catch any tiny ones this time of year, but you might catch some in the 10-inch range. Don't get too ambitious and try to do it with a huge seine, as you'll spend a lot of time with the net hung on something. A 16' or 20' is probably as big as you'll want to try. You can also catch them with a cast net in shallow water if the water is clear enough to see them. Not sure if you'll have Floridas there or if they'll be true Spotted Gar. Try not to handle them with your hands once you catch one. I suggest wrapping them in cloth or using the net to transport them to your holding container.

Cheers,



Don