This is what you do, works for me and I love fishin for them. Like a smallie with teeth.
I use mono or braid on spinning gear.
Use light line, no bigger than 10lb or use braid with a small diameter, use just a hook such as a bait hook, something with some backbone not those weak worm hooks. I sight fish for them in the creeks so casting is usually close but up to 30 yards or so. When you see them break the surface or sitting just under, cast to them with a small piece of bluegill or some type of meat, I use gills/green/etc. that I catch in the creek. Once you toss it to them, try to keep it on top or just below the surface. Once you see the gar take the bait, open your bail and let him run with it. Gar need to swallow the bait and they work it down slowly. Sometimes when they take the bait sideways, its already in the corner of their mouth and if the water is clear enough you can set the hook sooner. Usually I give it about a minute or two, always keep some tension on the line so slack doesnt build up but dont get it too tight because the gar may drop the bait. When you set the hook, set it hard. You will either have the gar swallow the bait, hook it in the side of their mouth, the bottom jaw where there is skin ir on the tip of the nose and every once in a while you will actually go thru the bone on their top jaw but hardly ever.
I use mono or braid on spinning gear.
Use light line, no bigger than 10lb or use braid with a small diameter, use just a hook such as a bait hook, something with some backbone not those weak worm hooks. I sight fish for them in the creeks so casting is usually close but up to 30 yards or so. When you see them break the surface or sitting just under, cast to them with a small piece of bluegill or some type of meat, I use gills/green/etc. that I catch in the creek. Once you toss it to them, try to keep it on top or just below the surface. Once you see the gar take the bait, open your bail and let him run with it. Gar need to swallow the bait and they work it down slowly. Sometimes when they take the bait sideways, its already in the corner of their mouth and if the water is clear enough you can set the hook sooner. Usually I give it about a minute or two, always keep some tension on the line so slack doesnt build up but dont get it too tight because the gar may drop the bait. When you set the hook, set it hard. You will either have the gar swallow the bait, hook it in the side of their mouth, the bottom jaw where there is skin ir on the tip of the nose and every once in a while you will actually go thru the bone on their top jaw but hardly ever.
