New Record Breaking Alligator Gar Catch

[Wiggles92]

If I caught an alligator gar of that size, I'd put it in my pond and call it "Fluffy."

I'm mixed on whether they did the right thing by killing it and donating it to a museum. On one hand, such a huge fish probably has (well, had) many more years left to live in relative peace. On the other hand, it's the largest one found yet, so having it preserved for study could help for us to learn more about these magnificent creatures.

 

[E_americanus]

If I caught an alligator gar of that size, I'd put it in my pond and call it "Fluffy."

I'm mixed on whether they did the right thing by killing it and donating it to a museum. On one hand, such a huge fish probably has (well, had) many more years left to live in relative peace. On the other hand, it's the largest one found yet, so having it preserved for study could help for us to learn more about these magnificent creatures.

i doubt officials had much choice as to whether the fish lived or died by the time they got to it...i don't know all the details (still receiving some info from various DNR & USFW sources via email), but it seems like the fish would have been pretty far gone after the fisherman was processing/landing it. gar are tough, but sometimes the stress of being captured and/or transported is just too much for the fish.--
--solomon

 

[Madding]

It said he used nets to catch the fish. Wouldn't that mean he had some intent if he were not using a rod/reel? Perhaps for food?

 

[waynes world]

I think if something eats a person and you are nearby, responsible for the animal or anything else, then you have some sort of duty to your race... you do realize you said 'eaten', right?

If I saw someone being consumed alive by any animal I am pretty sure I would try to kill it (unless it was an escaped dinosaur from Jurassic Park, in which case I'd run).

Sorry, i was meant to say about the animal being hunted down, i understand you about standing for your race but that is another forum and not for here.

 

[waynes world]

If I caught an alligator gar of that size, I'd put it in my pond and call it "Fluffy."

I'm mixed on whether they did the right thing by killing it and donating it to a museum. On one hand, such a huge fish probably has (well, had) many more years left to live in relative peace. On the other hand, it's the largest one found yet, so having it preserved for study could help for us to learn more about these magnificent creatures.

I am sure that these fish have been caught enough in the past to have enough info from with out the biggest ones being killed. big or small.

 

[E_americanus]

I am sure that these fish have been caught enough in the past to have enough info from with out the biggest ones being killed. big or small.

incorrect.

not saying they all need to be killed, but when they are (i.e. fishing mortality) they can definitely be used to gain further information. saying that all we need to know about the species can be taken from fish caught in the past is far from the truth.--
--solomon

 

[waynes world]

I could have swore that most of the "experts" on here said that they don't get over 6' in the wild.

Well they proved wrong now arnt they.

 

[mqktandy]

I could have swore that most of the "experts" on here said that they don't get over 6' in the wild.

Averages are always different than max size. I have explained the effects of genetics multiple times on here so I'm sure u have seen it

 

[E_americanus]

Averages are always different than max size. I have explained the effects of genetics multiple times on here so I'm sure u have seen it

yeah, that and "Gar Food" has proven time and again to essentially be a troll...but glad he could surface once again for the usual asinine post entertainment. comments and "facts" taken out of context as usual.

moving along...

 

[Wiggles92]

I could have swore that most of the "experts" on here said that they don't get over 6' in the wild.

Well they proved wrong now arnt they.

There's this cool new thing called scientific theory. It allows us to make predictions based on previously collected data, but it does change when new data becomes available.

Averages are always different than max size. I have explained the effects of genetics multiple times on here so I'm sure u have seen it

Yes, genetics definitely play a major role in fish (or any organism, for that matter) growing to a huge size. Well, that, and a lack of predators, large supply of food, plenty of space, and good water quality, but those only help the animal in question reach its full genetic potential; they can't allow it to exceed its genetic potential. So, yes, I agree with you 100%.