Alligator Gar
Atractosteus spatula
Alligator gar is a large, ancient ray-finned fish of slow rivers, backwaters, oxbows, and floodplain lakes in the Mississippi basin and nearby coastal drainages. It ambushes fish at the surface and can breathe air, allowing it to survive low-oxygen water.
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Identification points
- Long, torpedo-shaped body with a broad snout and heavy ganoine-scaled armor
- Lower jaw usually projects only slightly beyond the upper jaw, unlike longnose gar
- Adult spots are usually present on the body and fins, especially in younger fish
Habitat
Slow-moving rivers, sloughs, bayous, oxbows, floodplain lakes, and brackish lower-river estuaries; often near submerged timber, weed edges, and backwater cover.
Bait notes
Large live or dead baitfish are standard, especially carp, shad, buffalo, mullet, or cut fish presented on heavy tackle. Very large swimbaits or topwater-style presentations can work for trophy fish, but this is mainly a niche trophy species.
Behavior
Primarily an ambush predator that feeds on fish, especially shad, carp, and mullet where available; it often sits still and rolls or strikes near the surface. It is most active in warm water and can gulp air at the surface.
Caution
Handle with care: the body is armored and the teeth are sharp. Use heavy pliers or a lip gripper and avoid placing hands near the mouth. Regulations vary widely and some populations are protected or tightly managed; check local rules before fishing or keeping one.
Fishing notes
Target warm backwaters, mouths of bayous, current seams, and shallow flats where fish roll or surface. Use strong hooks, abrasion-resistant leader, and heavy line; set baits on bottom or suspend them just off bottom, and be prepared for long runs and hard fights.