 PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
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The rod and reel world record alligator gar
weighed 290
lb, and the trot line, or unrestricted division record weighed 302 lb.
Both
were caught in the Rio Grande River back in the 1950s, and measured a
little
over 7-1/2 ft in length.
Alligator gars are widely sought after by bowhunters, but a much smaller following of anglers fish for them for sport. The states of Texas and Louisiana permit regulated commercial fishing for alligator gars, however, the demand is nominal. The hard, ganoid scales on alligator gars protect them like a suit of armor. Some Native American Indians used the scales as arrowheads, and for adornment on their tribal dress. Although rare, ganoid scales are still being used as jewelry today. Many researchers see gars as a link between the scientific research of today and what has evolved from a primitive past. Gars can breathe both air and water, which is one of the reasons they are still around today. Unfortunately, we cannot be as optimistic about their future. |
