WikiCatch
Spotted gar

Spotted gar

Lepisosteus oculatus

Family
Lepisosteidae
Max Length
150 cm
Max Weight
4.5 kg
IUCN Status
LC
Water Type
freshwater, mixed
Fishing Spots
948

Overview

The spotted gar is a freshwater fish native to North America that has an abundance of dark spots on its head, fins, and dart-like body. Spotted gar have an elongated mouth with many needle-like teeth to catch other fish and crustaceans. It is one of the smallest of the seven species of gar found in North America, growing 2–3 ft in length and weighing 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg) typically. Gars have diamond-shaped, thick, enamel (ganoid) scales. The name Lepisosteus is Greek for "bony scale".

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Live Shad

    Effective when fished under a bobber.

  • Live Minnows

    Hooked through the lips or dorsal fin.

  • Nightcrawlers

    Good all-around bait; use with a bobber.

  • Cut Bait (Shad)

    Use fresh cut shad for best results.

Artificial Lures

  • Rapala Original Floater 07Minnow Crankbait

    Slow retrieve mimics injured prey.

    Buy
  • Mepps Aglia #3Spinner

    Flashy action attracts attention.

    Buy
  • Zoom Trick WormSoft Plastic

    Texas-rigged or weightless; slow presentation.

    Buy
  • Johnson Silver MinnowSpoon

    Weedless design for heavy cover.

    Buy
  • Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep DiverJerkbait

    Twitching action creates strikes.

    Buy

Techniques

Spotted Gar have bony mouths, so make sure to set the hook HARD. Using circle hooks can increase your hookup ratio when fishing with bait.

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Where to Find Spotted gar

Florida, United States289 spotsTexas, United States143 spotsLouisiana, United States124 spotsAlabama, United States83 spotsMississippi, United States35 spotsGeorgia, United States34 spotsOklahoma, United States26 spotsArkansas, United States24 spotsIndiana, United States23 spotsMichigan, United States22 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Spotted gar?+

Popular baits for Spotted gar include Live Shad, Live Minnows, Nightcrawlers, Cut Bait (Shad), Rapala Original Floater 07. Tip: Spotted Gar have bony mouths, so make sure to set the hook HARD. Using circle hooks can increase your hookup ratio when fishing with bait.

Where can I catch Spotted gar?+

Spotted gar can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Florida, United States; Texas, United States; Louisiana, United States. WikiCatch lists 948 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Spotted gar get?+

Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) can reach up to 150 cm in length and 4.5 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.

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