Try Gar and Pickerel for a Summer Challenge!

By Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division

Published: August 14, 2009

Never targeted chain pickerel or longnose gar on a fishing trip? According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists, you may be missing out. When hooked, chain pickerel and gar are exceptional fighters, providing a tremendous challenge for anglers.  So, if you are up for the challenge, the fish are waiting!

“Regardless of fishing experience, anglers will find a challenge when they pursue either pickerel or gar,” says John Biagi, the division’s Fisheries Management chief.  “Neither one of these fish are necessarily found on a menu, but they are worth a trip to a favorite lake or river for a great day of fishing.”

Longnose Gar
Gar are a relic from a large group of primitive fish. Long and slender with toothy mouths and hard, diamond-shaped scales, they are most common in warm, sluggish rivers and lakes. In Georgia, one of the best places to pursue longnose gar is on Lake Lanier in Hall County. Gar average three pounds on Lanier but can reach up to 20 pounds.

This summer, Lanier anglers should target areas near the back of coves around natural cover, such as downed trees or brush. Specific spots include Flat Creek, Wahoo Creek, Little River and upstream from Clarks Bridge to the head of the lake on the Chattahoochee arm.

A favorite technique:  hook a live three to four-inch bream on a 6/0 hook on medium to heavy spinning tackle with 10 to 15-pound test line and fish under a float.

Anglers also can try jumbo minnows – at times, gar will even strike at minnow-like artificial lures.

As another alternative to live bait, try using unbraided strands of nylon rope. Gar have tough mouths, making it difficult to set a hook; the nylon rope mimics bait fish and entangles the teeth.

Early in the day and late in the day are opportune times, and anglers should prepare for an intense fight with extreme jumping action.

Chain Pickerel
The elongated body of chain pickerel is covered with trademark chain-like side markings. Primarily olive in hue with a creamy yellow belly and a duck bill-shaped head, pickerel average one to three pounds but can reach up to ten pounds.

In Georgia, chain pickerel can be found in many lakes and streams. In the northeast, target Lakes Burton, Seed and Rabun. In the south, fish the Okefenokee Swamp (Billy’s Lake, located in the Okefenokee Park, is a famous pickerel destination) and Banks Lake (near Lakeland).

Medium action spinning and spincasting equipment spooled with eight to ten-pound test line is ideal for pickerel fishing. Recommended lures are King Jack spinners, other in-line spinners, 1/16 and 1/8 ounce beetlespins in white or yellow and minnow-like artificial lures. During midsummer when pickerel move to deeper water, trolling with spoons and crankbaits is effective. Also try casting out and reeling in quickly – the flash of the lure entices the strike.

When using live bait (recommended: large minnows or sunfish), allow sufficient time for pickerel to swallow bait. Pickerel tend to grab live bait, ‘run’ with it and then pause as they turn the bait to swallow it head first – this is the ideal time to set the hook.

One highlight of pickerel fishing is witnessing the acrobatics of these fish. They have a savage strike and tend to jump and thrash at the surface once hooked.

Despite their excellent flavor, pickerel are very bony. With a little practice, the bones can be removed and the fish can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Take Me Fishing™  A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships.  So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common. 

For more information on pickerel or gar fishing in Georgia, visit http://www.gofishgeorgia.com . 
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