How to Bow an Alligator Gar

Bow-fishing is an ideal way to catch an alligator gar fish. Catching these armor-plated fish is a goal of many bow fisherman. Bow-fishing is done with a combination of archery equipment and fishing equipment. A normal hunting compound bow, without hunting accessories attached, is most commonly used to shoot an arrow with a line attached, which is then reeled in with a bow-fishing reel.

Things You'll Need

  • Compound bow
  • Bow-fishing reel
  • Bow-fishing line
  • Bow-fishing arrow
  • Headlamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit Department of Natural Resources or conservation websites for the state you want to bow-fish in to find out if it is legal, when it is okay to bow-fish and where alligator gars are commonly found in the state.

    • 2

      Go to a pond, river or lake that is known for having alligator gars. Alligator gars are mostly commonly found in waterways from the middle United States and to the south and east.

    • 3

      Find an area where the water is clear enough for visibility. Muddy waterways make bow-fishing harder since it is difficult to see the fish and you cannot shoot the fish successfully if you are unable to see them clearly.

    • 4

      Bow-fish during the day or at night by boat or walking along the banks of a river, lake or pond while watching for alligator gars. Bright headlamps are necessary for night fishing of gar.

    • 5

      Aim your bow at the bottom of an alligator gar and then drop your aim down 10 inches to factor in refraction. Refraction causes a fish to appear higher than it really is in the water.

    • 6

      Pull back the compound bow string and release it when you are aimed where you need to be.

    • 7

      Reel your line and arrow in, along with an alligator gar if you hit one, by using the bow-fishing reel on your compound bow.