Florida gar in Florida

Meet the species

Florida gar
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Lepisosteus platyrhincus

Overview

They are found in the ochlockonee river and waters east and south in peninsular Florida where they inhabit streams, canals and lakes with mud or sand bottoms near underwater vegetation.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 28 inches or 4 lbs

At a glance

Regions
Statewide freshwater
Water
Freshwater
Bait
Minnow

Florida fishing record

Weight
9 lb 7 oz
Location
Lake lawne, orange county
Date
Mar 25, 2001
Angler
Patric A. McDaniel
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

9.44 lb; by patric A. McDaniel; on 3/25/2001; at lake lawne, orange county

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide freshwater

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

They are found in the ochlockonee river and waters east and south in peninsular Florida where they inhabit streams, canals and lakes with mud or sand bottoms near underwater vegetation.

More locations and access

How to catch

Gar are sporty fighters and can be taken with minnows, artificial lures or frayed nylon cord that entangles the gar’s teeth. They are also taken with bow-and-arrow, gigs or snag hooks. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

Minnow

Lures

Gar are sporty fighters and can be taken with minnows & artificial lures or frayed nylon cord that entangles the gar’s teeth.

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.