JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

HELP
ATTENTION ANGLERS:
PROTECT
TENNESSEE’S
LARGEST GAR
Alligator gar are being restored in West
Tennessee to improve fish diversity.
West Tennessee is home to four
species of gar: alligator,
spotted, shortnose, and
longnose gar. Alligator
gar are a protected
species in Tennessee.
If you catch an alligator
gar it must be released
immediately.
HOW CAN YOU HELP PROTECT ALLIGATOR GAR?
1. KNOW YOUR GAR! All four species of gar are similar in appearance, especially the alligator gar and shortnose gar. Learn how
to distinguish the four species from one another (see diagram below).
2. Report sightings of alligator gar to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, to help us restore a lost fishery.
3. Release alive any alligator gar you catch.
Note: color can vary among individuals within each species.
AlligAtor gAr
(max. wEighT 300 lbs., lEngTh uP TO 10 fT.)
ShortnoSe gAr
(max. wEighT 5 lbs., lEngTh uP TO 32 in.)
longnoSe gAr
(max. wEighT 50 lbs., lEngTh uP TO 78 in., Tn RECORd is 38 lbs.)
Spotted gAr
(max. wEighT 12 lbs, lEngTh uP TO 44 in.)
Spotted body
no SpotS
no SpotS
no or few SpotS
Snout Short and wide
Snout Short and narrow
Long SLender Snout
Spotted head
For more information or to report sightings of alligator gar contact TWRA at 731.423.5725 or write to 200 Lowell Thomas Dr. Jackson TN 38301
12 2008 Fishing Guide