Gargantuan Prehistoric Fish Captured in Texas [See Photo]

A monstrous alligator gar was captured in Texas. It was very huge and was even bigger than the angler.

Gargantuan Alligator Gar Captured in Texas

A Texas angler recently received recognition for successfully landing and releasing a massive fish from the state's most popular alligator gar sportfishing location. On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) revealed that John Harrington used a rod and reel to catch a "GAR-gantuan" alligator gar from the Trinity River on July 18. The state organization posted on Facebook that "the gar was released to swim another day."

TPWD uploaded a snap of Harrington alongside his catch. In the snap, Harrington holds the enormous prehistoric river fish.

In the caption, the agency noted that the gar seemed to be smiling. The "incredible catch" earned Harrington the Outstanding Angler Award, which is given out for a catch that does not satisfy the criteria for other award categories but still merits attention, per the TPWD.

Longnose or spotted gar are the most prevalent types of alligator gar in Texas, home to the largest and longest-living freshwater species. One of the most well-liked locations worldwide to catch a prize alligator gar is the Trinity River.

The annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process began on Sept. 1. Anglers can take one alligator gar over 48 inches from a portion of the Trinity River thanks to a random drawing.

Tim Birdsong, acting TPWD director of inland fisheries, stated in a news release that alligator gar fishing on the Trinity River is a sport that is well-known throughout the world and should be on every angler's bucket list.

With the help of their drawing mechanism, they can provide 150 anglers the chance to catch a once-in-a-lifetime fish while also achieving their resource management objective of preserving this unique resource for present and future anglers.

What Is an Alligator Gar?

Alligator gars can grow so big. According to ancient accounts, it can get up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds. As a result, it is the biggest species of fish in North America that mostly inhabits freshwater.

Their distinctiveness goes beyond their appearance.

Few other fish that inhabit our rivers, reservoirs, and estuaries are like alligator gar. They are distinct among the four gar species in Texas because they have longnose, spotted, shortnose, and alligator gar.

Despite having little resemblance to alligators, it's understandable how the name of this enormous fish came about, given its wide, crocodilian head and razor-sharp teeth. The largest of the seven gar species currently recognized, this megafish has a torpedo-shaped body with an olive-brown color and is covered in gleaming scales.

Last year, a 7-foot alligator gar that weighed 162 pounds was captured in Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The record-breaking catch happened just days after Thanksgiving.

Keith Dees and his son, Huntley, made fishing a tradition on holidays. The official website of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) said the catch broke the state record in Alabama. The father and son duo said they never expected to break a record but considered it a day they would never forget.

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