amascuba:
Seems kind of cruel to me....
Why I Don't Dive Oklahoma Lakes
- Thread starter DandyDon
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Seems kind of cruel to me....
deepwaterferret
Guest
I've seen a few gar while diving in Lake Traivs, but not quite that big. Aquarena Springs has them, too.
Mambo Dave
Contributor
I had NO idea any gar got that big. Do they pose a threat to humans?
deepwaterferret
Guest
Yes, they can hurt you if provoked. The small ones are shy. But I don't think they prey on humans, not even the big ones. I don't think their jaws open wide enough to use humans as a food source. But they can bite.
If I saw one that big underwater, I would probably scream into my regulator. As long as I did not spit it out, I suppose I would not drown.
If I saw one that big underwater, I would probably scream into my regulator. As long as I did not spit it out, I suppose I would not drown.
deepwaterferret
Guest
If you do some quick internet research, you'll read of isolated incidents of alligator gar biting a human. Usually it is a foot or hand dangling over a boat. This can cause a bad laceration or puncture wound, but they let go of the human appendage and don't try to carry on with the attack. Bites are probably incidents in which the gar mistook your hand or foot for a small fish. I think it is unlikey a gar would attack a diver unless in very brackish water and they had a hand dangling for the gar to mistake for prey.
They can get up to ten foot long!
They can get up to ten foot long!
Mambo Dave
Contributor
I did an internet search right after asking - shoulda done it before asking, but hey, I don't always think straight at 3 AM in the morning... Thanks for the reply, DWF!
They reach into southern Ohio, and that's why I've never seen them. I've fished northern OH/PA straight down to here in FL, but never the Mississippi or directly off of it. Sure, when fishing the Ohio river in PA we'd catch some interesting fish, but never anything like that. Supposed to be some monster cats in the Ohio at the dams though.
The sites I visited stated that while they were a bear to clean, they were actually good eating (though by whose standards I have not a clue).
So now I have a reason to visit over there - fishing tourism at its finest.
They reach into southern Ohio, and that's why I've never seen them. I've fished northern OH/PA straight down to here in FL, but never the Mississippi or directly off of it. Sure, when fishing the Ohio river in PA we'd catch some interesting fish, but never anything like that. Supposed to be some monster cats in the Ohio at the dams though.
The sites I visited stated that while they were a bear to clean, they were actually good eating (though by whose standards I have not a clue).
So now I have a reason to visit over there - fishing tourism at its finest.
putawaywet
Registered
True it's a Texas gar but if you think OK. aint' got em' then you are sadly mistaken.
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