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Caught a Spotted Gar Wade Fishing in Port
Spotted Gar Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX
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The Spotted Gar belongs to the order Lepisosteiformes and family Lepisosteidae. It typically measures between 15 and 59 inches in length, with a weight range from 4 to 6 lbs. Habitat: creeks, rivers, lakes, brackish water. - Spotted Gar have long streamlined bodies with distinctive spotted patterns. - Their hard, diamond-shaped scales provide excellent protection. - They possess prominent rows of sharp teeth for ambushing prey.
Fishing Charter & Guided Hunts by Captain Cory Russell in December
Meet your Captain Cory Russell
- Best Port Aransas Fishing Charter
Summary
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Monday November offers prime wade fishing adventures targeting spotted gar and other flats species in Port Aransas, TX. This 4-hour morning charter puts anglers right in the heart of shallow water action, working the productive flats using sight fishing techniques and artificial lures. Port Aransas offers some of the most consistent wade fishing opportunities on the Texas coast, with crystal-clear shallows perfect for spotting cruising fish. Whether you're new to wade fishing or looking to dial in your sight fishing skills, these productive flats deliver exciting encounters with spotted gar, redfish, speckled trout, and southern flounder. The morning bite provides ideal conditions for wading the flats and testing your skills against some of the most sought-after species along the Texas coast.
Fishing Charter with Captain Cory Russell – Rates & Booking
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Monday November offers this 4 Hour Wade Fishing Trip in Port Aransas Morning for up to 2 guests. This wade fishing charter focuses on the productive flats around Port Aransas, where sight fishing and artificial lure techniques produce consistent action. Your licensed guide provides local expertise and knows exactly where to find spotted gar, redfish, speckled trout, and southern flounder in the shallows. Rod rentals available for additional fee, and waders can be rented locally. A 20% cash tip is appreciated after each trip. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience the thrill of wade fishing the Texas coast.
Highlights of 4 Hour Wade Fishing Trip in Port Aransas Morning
This wade fishing adventure puts you directly in prime flats fishing territory, working the shallow waters where spotted gar and other species cruise the grass beds. The morning timing takes advantage of cooler temperatures and active fish, while the 4-hour duration provides ample time to cover productive water. Captain Cory's expertise in sight fishing techniques helps anglers spot fish before making precise casts with artificial lures.
Port Aransas flats offer exceptional wade fishing opportunities, with clear water and varied structure that holds multiple species. The combination of sight fishing and artificial lure fishing creates an engaging experience that challenges anglers to read the water and make strategic presentations. Whether targeting the distinctive spotted gar or working for redfish and trout, these flats provide consistent action throughout the morning hours.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Gar
Spotted gar thrive in the brackish waters and shallow flats around Port Aransas, where their prehistoric appearance and aggressive strikes make them a unique target species. These fish prefer areas with vegetation and structure, using their long snouts and rows of sharp teeth to ambush prey in the shallows. November conditions often find spotted gar active in the warming sun, making them excellent targets for sight fishing with artificial lures. Their distinctive spotted pattern and elongated body make them easy to identify when cruising the flats, and their powerful runs provide exciting fights on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your wade fishing adventure begins with a morning departure, taking advantage of optimal conditions and active fish. Captain Cory provides local knowledge of the most productive flats and current fishing patterns, while rod rentals are available for those who prefer not to travel with gear. The 2-guest capacity ensures personalized attention and plenty of room to work the flats effectively. Bring your own waders or arrange local rentals, and prepare for an engaging day of sight fishing in some of Texas' most productive shallow water.
Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX: Spotted Gar
The Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) belongs to the ancient order Lepisosteiformes and family Lepisosteidae, representing one of North America's most distinctive freshwater and brackish water species. With its long streamlined body, elongated snout, and prominent rows of sharp teeth, this prehistoric-looking fish creates an intimidating yet fascinating sight for anglers. In Port Aransas waters this November, spotted gar frequent the shallow flats and brackish areas where their unique hunting style makes them exciting targets for wade fishing enthusiasts.
Spotted Gar Overview
Spotted gar are easily recognized by their torpedo-shaped bodies covered in distinctive dark spots, olive to brownish coloration on top that lightens toward the belly, and their characteristic long snout filled with needle-sharp teeth. These ancient fish have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, making them living fossils that provide anglers with a unique fishing experience. They're perfectly adapted for life in shallow, vegetated waters where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes.
Spotted Gar Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in creeks, rivers, lakes, and brackish water environments throughout the southeastern United States. Around Port Aransas, they inhabit the shallow flats, grass beds, and brackish areas where fresh and salt water mix. They prefer areas with vegetation and structure that provide cover for ambushing prey, often found in water depths ranging from just inches to several feet deep.
Spotted Gar Size and Weight
Spotted gar typically range from 15 to 59 inches in length, with most fish weighing between 4 to 6 pounds. Larger specimens can exceed these averages, particularly in productive waters with abundant forage. Their elongated body shape makes them appear larger than their actual weight, and their powerful build allows them to generate surprising strength during fights.
Spotted Gar Diet and Behavior
These ambush predators feed primarily on smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, using their long snouts and sharp teeth to capture prey with quick sideways strikes. They often remain motionless near vegetation or structure, waiting for unsuspecting prey to venture within striking distance. Spotted gar are most active during warmer parts of the day and can often be seen cruising just below the surface or basking in shallow water.
Spotted Gar Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in spring and early summer when water temperatures warm, with fish moving into shallow, vegetated areas to deposit eggs. During this period, they may be found in even shallower water than usual, making them excellent targets for sight fishing. Their spawning behavior often brings them into prime wade fishing areas where anglers can spot them more easily.
Spotted Gar Fishing Techniques
Successful spotted gar fishing requires patience and precise presentations, as these fish can be selective about lure placement and timing. Artificial lures such as small spoons, spinners, and soft plastics work well when presented near structure or vegetation. Sight fishing is particularly effective, allowing anglers to spot cruising fish and make accurate casts. In November around Port Aransas, anglers find them near grass beds and shallow flats where they're actively hunting in the warming sun.
Spotted Gar Is It Good to Eat?
While spotted gar are edible, they require special preparation due to their hard scales and bony structure. The meat is white and flaky when properly prepared, though many anglers practice catch and release with these unique fish. They're more valued for their sporting qualities and their role in the ecosystem than as table fare, making them excellent targets for conservation-minded anglers.
Spotted Gar Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for spotted gar?
A: Small artificial lures like spoons, spinners, and soft plastics work best. Live bait such as small fish can also be effective, but artificial lures allow for better control when sight fishing.
Q: Where can I find spotted gar near Port Aransas?
A: Look for them in shallow flats, grass beds, and brackish areas where they ambush prey. They prefer areas with vegetation and structure, often in water just a few feet deep.
Q: Is spotted gar good to eat?
A: While edible, they require special preparation due to hard scales and bones. Many anglers practice catch and release to preserve these unique fish for future generations.
Q: When is the best time to catch spotted gar?
A: Warmer parts of the day are most productive, especially when they're basking in shallow water or actively hunting. Morning and afternoon hours often provide the best sight fishing opportunities.
More species you can explore on this trip
Russell & Sons Outdoors Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for an awesome wade fishing adventure in Port Aransas? Capt. Cory knows all the sweet spots where trophy redfish, sea trout, and southern flounder hang out. You'll be wading through shallow waters, casting your line, and feeling the rush when you get a bite. Whether you're a pro angler or just starting out, this trip is perfect for honing your skills. Don't forget to bring your waders, or you can rent some in town. We've got rods available too if you need them. After 4 hours of fishing the flats, you'll be hooked on this unique way to experience the Texas coast. Remember to bring some cash for the customary 20% tip at the end of your trip. Get ready to make some waves and catch some memories in Port Aransas!
