Just an FYI, trying to help get the word out.

http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20150512a

Short---the Trinity from just south of Dallas down to Crockett has been temporarily closed to alligator gar fishing. Conditions are right for spawning.

Good move by TPWD. I expect it won't be long before we see significant changes in how the gar fishery is managed. The daily limit is a start but likely not enough to protect the species and hopefully a maximum size is implemented. I'm no sap but I hate seeing the giants killed by bowfisherman just for bragging rights.

From the Media Release:

"Typically, alligator gar do not spawn every year. Research data indicate alligator gar in Texas have the greatest chance at spawning successfully if the creation of preferred spawning habitat (the seasonal inundation of low-lying areas of vegetation) occurs in late spring through early summer. Because the conditions for spawning do not exist on a regular basis, and because spawning occurs in shallow waters where numerous gar can be concentrated in one area, alligator gar are extremely vulnerable to harvest during spawning."

Dumb question. What are these fish good for?

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Dumb question. What are these fish good for?

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Balls

Good fight, taste great. They are difficult to clean, tho.

Being part of nature. Obviously Mother Nature had a reason for them or they wouldn't have come about or stayed around. Ok a firm believer everything has a purpose (cue the Circle of Life song).

FWIW, this was not to flame you. There are many people who kill these animals just because. Again, not saying you do.

They taste great, really

For those who have not tried them.....they are surprisingly good tasting. Do NOT let preconceived ideas or their ugly exterior dissuade you ! They are, however, pretty dang tough to clean!

Very true. Some of the best fish I have ever eaten was gar out of an irrigation ditch.

Some "how to" info......

How to clean and how to cook

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Dumb question. What are these fish good for?

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Bowfishing

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Dumb question. What are these fish good for?

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"The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, "What good is it?"
-Aldo Leopold

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Being part of nature. Obviously Mother Nature had a reason for them or they wouldn't have come about or stayed around. Ok a firm believer everything has a purpose (cue the Circle of Life song).

FWIW, this was not to flame you. There are many people who kill these animals just because. Again, not saying you do.

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Yea I guess my question mainly was pertaining to that "purpose" in habitats. I've never fished them or ate them. I know many people catch and throw them away which I know is wrong but I guess I'm looking for the reason it's wrong.

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Dumb question. What are these fish good for?

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If you have ever seen gar spawning, the females lay a lot of eggs which feed small catfish, drum, etc.

Let's see you defend Mosquitos and Fire ants...

Mosquito larvae are a critical component of the aquatic food chain. They are related to the sustainability of fish populations.

Ants are soil builders and they control other pests like ticks.

We have a creek that is used for spawning off the Brazos. Amazing to see these giants swim up the creek. Some are bigger than I am.

^ I still hate em both

Hairy arm pitted, snaggle toothed hippy chicks

Well after further research I now know how to clean a gar thanks to this video. I only had to watch it 10 times.