Looking to dip your toes into the world of fishing? Captain Milton's full-day charter on the Trinity River is tailor-made for newbies like you. No need to worry about feeling lost or overwhelmed - this trip is all about learning the ropes at your own pace. From figuring out how to cast to the thrill of setting your first hook, you'll get hands-on experience with a patient pro by your side. The best part? You might just land yourself a monster Alligator Gar while you're at it!
Picture this: you're cruising down the scenic Trinity River on a rock-solid jet boat, rod in hand, with Captain Milton showing you the ins and outs of freshwater fishing. No stuffy classroom here - you're learning right where the action happens. The captain's got all the gear you need, so don't sweat about bringing anything fancy. As you navigate the river's bends, you'll pick up tips on reading the water, choosing the right bait, and outsmarting those crafty Alligator Gar. It's a laid-back day of soaking up knowledge, enjoying the great outdoors, and hopefully reeling in some impressive catches. Remember, there's no such thing as a dumb question out here - Captain Milton's heard 'em all!
Alright, let's talk shop. On this trip, you'll be using some heavy-duty gear to tackle those big river fish. Captain Milton will set you up with sturdy rods and reels that can handle the fight of an Alligator Gar. You'll learn the art of casting - it's all in the wrist! - and how to work different lures to entice those fish. Expect to try out various techniques like bottom fishing with cut bait for Gar, or maybe some good old-fashioned bobber fishing if we're after other species. The jet boat allows us to access shallow spots where those big boys like to hide, so be ready to cast into some gnarly-looking snags and fallen trees. Don't worry if you get a few tangles at first - that's all part of the learning process, and the captain's got the patience of a saint when it comes to teaching newbies.
Let's talk about the star of the show - the Alligator Gar. These prehistoric-looking beasts are the stuff of fishing legend, and the Trinity River is prime territory for them. Alligator Gar can grow over 7 feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds, with a face full of razor-sharp teeth that'll make your jaw drop. They're ambush predators, often lurking in calm, weedy areas waiting for an easy meal. The best time to target these monsters is during the warmer months when they're most active. Landing one of these is like battling a submarine - it's an adrenaline rush you won't forget!
But the Trinity isn't just about Gar. You might also tangle with some hard-fighting Catfish, including Blue Cats that can tip the scales at over 50 pounds. These whisker-faced bottom feeders put up a great fight and are delicious to boot. Spring and fall are prime Catfish seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Then there's the Largemouth Bass - the all-American gamefish that's always ready to put on a show. These acrobatic fighters love to hang around structure and can be caught on a variety of lures. Bass fishing heats up in the spring and fall, but skilled anglers can catch them all year long.
The Trinity River is a hidden gem that keeps fishermen coming back for more. It's not just about the potential for trophy-sized catches - though that's certainly a big draw. The river's diverse ecosystem means you never know what might end up on the end of your line. One minute you're battling a prehistoric Gar, the next you're finessing a Bass out from under a log. It's this variety that makes every trip unique. Plus, the scenery ain't too shabby either. As you drift along, you'll spot all sorts of wildlife - from soaring eagles to sunbathing turtles. It's a full-on nature experience that just happens to include some world-class fishing.
So, you ready to get your feet wet? This full-day charter with Captain Milton is the perfect way to kick off your fishing journey. You'll walk away with new skills, great memories, and maybe even a few fish stories to tell. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or hoping to land that trophy Alligator Gar, this trip's got you covered. The Trinity River is calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Grab your spot now and get ready for a day of learning, laughing, and hopefully some serious catching. Who knows? You might just get hooked on fishing for life!
The Alligator Gar resembles its namesake, the alligator. With long bodies and a jawline full of sharp teeth, they look like the tenacious alligator but actually are fairly passive when it comes to humans. The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America and the largest in the gar family. Their prehistoric look gives them their accurate nickname ‘primitive fish,’ since they keep certain characteristics of their earliest ancestors.
The Alligator Gar is a ray-finned euryhaline fish that typically reaches around 4 - 6 feet in length and around 100 -160 pounds. They have elongated snouts with a lining of razor-sharp teeth. These fish are typically brown or olive-colored while fading to a gray or yellow on their stomach. Unlike other fish, Alligator Gar have rhomboid ganoid scales that resemble bones, kind of like dinosaurs. Ganoid scales are incredibly strong armor, giving them an advantage in their defense against predators.
The alligator gar has a similar digestive system to sharks, leveraging a spiral valve intestine, a more ancient fish characteristic before years of evolution.
Alligator Gar can breathe in water as well as above water, allowing them to prey on anything from small fish to even birds, small mammals, and reptiles above the water.
Over the years, the Alligator Gar’s habitat has diminished due to habitat destruction, segregation, and unrestricted harvests. Today, they primarily reside in the southern portions of the United States. They are typically found inshore of lakes, rivers, bayous, and backwaters in the states of Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. While there have been reports of Alligator Gar as far north as Nebraska, those are rare and have not been confirmed in quite some time.
Catching an Alligator Gar ain't easy. There are a variety of techniques and methods to catch one. Methods include legal bow fishing, rod-and-reel, and passive gear such as juglines, limblines, and trotlines. Bowfishing is regulated as a lethal method to catch these fish in most states, however, once a gar is shot with an arrow, it cannot be released.
Even though the Gar spawns in brackish waters in spring, the best time for hunting them is in late summer in hot and dry weather. They can be found in deep river bends adjacent to shallow pools.
The best bait to use is common carp, smallmouth buffalo, gizzard shad, and mullet and shiners. Rig them on a 5/0 to 6/0 treble hook tied 6 inches below a bright-colored 4-inch in diameter bobber.
It is illegal to keep an Alligator Gar.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150