Dialling into longnose gar

Perhaps Ontario’s most mysterious and under-appreciated sportfish, longnose gar swim en masse in almost every major sport fishery across the southern half of the province. I have encountered gar from the marshes and bays of Lake Erie to the fast flows of the Niagara River, to eastern Lake Ontario’s Bay of Quinte, the Ottawa River and farther north to Lake Nipissing and Georgian Bay. Longnose gar can often be found a few inches below the surface, testing the patience of anglers who try to hook them. Not to be mistaken for the alligator gar of the southern US, or the endangered spotted gar, which also calls Ontario home, adult longnose range in size from 24 to 55 inches and feed almost exclusively on fish. Although widespread, longnose gar have long carried a reputation as a “trash fish.” In reality, they are the best-kept secret of many guides and experienced anglers who can count on these swimming dinosaurs when other species aren’t cooperating. Why gar? Andrew Walker of Cast and Conquer Fishing Adventures is one of the guides who has truly dialled in gar, making them a big part of his guiding repertoire on the Ottawa River both spring and fall. Walker loves chasing gar because sight fishing adds an extra layer of challenge and reward. “Making my way through the shallow reeds and lilies to pick them out laying there just under the surface is the ultimate for me,” he said. “Followed by having to make the perfect cast with spinning gear and a piece of wet nylon rope...it’s just so cool.” Walker loves gar for their size — often more than 40 inches — and because they provide a reliable target when few other species are open or actively feeding. Midday, sunny conditions are prime for spotting and triggering gar. The species is often overlooked on Lake Erie’s Long Point Bay, Averie Bonin said. “Once you actually target them, you realize how cool and challenging they are — one of the most rewarding species for me.” Patience is key, Bonin added. “It can be frustrating when you see so many, and struggle to accurately cast to them.” How to find ‘em Ottawa River guide Darien Savage of Savage Fishing Guide Service, believes some of the best fishing happens in spring, when gar are drawn to fast-warming shallow back bays. He stressed the importance of having quality polarized sunglasses. Late-season