Angler Art Weston Sets the Stage for Alligator Gar Fishing History

The fish that will be remembered for generations to come is the one Art Weston landed on April 8 in Lake Livingston, Texas. According to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the 153-pound alligator gar, measured at 7 feet 3 inches, holds the potential to break a world record for the largest freshwater fish caught on a 2-pound test line. While the catch is pending confirmation, Weston’s determination and skill in the face of an enormous fish is already making headlines.

“Sharing what was my most challenging catch of my life… We caught this 153 pound, 7 foot 3 inch Alligator Gar on just 2 pound test. It took nearly 4 hours to land, and we chased it for over 2 miles in Lake Livingston, Texas,”

Weston explained on Facebook, recounting the epic battle with his guide, Captain Kirk Kirkland. The duo utilized 6-foot steel leaders and J-hooks per IGFA rules, setting a feather-light reel drag to tire the fish without causing damage to the tackle. As Weston described, “You can’t rely on force with such fragile tackle.”

1. Weston and Kirkland set out to catch the massive gar, using a 2-pound test line and a 6-foot steel leader.
2. The team worked tirelessly for nearly 4 hours, covering over 2 miles of Lake Livingston, as the gar dove and rested on the lake bottom.
3. The line tangled, but Kirkland secured it with a rope, ensuring the fish was still alive when weighed and measured.
4. The catch weighed 153 pounds and measured 7 feet 3 inches, a testament to the alligator gar’s incredible strength and resilience.

The 153-Pound Alligator Gar Caught by Art Weston

Length (in)	7 feet 3 inches
Weight (lb)	153 pounds

The alligator gar, dubbed “living fossils,” has thrived for 100 million years, with fossils from the Cretaceous period. These air-breathing fish can survive hours out of water and live up to 100 years, making them a thrilling challenge for anglers. Weston, who holds every men’s line-class record for alligator gar, and Kirkland, with over 100 IGFA records, are experts in their field. Their catch-and-release ethos ensures the gars thrive.

Definition:

Alligator gar

A large freshwater fish with a toothy snout and armored scales, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet and weighing up to 300 pounds.

IGFA Record:

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) maintains a record book of the largest fish caught in various species and categories.

Line Test:

The strength and weight of fishing line, measured in pounds.

Men’s Line-Class Record:

A record for the largest fish caught on a specific type of fishing line, in this case, men’s line with a test weight of 2 pounds.

Catch-and-Release:

A fishing practice where the fish is released back into the water after being caught, to conserve and protect the species.

Highlights:

• Weston and Kirkland set a new record for the largest alligator gar caught on a 2-pound test line.
• The fish weighed 153 pounds and measured 7 feet 3 inches, a testament to its incredible strength and resilience.
• The duo used a catch-and-release approach, ensuring the gar was released back into the water alive and healthy.

The alligator gar, a fish that has survived for 100 million years, continues to captivate anglers with its impressive size and strength. Weston’s incredible catch has set the stage for a new generation of anglers to tackle this incredible fish. As the IGFA reviews the pending record, the fishing world awaits confirmation of this epic catch. Will Weston and Kirkland’s record-breaking catch stand the test of time? Only time will tell.