Evaluation of Alligator Gar Hooking and Delayed Capture Mortality Using Juglines in the Red River, Arkansas
Hooking and delayed mortality rates are poorly documented for capture of alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) with standard sampling gears and fishing tackle. A recent study documented over 81% hooking mortality for alligator gar captured from Lake Texoma, Oklahoma, using overnight jugline sets with treble hooks. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission uses active-set juglines rigged with 3-prong treble hooks to conduct alligator gar population assessments. We evaluated hooking and delayed capture mortality of alligator gar by using juglines set with either treble or circle hooks....