Hey joerogrz~I've caught plenty of gar up here in Canada, longnose and spotted~they're a blast! No criticism to those who have suggested it, but I wouldn't bother with those rope-style flies~stick with standard streamers and keep your hooks REALLY SHARP! I carry 2 hook hones with me at all times when gar fishing, if I get a hit...or if the fly touches bottom, I inspect the point and touch-up as necessary. One thing that CAN put the odds in your favor is using one of these; http://www.northlandtackle.com/Categ...cat=200&pc=310 You simply push the point of your hook through the rubberized loop and "VOILA", instant stinger. Gar are not leader shy, so no need to go too light on that either. Where I fish, no leader is too heavy. =) Ability to set the hook HARD matters, so light rods (while good for the other fish in there) are not well-suited to gar. I've used everything from 6wts. up to 9wts., and use a 9wt. mostly now. The 6 can fight them well enough, the 9s allow you to land more.