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Caught a 24inch Longnose Gar Inshore in Weeki
Longnose Gar Fishing in Weeki Wachee
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The Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) is a prehistoric-looking fish that's remained largely unchanged for millions of years. Found in the warm waters around Weeki Wachee, these remarkable predators are recognizable by their long, narrow snouts filled with needle-like teeth and armor-like scales. - Can reach lengths of up to 72 inches, though specimens of 24-40 inches are more common in inshore waters. - Adaptable to both fresh and brackish water environments. - Known for spectacular aerial jumps when hooked, providing exciting action for anglers.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Sunday July fishing in Weeki Wachee delivered exciting action with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters. Our 6-hour guided inshore trip from Bayport Park Boat Ramp resulted in this impressive 24-inch Longnose Gar, showcasing the productive summer bite in this area of Florida's coast. We used a mix of techniques including jigging and live bait fishing, adapting to the conditions for success. Whether you're targeting prehistoric-looking gar or other inshore species, Captain Tim Stout provides all the necessary gear and local knowledge for a productive day on the water. Our fishing charters are perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to experience the best of Weeki Wachee's diverse fishery.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Sunday July offers 6-hour guided fishing trips in Weeki Wachee, Florida. This inshore charter departs from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, providing everything you need for a successful day targeting species like Longnose Gar, Redfish, Spotted Gar, and Spanish Mackerel. All fishing gear, tackle, and licenses are included, so you can focus entirely on the fishing experience. Captain Tim's local knowledge ensures you'll be on productive spots throughout your trip.
This 6-hour charter accommodates up to 2 guests and is suitable for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to catch your first Longnose Gar or you're an experienced angler seeking inshore action, this trip delivers the perfect balance of instruction and opportunity. The boat is well-equipped with quality gear specifically chosen for the target species and conditions.
Highlights of Inshore Fishing Charter Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum
This 6-hour inshore charter provides excellent opportunities to target multiple species in the productive waters around Weeki Wachee. Using a variety of techniques including live bait fishing, sight fishing, and topwater presentations, you'll have the chance to hook into hard-fighting fish like Longnose Gar, which provide exciting action when they strike. The clear waters in this area create perfect conditions for spotting fish, adding a visual element to your fishing adventure.
The Bayport area offers diverse fishing environments, from shallow flats to deeper channels, allowing for multiple approaches depending on conditions and target species. Summer fishing in this region is particularly productive, with gar, redfish, and other species actively feeding in the warmer waters. Captain Tim's expertise ensures you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times for maximum success.
Local Species Insights: Longnose Gar
Longnose Gar are prehistoric-looking fish that thrive in the inshore waters around Weeki Wachee. These predators are recognizable by their long, narrow snouts filled with sharp teeth, making them both fascinating and challenging to catch. They prefer warm, shallow waters where they can ambush prey, making summer an ideal time to target them in Florida.
When fishing for Longnose Gar, jigging techniques have proven particularly effective, as demonstrated by our successful catch. These fish often lurk near structure or in areas with moderate current, where they can conserve energy while waiting for food to pass by. Their tough, armored scales and bony mouths make hook-sets challenging, requiring proper technique and patience.
Weeki Wachee's mix of fresh and saltwater habitats creates perfect conditions for Longnose Gar, which can adapt to various water salinities. The warmer summer months typically see increased activity as these fish become more aggressive in their feeding patterns. When hooked, they put up a spirited fight, often making spectacular jumps and powerful runs that make landing them a memorable experience.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour fishing charter with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters includes a well-equipped boat suitable for inshore waters, all necessary fishing gear, and expert guidance from Captain Tim Stout. The charter typically begins early in the morning to take advantage of prime feeding times, though specific departure times can be adjusted based on conditions and seasonal patterns.
While all fishing equipment is provided, you should bring personal items such as sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the trip. A camera is also recommended to document your catches, including any impressive Longnose Gar you might land during your outing. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests, making this an ideal experience for solo anglers, pairs, or small groups looking for personalized attention and quality fishing time.
Fishing in Homosassa: Longnose Gar
The Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) belongs to the Lepisosteidae family and Lepisosteiformes order. These prehistoric-looking fish are instantly recognizable by their elongated, needle-like snouts filled with sharp teeth and their armored, diamond-shaped scales. In Weeki Wachee waters this July, anglers specifically target these living fossils for their sporting qualities and the unique challenge they present.
Longnose Gar Overview
The Longnose Gar is an ancient species that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. Often referred to as the common gar, these predatory fish are sought after by anglers looking for something different from typical gamefish. Their prehistoric appearance and fighting ability make them a fascinating catch in Florida's diverse fishery.
Longnose Gar Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in various environments including rivers, lakes, marshes, and brackish nearshore waters. Around Weeki Wachee, they're commonly found in slower-moving sections of rivers, backwaters, and areas with submerged vegetation or structure where they can ambush prey. They prefer clear to moderately stained water and are tolerant of varying salinities, making Florida's diverse waterways ideal habitat.
Longnose Gar Size and Weight
While Longnose Gar can reach impressive sizes of up to 72 inches and weights between 30-55 pounds, most specimens caught in the Weeki Wachee area typically measure between 28-40 inches. The 24-inch specimen featured represents a younger fish, as these long-lived creatures can grow much larger with age.
Longnose Gar Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators primarily feed on smaller fish, using their long snouts to slash sideways through schools of baitfish before turning to consume their stunned prey. They're most active during warmer months, often seen cruising near the surface where their elongated bodies resemble floating sticks. Gar are known for their patience, sometimes remaining motionless for extended periods before striking with surprising speed.
Longnose Gar Spawning Season
In Florida waters, Longnose Gar typically spawn from April through June when water temperatures reach the mid-60s. During this time, they move into shallow, vegetated areas where females release adhesive eggs that attach to plants and other structures. Males may follow females in groups, with spawning activities often occurring during daylight hours in clear, shallow water.
Longnose Gar Fishing Techniques
Jigging with artificial lures works effectively for Longnose Gar, as demonstrated by our Weeki Wachee catch. Rope lures—frayed nylon ropes that tangle in the gar's teeth—are a specialized tackle option that many gar enthusiasts prefer. Live bait such as small fish or large minnows suspended under a float is another productive approach. In July around Weeki Wachee, focus on shallow flats during morning hours when gar often cruise near the surface in search of food.
Longnose Gar Is It Good to Eat?
While not typically considered a prime food fish due to their bony nature and tough, armor-like scales, Longnose Gar do have edible white meat. Some anglers enjoy them smoked or fried, though cleaning requires special techniques to deal with the tough scales. They're relatively low in fat and offer a mild flavor, but most catches are released due to the difficulty in preparation and higher value as a sporting fish.
Longnose Gar Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Longnose Gar?
A: Live minnows, small sunfish, or specialized rope lures work best for Longnose Gar. When using live bait, fish it near the surface under a float. Artificial options include frayed nylon rope lures that tangle in their teeth or flashy spoons that trigger their predatory instinct.
Q: Where can I find Longnose Gar near Weeki Wachee?
A: Look for Longnose Gar in the Weeki Wachee River, Bayport area, and nearby backwaters with submerged vegetation. During summer months, they're often spotted cruising near the surface in areas with moderate current and structure.
Q: Is Longnose Gar good to eat?
A: While edible, Longnose Gar are challenging to clean due to their armored scales. The white meat can be tasty when properly prepared, but most anglers practice catch and release due to the difficulty in cleaning and better-tasting alternatives.
Q: When is the best time to catch Longnose Gar?
A: The warmer months from May through October offer the best opportunities for Longnose Gar in Weeki Wachee. They're most active during morning and evening hours when water temperatures are warm, making summer an ideal season to target them.
