Crappie Pro Targets Giant Alligator Gar with Sonar

Kayle Ward, a distinguished crappie fishing guide and national champion, has embarked on an adventurous quest for colossal alligator gar in the waters of Oklahoma and North Texas. Utilizing advanced forward-facing sonar technology, Ward and his clients have successfully landed numerous gargantuan gar, many measuring over 7 feet and weighing more than 200 pounds. This pursuit, initially a recreational endeavor, has evolved into a popular guiding service, showcasing the incredible strength and size of these freshwater predators while prioritizing their safe release.

Crappie Champion's Shift to Giant Gar Fishing: A Detailed Look

For eight years, Kayle Ward has been a prominent crappie guide across southern Oklahoma and northern Texas, establishing a stellar reputation with his "Reelin' Them In Guide Service." His expertise culminated in a victory at the 2025 Crappie Masters National Championship on Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, last September. However, Ward's attention was soon captivated by a new challenge: the formidable alligator gar.

While crappie fishing on Lake Texoma, Ward's forward-facing sonar revealed the presence of immense alligator gar. This discovery ignited a passion to pursue these colossal fish. What began as an experimental pastime quickly gained traction among his clients and other anglers, eager to experience the thrill of battling these freshwater giants.

In recent months, the success of Ward's gar expeditions has been extraordinary. He has guided numerous anglers to catch and safely release many gar exceeding 6 feet in length. Notably, several catches have surpassed 7 feet, with one particularly massive specimen measuring an impressive 7 feet, 11 inches, boasting a 43-inch girth, and estimated to weigh approximately 230 pounds. This rivals the state record of 8 feet, 1 inch, and 256 pounds.

Ward attributes his consistent success to his extensive experience with forward-facing sonar (FFS) and superior boat control, skills honed during his crappie fishing career. Locating and tracking these powerful fish often involves a strategic chase across considerable distances to secure a snag hook.

The specialized tackle employed for these beasts includes heavy-duty 10/0 to 12/0 barbless hooks, 130-pound test braided line without a leader, and 4-ounce bank sinkers. His equipment is rounded out with 7-foot, 8-inch bait-casting rods paired with Garcia 4000 Ambassadeur reels. The battles with these fish are intense, with many gar stripping 200 to 300 yards of line, necessitating a vigorous pursuit by boat.

Despite their immense power, Ward notes that alligator gar are not aggressive once hooked. After a successful catch, a rope is gently secured behind their pectoral fins for quick photographs, often in shallow water, before the fish are released unharmed back into their habitat. A typical 5-hour trip often yields sightings of 3 to 10 gar, with most of the larger ones eventually hooked, though up to 40 percent may initially escape before being successfully landed.

Ward has observed that alligator gar exhibit predictable patterns. Once a population of large gar is found, more are usually nearby, particularly in areas rich with baitfish like carp and buffalo. He advises clients to work in pairs, each with a rod, to manage the immense strength of these fish more effectively, as overpowering them single-handedly can be nearly impossible. The longest recorded fight with a gar on his trips lasted an hour and forty minutes, a testament to their incredible endurance.

Ward has witnessed 130-pound braided lines snapping and 8/0 treble hooks straightening under the strain of fighting these powerful creatures. While one angler managed to land seven gar in a single day, most clients are exhausted after one or two large catches. Ward firmly believes that alligator gar are, without a doubt, the strongest freshwater fish he has ever encountered, surpassing even sturgeon in their sheer power.

Kayle Ward's journey from crappie champion to alligator gar specialist highlights the dynamic nature of angling and the continuous pursuit of new challenges. His story is a testament to the thrill of connecting with nature's giants and the evolving techniques used to respectfully engage with them. It inspires us to consider how our passion can lead to unexpected adventures and how technology, combined with traditional skill, can unlock new experiences in the natural world. Moreover, his commitment to the safe release of these magnificent creatures underscores the importance of conservation in sport fishing, reminding us that the pursuit of personal achievement can coexist harmoniously with environmental stewardship.