There is spotted gar in my lake, they arent very big but will they affect the bass population?

Question

They are not alligator gar, these are probably about 12 inches to 16 inches skinny spotted gar. I know bass are predators but would the gar mess with their population?

Answer 1

It is possible that the gar might go after baby bass, but for the most part I see them trying to catch bugs on the surface. In many lakes gar and bass live togather in relative harmony. Overall, bass and gar have separate food sources, so your bass population shouldn't be jeopardized.

Answer 2

WHOA THERE, FELLER!!!

That spotted fish you saw is not a GAR!!

The fish you are describing sounds like an adult

CHAIN PICKEREL,  

and they are about as related to the gar, as they are to muskellunge's, and northern pike, and the tiger musky.

They have a longer, more slender snout, like a gar, but they generally only grow to the size that you just described.

They may hit on a tiny streamer, or anything that may "match the hatch" in your locale.

And they may be on the endangered species list in your area/state as well. Catch one, take a photo, release it, identify your fish @ the Fish & Wildlife Office, just to make sure that you're not about to be doing something illegal.

There is an area within the Lasalle FW & Migratory Bird Refuge, on the Kankakee river, in Indiana that has some of these fish within it's confines, ( I won't tell you the exact spot because it's near where I have caught some lunker bass).

They are neat to see in the shallows, & I have only seen them there towards late summer. It might be that they were on the spawn.

Goodluck & Good fishing

Answer 3

Spotted gar grow to considerable sizes.  They are known to eat bass, and are oportunistic.  They will eat whatever they can catch or find. Not to worry though, spotted gar as with other species of gar are known to co-exist with bass. They are also lots of fun to catch.  Take some cut-bait like a minnow or shiner, and attach it to a bobber.  Wait for the bobber to go under, and set the spool free.  Watch as the gar runs for a distance and stops(to eat the bait).  Wait until the fish begins to move again before setting the hook.  They have long jaws, so it takes awhile for them to work the bait into their mouth.  I usually sit the pole down after a strike and smoke a cigarette, then set the hook.  They will put up a good fight(especially the big ones) so hang on and have fun!

Answer 4

Any NON-Native fish, risks a whole community of fish within a lake. Not because of Dog eat Dog reasons, but because of diseases.

As far as Dog eat Dog easons, The gar are just as much as a preditor as the bass are. Your saying "your" lake. If your lake isnt that big, the bass will try to eliminate the other species within their territory, Gar may eat fish but arent bugs their main food source?

Its up in the air who will win that fight. :p if its only one gar, I wouldnt worry too much...

Answer 5

No, they usually won't affect the bass population, but they aren't really good for too much. I have a lot of friends that bow fish for alligator gar, but 12-16 inches isn't big enough to try that with..