Happened to see the end of it earlier as they were bow fishing for big alligator gar... he shot about a 7 footer. And then made this big speech about catch and release and how good it feels to let a trophy go, as he released the fish.

The only problem is that he shot it, right through the mid section and low (the gut area). And then cut out the arrow (off camera, the guide asks for a knife to cut out the arrow) because it wasn't a pass through where you can reverse the barb.

I don't have a problem with bow fishing, if they take, keep, use or give away the fish- but I have a big issue with people shooting fish and "releasing" them for turtle food. What a disgraceful waste of a big, old fish.

So the fish swam away... and lived long enough to get off camera... they said it was "fine." >

Alligator Gar are some of the coolest sportfish in the US ! Not saying I'd completely trade Bass for Gar... but put it this way,  if I could choose between fishing for Bass, or Alligator Gar 'today', I'd choose Gar.

Of course I'd choose either over "work" ;-)

But Yes Flech, I feel the same about Bowhunting for Carp :-( I mean, why ? ....when they are such awesome fighters on a fishing rod ?

Hmmmm,

Fish

i'm with you, i don't mind bow fishing at all as long as they keep the fish and don't let it go to waste. it seems ridiculous to release a fish you just shot with an arrow.

I was surprised that they didn't at least edit it better.  

Chris- carp on the fly!!  What a challenge- like freshwater bonefish.  ....lol

Funny timing, I missed about a 3 foot gar this morning on my flyrod......  just couldn't get turned around and to him fast enough.  I thought for sure I'd get him but making a 90 degree turn with 60' of line out is tough with a 2nd fly fisherman in the boat.  ...lol

I have seen a lot of big gar with holes in them left on the banks of the Alabama river. Some people are very careless.

That guy....  eh ...i don't like that guy.

Bill Dance had a show on recently where he and Johnny Morris went Alligator Gar fishing on the Trinity.  They released all in good condition except one brute JM caught which was going to go to the BPS aquarium.

All caught on rod and reel.  Scary big fish.