I've fished for gator gar in the navasota river (a little to the west of the trinity). I've had a 5-6 footer hooked, but about 35 lbs is the best I've caught. We used live male bluegill on 80 lb braid/steel leadeds and bass gear. Probably would have ruined a reel on a good fish. Was fun though.
I've kayaked directly over a gar that was about 7 ft long on the colorado. I got about 3 ft over the top over him (about 3 ft over him) before I realized it wasn't a stump (fairly clear water that day). I know the approximate length and size because he seemed as long as my kayak and just as wide. I about pooped my britches when I saw what it was (middle of winter and was afraid I was going to spook it and have it turn me over).
