I would use a stout rod with 20-30lb test and a real strong leader.
Their teeth will shred line. I was targeting bass when I hooked up with a gar. Landed the gar, the next one cut the line. I switched up to 15lb braided and have landed more gar since. I have landed them on breaded and fried shrimp, raw shrimp, hamburgers and hot dogs. Leave the bail open and let 'em run a bit.
