Choosing the best bait for alligator gar and when to use it is key to a successful gar fishing trip. Our top choice for alligator gar are, common carp, gizzard shad, and mullet. Now when is the best time to use each bait? That all depends where you are fishing ,type of water, ether brackish , river ,or lakes. You will want to use the one that is present where your fishing and you know the fish are feeding on them. For example mullet will not do as good way up river where there is not any mullet as to using it where there are. Gizzard shad and carp work better in river and lakes. I like to use carp for river fishing due to the weight of the bait and it holds on the bottom better then a lighter piece of bait like shad. When fishing in a lake ether on the bottom or with a float I would choose whole shad. If you have any questions or suggestions on a topic just comment below. For proven gar fishing gear click here.