Angler, fishing guide recount epic battle with pending world record alligator gar, expert says fish may be 80-100 years old
Art Weston of Union, Kentucky with the 283 pound alligator gar he caught and released on September 2 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. For comparison, Weston stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. Pending certification by the International Game Fish Association, the magnificent fish should eclipse the IGFA All-Tackle world record of 279 pounds that has stood for nearly 72 years. COURTESY PHOTOS
Weston was able to weigh the fish at lakeside using a portable certified scale that sets up on a tripod. The quick process helped ensure the live release an ancient fish that experts believe to be 80-100 years old.
The Sam Rayburn alligator gar measured an incredible four feet in diameter around its girth.
Art Weston of Union, Kentucky has tangled with plenty of trophy class alligator gar over the years, but none to compare with the piscatorial titan that came calling about mid-morning on September 2 as he and Kirk Kirkland waited patiently for some action at the upper reaches of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Weston, 52, is an adrenaline junkie and record chaser who lives for the big bite. He ...
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