Thread: I found an Albino/Gold Gar Today. Is It Valuable?

I was out on Logan Martin today and seen a big gold carp! Never seen one before, looked like a giant goldfish!

I have always wondered what happens to all the goldfish that are sold for bait around the lakes that are popular for stripe fishing. Something to think about! I know that they are bullet proof because I have released them for serving their time after catching a 10 lb stripe that tried to eat them. They always swam off too! At least the ones that didn't get shaken off the hook during the fight. It's not exactly a sure bet that I'll see 'em after the fight though.

was about 18 inches long and fat

Originally Posted by sjprkr1

Thanks for the pictures Energy. I'm 100% sure the gar that I found is similar to those. It wasn't as orange colored as the one in the tape measure picture, but the water was somewhat stained so the color wouldn't have been as vibrant. Hope to have number 3 for you by Sunday!

P.S. This may be a stupid question but if two of these fish with 1/10,000 gene breed does that increase the odds of some uniquely colored offspring?

I hope Sunday is a lucky fishing day-that would be Awesome if you caught it! If the Gold Gars bred there would be a greater chance of the offspring carrying that Gene- The problem is they have never bred outside of their natural Habitat. Their is an artificial way to get them to spawn but it involves killing them and harvesting the eggs-which is something I am not willing to do.

BTW if you ever come across a True Albino Gar -This would be a Totally White Gar with Red Eyes- It would be extremely valuable as one has never been found!

I made it down today and found the fish again! I had five great chances with a cast net and it was a split second quicker than I was every time. I never thought it would still be there. It finally vanished in the weeds and never reappeared. I figure if it's been there for a month it's not going too far. I'm really good with a cast net by the way. The gar just had an extra instinct it seemed like. Maybe from being born without camouflage? I'm not giving up and did manage a picture between attempts. Not a good one but it will have to do. If you're wondering why the picture looks a little distorted, my hand was trembling really bad from the adrenaline rush I got from seeing such a valuable critter.

Originally Posted by usafret99

was about 18 inches long and fat

Wow. That does look kind of a like a big goldfish/koi. I think you may have found an extremely rare carp! I'm far from an expert but that has the same structure as every carp that I've seen.

Wow! That is so cool that it was still in the same area. They will go to the bottom and stay there when they are being hunted but they have to come up for air about every 30 minutes. They are very wary once they know they are being stalked. Patience and a little luck. Bring a cooler or something to keep it in once you catch it and keep it covered as they jump.