Serious gar fishermen will find a source for the excess fish they kill during a day’s time — and not just dump them in a trash bin at the launch ramp.
“They are considered a trash fish, which is why they are legal to be taken with a bow, too,” Mark Beason said. “They can overcrowd and dominate a fishery unless somebody thins them out. Still, I hate to see any of them wasted.
“They can be a booger to clean, but it is worth it on a longnose because you can get some pretty, white meat. It is best fresh, and you can get a lot of meat off one fish.
“That usually leaves a lot of fish to get rid of, because there’s not a lot of catch and release. You have to kill them to safely handle them.”
At least two companies will take fish to be used for commercial pet foods or fertilizer, but they deal in bulk. Unless there is a big tournament with lots of fishermen to guarantee a big haul, it’s not worth the company’s time to send tanks for collection and holding the fish.
Getting the gar remains to the company in fresh condition requires planning ahead.
In Mississippi, there are two companies that will buy or at least use fish that are in good condition:
• Protein Products of Sunflower processes the remains of catfish farming production, as well as other fish sources, to produce pet foods, and deals in large quantities. To make arrangements, contact either general manager Chad Patterson (chadp@ppicorp.com) or quality logistics director Steve Mauseth (stevem@ppicorp.com). Either can be contacted by calling 662-569-3396.
• Moon River Foods of Baird also specializes in turning rough fish into protein, and that includes the invasive Asian silver carp. Contact Moon River at 662-887-7740.
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