Henry Martin (photo below) is the owner of Catching Dinosaurs guide service, and he’s earned an outstanding reputation for his dedication to alligator gar conservation and catch-and-release angling. In the 9-minute YouTube video below, you’ll see Henry’s young son, Marlin, set the hook and then battle a beautifully marked big gar — 69 inches long with a 31-inch girth!
Catching Dinosaurs specializes in offering anglers the chance to catch and release some of the largest and rarest fish on the planet. From Henry's website:
“A typical trip with Henry is not just about the thrill of the catch, but also about learning and practicing sustainable fishing techniques. He emphasizes the importance of using lures and perfecting mouth hook sets to minimize harm to the fish. Henry's commitment to conservation extends to advocating for the classification of alligator gar as a sportfish in Texas to protect them from overfishing.
“Known for his hands-on approach, he ensures that every catch is handled with care. Clients often describe their trips as both educational and exhilarating, with Henry sharing his extensive knowledge about the species and their habitat.”
Catching Dinosaurs Trip Details
- Henry’s guide trips typically take place within 2 hours of Houston, Texas.
- Best months for alligator gar: April through November.
- A 10-hour full-day trip (7 am to 5 pm) or full-night trip (7 pm to 5 am) is $1,200. A 6-hour half-day trip (morning or afternoon) is $700. Note: Up to three people can be in the boat for this single price.
- Children are welcomed, provided they are older than 5 and okay with being in the sun and on a boat all day.
- Henry provides everything you’ll need for fishing; you pack your own food, water, etc.
As you’ll see in the video, Henry uses a rope to lasso/control a large alligator gar, then heads for shore and gets out of the boat to prevent stressing the fish; it stays in the water the entire time. A net, if you could find one large enough, would likely tangle in a gar’s teeth, and the fins could be damaged, too. The lasso works perfectly.
Enjoy the video, and contact Henry Martin if you’d like the chance to catch a dinosaur!
