I Caught The BIGGEST FISH You've Ever Seen! (300lb MONSTER!)

In this episode I catch a true river monster: an alligator gar several inches over eight feet long and estimated in the neighborhood of 300lb! Very few fish like this even still exist. Alligator gar are a native species that play a key role in their environment. Efforts to expand protections for these incredible animals is ongoing but in the meantime, should you catch one like this, be sure to release it alive! Check out some of these links below to learn more about the alligator gar and the need to protect them...
tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/...
myfwc.com/research/freshwater...
www.fws.gov/story/all-about-a...
mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fi...
If you want to help support the WILD LIFE channel on Patreon, check out the link below...
www.patreon.com/wildlifeshow?...

[@tandemaxle1831]

99% of fisherman would have killed that animal. 1 million thumbs up for releasing it alive. That was an ancient fish who deserves to live. Awesome, awesome job. You are a true sportsman.

[@dhyanshobith9310]

👏👏

[@CleetTheKid19]

Take measurements and pictures with the big fish. I always let the big ones go, the old big fish aren’t good eating. Leave them in their habitats for sure!!

[@reconnaissance7372]

I'm a fisherman and I wouldn't have killed it? Fisherman pay for licensing and inadvertantly contribute more to the environment than the average person because the money is used to directly fund conservation and restocking efforts. There're people who don't fish properly, and there are a lot of people like myself that follow the rules.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching. As ALWAYS, I'm sure there will be many among you who are very upset about my estimation of this fish's weight. For those of you that will read this comment before sounding off, here's how I came to the figure of 300lb... I measured the fish's length three separate times and with three separate methods (nose to tail, tail to nose, and the old big game hunting method of "between the pegs") and this fish is 8 feet and 2 inches on the dot. I even held my 8 foot rod over it's back and there was extra fish on both sides. Unfortunately, in my haste to return it to the water, I did NOT measure the girth (better for the fish, at least). HOWEVER, as I lied next to it and attempted to hold it and struggled very hard to maneuver it for the camera, it was abundantly clear this fish was bigger around than my entire chest and shoulders together, which tape at 47 inches. So I don't know the exact girth, but I know it was AT LEAST 47 INCHES. If you "don't think it looks that big" remember you only have a 2D format to view it and I actually held the thing. Remember also this measurement on a person is an oval and on the fish it's closer to a circle, something a 2D format can really betray if you just focus on shoulder width. Another very easy way to do this is to hold your arms in a circle (as you would bear hug someone or, in my case, that fish). As long as you put your hands on your wrists where they were when your arms were completely around the fish's midsection, you can get that girth measurement pretty easy. I moved the fish between takes and used a gable grip with my arms completely full of fish... about 49 inches. SO, using more than one formula (which actually leave out multiple variables that can contribute to weight) and comparing it with the very few other fish of this size ever recorded (length, girth, and weight), it is well OVER 270lbs AT THE VERY LEAST and quite possibly OVER 300lbs... Stating the fish is about 300lb is 100% reasonable no matter how you look at it. I am also well aware that you might very well have seen a fish bigger than this (I mean, sharks are thing, lol). First, I'm talking about this particular species and second, It's called 'marketing.' Just making that bag. Also, I don't really care if you're mad about these things just so long as you watch the video and comment and bunch... As Floyd Mayweather says, it doesn't matter WHY people buy the tickets... AND REMEMBER... If you take ANYTHING away from this video it should be the very good news that fish of this size are still here and that they are worthy of our protection! Alligator gar are incredible animals and are very important to the ecosystems they inhabit!

[@tsumello06]

Good video. Are you in buffalo bayou. There's some monsters in there!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

@@tsumello06 I don't want to say where I am in this particular video but you're 100% right about the bayou having great fish!

[@FRGGuideservice]

You don’t need to defend yourself that is a fish of a lifetime, and that’s how I feel about sturgeon, I love being a part of natural history too.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

@@FRGGuideservice ha, thanks but just wait, lol. I agree, sturgeon are magnificent animals!

[@texoutlaw1732]

and they should be protected as such by state fish and game just as the alligator snapping turtles.

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

Man, it’s been a few days and I’m still blown away by this. Genuinely, I don’t think the average person could have pulled this off between the snags and the sheer size of this fish. Years of hard work and experience have led up to this catch, and the respect you gave the fish is the icing on the cake. Makes me proud to be a subscriber and a patron!

[@mattw4065]

I'm a (very) casual fisherman and I don't think for a moment I could've landed this fish! That thing was four legs away from being a crocodile

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

@@mattw4065 I fish a lot and I still don’t think I could, either. I’ve never had anything close to this size on the end of my line, and I don’t think I have the experience to hold a giant gar in a triangle of snags while trying to tire it out like that.

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

This is weird. Michigan is loaded with alligator gar fish and they are majorly huge but to be in Texas? Strange but cool...

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

@@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia weird, alligator gar aren’t supposed to be in Michigan. Longnose and spotted gar are native there, but not alligator gar. I don’t doubt that you’ve seen them there, but their native range is mostly the gulf coast and the lower half of the Mississippi River basin. Texas has the largest population, especially in the Trinity and Brazos rivers.

[@johnpaparella7345]

What I'm about to tell you is absolutely true. About three years ago I built about a one acre pond in the back part of the property and stocked it with bass and bluegill. I was fishing the pond last fall when, to my surprise, I hooked an alligator gar twice the size of your gar, then my girlfriend woke me up.

[@michaelshaw8370]

An absolute privilege to share a once in a lifetime moment. I hope that beautiful creature adds to the gene pool and that it’s progeny thrive in the future. One further example of just how vital it is to protect and maintain the ecosystems that these amazing animals live in.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

💯

[@Mikivli]

@@johnblecker4206 don’t call us American Indians please and thank you. Native American or indigenous people of americas work fine.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

@@johnblecker4206 "help manage the American Indians" is the most watered down way to say genocide that I've ever seen.

[@munhsuhmunhuu1649]

@@johnblecker4206 Native Nations were victims of the genocide. I think you have just committed a crime by your action abusing and harassing the all Native indigenous people of America. That is crime, I believe.

[@tiahnapantovichtp]

Yup!

[@COLE_and_JAY]

I hope this vid gets 10 million views. That was incredible!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thank you 👍

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Would definitely appreciate it if you shared it 🙏🙏🙏

[@malcolmlynn5125]

A collab would be amazing 😎😎

[@FishingWithAhrenAndMary]

My two favorite KZbin channels

[@jillybean8468]

Might happen....this was even trending on Twitter...lol

[@damongwinn]

I'm not even close to what you would call a fisherman, but I definitely felt the emotion of your catch. Outstanding job and I look forward to more of your catch and releases

[@willthomas7666]

Feels like he’s fishing for sharks lol

[@iamchaunceman]

I’ve seen hundreds of gar growing up in N Texas, but most were streams and tributaries flooded from the trinity. Seeing one like THAT is incredible. The snouts and teeth compared to the ones I’ve seen this one was a dinosaur. And apparently, that’s what it basically is. Good on you for documenting this and letting it go. Something that rare and awesome deserves to get back to living.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

It was a great moment for me

[@justenhearn5179]

Congratulations brother! As an angler I can appreciate the tears of catching a fish of such caliber. While gar themselves are not rare gar of that size are. And when you think about its age that gar could be upwards of 90+ yrs. Probably closer to 95+ yrs. The things that gar has seen under the depths the rivers it's traveled. Truly a remarkable catch. Great job bubba!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks! 👍

[@justenhearn5179]

@@wildlifefishingshow you're welcome

[@mayanovak2497]

That’s insane

[@kawaiichan5771]

I just want to say thank you for your ethical fishing. You could have easily risked the fish's life to weigh it. But, chose to do the right thing so this monster can get even more epic. Well done!

[@bigsouthern2927]

He starved a whole family. What he's doing it unethical. Eating them is the ethical thing

[@baolongtruongcong5746]

@@bigsouthern2927which family?

[@ryanfallon]

@@bigsouthern2927 how so?

[@drbuttfungus3477]

​@@bigsouthern2927dumb comment

[@frozenclown4120]

​@@bigsouthern2927 oh god. You need help

[@patrickbrown1828]

The skills that you need as a fisherman to not only keep him on the line and pull him in, the entire process shows your skills are extraordinary!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@easttennesseelife6914]

The fact that he let it go back in the water makes him a true champion that's the only way our species are going to survive is catch and release

[@tylerschoen5643]

Surely you do agree in keeping your catch if you actually eat it though right

[@easttennesseelife6914]

@@tylerschoen5643 definitely

[@zackdfilms]

Good lord man. This gave me chills. 😱

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Let me know if you want to head out for one sometime!

[@CONEHEADDK]

I don't understand circl hooks...

[@Mooskellunge]

@@CONEHEADDK How they work or.....?

[@CONEHEADDK]

@@Mooskellunge How anyone can expect them to be better than "real" hooks. I'm old school, instant strike to avoid "spitters", as we saw these fish do a few times.

[@Mooskellunge]

​@@CONEHEADDK Who said they expected them to be better than any other hook? I've never come across someone who instant hook sets on gar regardless of what hook they use. Most people avoid setting the hook instantly due to gar having very hard mouths as I'm sure you know, so even if you do "hook" it, the fish escaping is much more likely. Its obviously easier to hook the softer flesh in the back of the mouth/throat. And as long as it gets there, a circle hook is just as effective as anything else.

[@rew4640]

Absolutely amazing! Not only were you able to get that fish on the end of your line, get it up close enough to see it, but then to land it and successfully and release it by yourself is just awesome! Congratulations man and thanks for sharing it with the world!

[@OkraPlutonium]

Dude thank you so much for filming this! I can't imagine how awesome this was for you, I'm so glad we got to share it with you. It IS emotional!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@PortCity_Fishing]

I can also definitely appreciate the tears in this video. Beautiful fish, beautiful fight, and even more beautiful finish!!!!!!!! You DEFINTIELY got a subscriber in me bro. Real deal. Much respect and much love bro!!!!

[@gerardoshaughnessy1924]

That was truly the fish of a lifetime. Well done .

[@bobcat1960]

Wow! That was truly amazing! I am so proud and thankful that you do the right thing… you handle these fish carefully and release them to spread their genes and to give someone else the possibility to experience what you experienced making this great catch. There are way too many selfish anglers out there who kill any trophy fish they happen to catch without any regard. Way to go! Great example, and just incredible how you keep topping all your previous videos. As for alligator gar… if you top this, you just may be setting the new world record

[@66exe]

What a beautiful and powerful moment between two incredible species.

[@5thhorseman559]

Man you have been blessed by the fish gods! Outstanding catch! Truly a life moment!

[@fernandoferdinand4866]

Wow!!...that 8footer almost knocked you out dude. Seriously you've got to be one of the best lone fishermen on KZbin...😃😎💪💯👍

[@wildlifefishingshow]

It felt like a horse shoving me, not like any fish I've ever felt. It's power was shocking. I really appreciate the kind words!

[@johndoe1.196]

It must be a very odd experience for the gar- it's swimming around doing its thing, gets hooked pulled into another dimension and spooned by an alien haha. Fish encounters of the third kind! Congrats on pulling that thing in. It's freakin' huge.

[@dfen2614]

Best fishing video I've seen in awhile. What an absolute beast of a catch and experience to have. Thanks for speaking on the conservation of the species and fishery so that others may hope for the chance of hooking an incredible fish like that. Definitely worth a sub

[@rheverend]

I really appreciate the skill and strength it takes to land a fish like this, and I’m so thankful when the animal is released again back into the waters. It’s tragic to me that so many large, amazing animals are killed after surviving for so long

[@PokeRemcards]

Thank you for sharing with us the footage also Thank you for being such a good sport and releasing it. Mutual respect between you two im sure.

[@pikk0n1]

Wow... congratulations on the amazing catch. I'm really happy for you knowing how much effort you put into catching these fish and making these great videos. This will be hard to top.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks! I'm probably going to spend the next few videos going after some other species because I know I can't do that twice in a row 👍

[@johtapia1]

Bro I just watched you on tv! You’ve come a long way man, just shows that with hard work and dedication we can achieve greatness! Thank you

[@DanteB]

Absolutely incredible catch. Your raw emotion from it made it that much better. Amazing stuff!

[@ClayConnelly21]

Absolutely epic! The exact number doesn't matter to me, the eye test says it was a once-in-a-lifetime catch, bigger than the vast majority of people who watch this. I'd love to see you explore the Amazon for Arapaima and other monsters!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Amazon is one of the dream trips for sure!

[@tomsullivan2726]

Congratulations!! I been watching your videos from the beginning and you are hands down some of the best content on KZbin!! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Appreciate it 🙏 💯

[@earthwormjfishing2362]

I’ve been watching your channel since almost the beginning and to see how far you’ve come is awesome and you deserve every bit of the success you are having brother. I’ve always admired the passion and respect you have for not only the gar you catch but every fish. That is a fish of a lifetime but I have a feeling the fish gods will be sending you plenty more monsters. As always great video brother, the day I catch myself a 50 pound flathead I will be crying for sure!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

💯

[@RichM0410]

Complete admiration for your fishing accomplishments! Love your channel!

[@BeachBomberFishing]

Wow outstanding man! Well deserved, you are out there grinding it out, and it finally pays off!!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@LordKuufu]

@@wildlifefishingshow collab?

[@johtapia1]

Houston we made it!

[@WMBayouLures]

Epic fish man! Hard work pays off for sure, you deserve it!

[@michaelberry1938]

I love videos like this where someone completely has their hands full and you're not sure if they are going to land the fish or not. I felt that with you!!! Excellent catch

[@dougiec3]

Great job! Thanks for sharing this- especially a look at that fish! And thanks for releasing!

[@xxcarlosxx16]

You’re just as much of a beast as the fish you caught. The fact that you caught that giant by yourself! Bro you’re the river GOAT. Congrats.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Ha, thanks! Good dose of luck never hurt too 👍

[@miniaturefun-guy]

Man your love for these animals really comes through. I was getting emotional at the end as well. Congratulations.

[@BlacknWhiteBadger88]

Holy hell…. On the Go Pro chest cam….that thing looked like any other Alligator Gar you see. Then you showed the wide shot before you measured it……😳😳😳 That is INSANE. Congrats on that catch, certainly one that will NEVER be forgotten.

[@danielmok3762]

Your genuine emotions really tell us that you love fishing passionately! What a catch! New subscriber!

[@thomasvanepps7551]

I admire your passion and respect for the privileged encounter with this true monster you had.

[@FishingWithAttitudeTV]

Fish of a lifetime bro. Congrats. I also never comment on videos so that’s how big of an accomplishment this fish is.

[@joeyracano1]

What a fish! What a loving, reverent man. Beautiful. Truly, we are blessed today. Great man, great sportsman, no ego, no thought of taxidermy. Just freedom and reverence. Booyah!!!

[@spueman133]

I don't usually comment on many videos, but I have to say, "You are THE MAN." I am excited for you to experience such a moment and for your release of the fish. I'm so sharing this video. Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[@davidmolina3520]

What a blast ! Right out of Jurassic Park ! I'm so glad you have it on video, otherwise it'll be just another fish story.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

For sure!

[@timplant646]

Congratulations man! Wow! You deserved to catch that fish. I have watched a ton of videos of people catching Gar but that was the biggest one I’ve ever seen. Very happy for you.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@andrewdewson4961]

Congratulation my man. Been watching you for a long time, seen you catch many fish and treat them all with the same respect and care. It's great to see. Hope thousands of these 600k viewers become subscribers!

[@chrisstewart5165]

Mr Payton more I want to say that you're a real champion I wasn't even watching fishing or nothing dealing with fishing at first I'm originally from Boston came to Houston a little bit of my younger days so I can say that you really do represent this city in one of the most environmental friendly ways I've ever saw a person got to say keep doing what you're doing it's a lot of us out here that don't even fish or never fished in our entire lives but you happen to bring an idea that wildlife is beautiful and we should take part in the activities that's dealing with wildlife so I thank you man for being a great houstonian and representing for your city and representing for the state of Texas you are what Texas really represents

[@JustinOneLens]

Once in a lifetime moment! That's insane! I can't imagine how it felt to be present and holding that beast of a fish!

[@NeoBlueBearZchannel]

Holy shit that thing is a massive unit

[@tiahnapantovichtp]

Amazing catch ! Thank you for releasing it back in the water. May it go in to create a bunch off huge gar offspring for future generations to enjoy catching! This was awesome!

[@MNHTheIV]

Hey Payton great job! Saw it when you posted then just saw it on the news, awesome catch and congrats on the piece

[@olelbow5089]

Dude that was just insane! To catch an absolutely colossal fish like that, and to catch it by yourself is wild! Congrats man tight lines🎣

[@wildlifefishingshow]

I had two moments where I started freaking out internally: when I saw the size of it's head and then when I showed my rod/reel to the camera and realized the fish was longer than the 8 foot rod. Great moments I won't forget!

[@olelbow5089]

@@wildlifefishingshow that was a fish of 1000 lifetimes man! I freak out over a 40lb cats a fish like that I would’ve had to change my pants afterwards 😂

[@GGAnglers]

That is crazy, cant believe there are fish of that size so close to us🤯 Congrats on the awesome catch🙌🎣

[@benjaminjohnson3755]

There's bigger ones out there, but in the fish world you don't get big by being dumb.

[@johtapia1]

GG Anglers, I know you.

[@johtapia1]

Good content

[@mirriulahwaterdog]

@@benjaminjohnson3755 I'm so dumb that I have no idea where this bloke is fishing.

[@Angel-wi5pu]

I was reading an article and recognized you from the picture. Awesome catch and good on you for releasing.

[@katpere8963]

AMAZING catch and RELEASE! MUCH, MUCH RESPECT!!!!!

[@ARAKARABLUE]

Dude right on right on so happy for you man so happy for you putting so much work with these videos and to be rewarded with a gift like this is just absolutely tremendous good on you man good on you

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks! Feeling pretty good!

[@Falcon408]

Absolutely incredible. Love your respect for these creatures. Well done. Glad you shared this experience with us. 👍

[@davidansell4497]

Hats off to you for the catch, landing and release! Very noble of you to take such good care of that magnificent fish.

[@robarron2310]

Dude! That was amazing to watch!!!! Congratulations!!! Great catch and release 👏👏👏

[@lannyseals2084]

WOW!!!! Congratulations my friend! That is an absolute beautiful and massive fish! I've been watching you for a long while and I know what you put in to your fishing and how much respect you have for the wildlife and it's habitat! Once again, congratulations on your catch of a lifetime and it's awesome that you were able to share it with the world!

[@saramarie516]

Incredible. I can't imagine bringing something that size to the shore! What an experience.

[@CharlesNolanArt]

Dude, everything about you is real I am blown away watching you. I am convinced there is a television audience for you! You can go as far as you want. I am subscribed!

[@marmitenot]

So glad you gave that amazing creature the chance to live out the rest of it's life. Very noble.

[@Hugo-TX]

Congratulations on the magnificent catch!!!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@HillbillyJedi88]

That's beyond impressive. I'm glad you had it on video because I don't think a lot of people would believe a fish like that lives there. That's some serious Jeremy Wade **** right there!

[@haydenhart6627]

This has inspired me to keep looking for monster fish in houston , thank you so much for releasing that fish your awesome !

[@leonarddickerson583]

A huge catch! And your emotions over the catch and excitement was tangible. Excellent video.

[@eldenrivas7842]

Dude I remember when you had less than 1k subscribers and now you are at 80k! Great quality content is the reason people keep coming back. Congrats on landing "the big one".

[@ltruelock2727]

You have just left me speechless ! What an amazing fish!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@andresmelvr4778]

Thanks sooo much for this epic video. I would´ve have love to be there to see it for myself, but you really made up for it, seeing you get so emotional. Keep up with the great videos.

[@debbieharrell4974]

RESPECT for releasing this once in a lifetime catch.

[@riffguru]

Amazing catch and release, my man! What an honor and privilege to see such magnificent animal. Good luck on your future endeavors!

[@Sum1snrg]

OMG! Congratulations! Amazing catch!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thank you!

[@hiscraigness1]

Your attitude is inspirational. I need fishing buddies like you.

[@tenchuu007]

I'm stunned at the strength of that line!

[@FlightSimHistorian]

I've caught some big gar in my time (back when I lived in TX), but never even close to that size. Congrats on that big one, man!

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@TheQuickstab]

Incredible! This is making me itch to go out and fish

[@wildlifefishingshow]

💯

[@robertfrick6916]

Glad you mentioned its probable age toward the end of the video. I knew gator gar are a long lived species but wasnt sure just how old they can get. What an extraordinary experience!

[@vabeachjuggalo3]

I can feel the raw emotion you had the privilege to experience. Great job! 👍

[@joshwagner8468]

Awesome catch bud. He was a monster. Great job🎣👊

[@wildlifefishingshow]

Thanks!

[@MarielleBreneman]

Major props to you man for releasing that big guy back into the wild. You’re setting such a good example for anglers!

[@lorenzogonzalez9530]

Big ups and congrats. I've been watching you for quite some time now. Excited for you.

[@rsg9190]

Yall fought and both walked/swam away, the best kind of fight, hats off, much respect, you got a new subscriber and supporter. Awesome job!

[@gregory13lil]

This needs way more attention! Bad ass catch man, incredible catch!!!!!

[@BuckCommanderOfficial]

That's a giant Gar!! We're making an outdoor themed viral video show, and would love to feature some of your content. Let us know if you're interested! strong work 💪

[@TrippyStixx_]

This was amazing. I'm mind blown . Thank you for sharing!

[@madfishgaby]

I have watched this so many times and everytime I'm blown away! Absolutely incredible! This was a magestic moment of a lifetime!

[@wholetdadout7104]

Dude...great commentary on a legendary fish. Cool to see the respect you gave it and the 'couldn't be scripted any better' tail slap. Bravo...you've a new subscriber

[@dadmobile960]

That had to be the best fishing video I have seen. Amazing experience to catch one like that!

[@jimdishman2542]

I share your emotion, as I have yet to achieve my goal of a largemouth bass over 10 lbs. I've been fishing for 60 years and 8 lbs is the closest. Great job walking us thru the experience!

[@theclintwalker]

What a thrilling video to watch! Amazing that you managed to handle that monster on your own. Love your enthusiasm 🔥

[@gacha_deman5504]

Amazing catch! Great content as always. Cool to see you trending on Twitter too!

[@gacha_deman5504]

They mentioned you on the Astros radio broadcast earlier!

[@douglasdenham4491]

Biggest chinook salmon I ever caught was just under 80 pounds, it was indeed a monster, but that alligator gar you got was every bit of 4-5 times the size of that salmon! So just to add my two cents… I would say your estimation was probably conservative by as much as 30 to 40 pounds

[@larryknowlton7094]

Absolutely amazing video my friend.Man no telling how old he was to attain that size.Outstanding of you to release him.I feel he could probably have set some new records,but not worth sacrificing his life to find out.

[@twilightblue8566]

I am happy to see that he released it.

[@Magik1369]

Incredible mind blowing catch brother. Looking at that fish is like looking back 1 million or more years in time. Insane fish and killer fight. Congrats!

[@bassketchum]

Been reading about this for a week now, finally watching the video, great stuff dude! Congratulations brother hell of a catch!

[@lilianfowler7988]

Thank you, for taking us with you. I have happy tears in my eyes.

[@jasoncatlin3686]

What a Catch! Like you said, a lifetime of a catch. Glad you recorded and shared. Amazing...