Saluda, S.C. Family Catches Rare Black Longnose Gar on Fishing Trip
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Brandt family from Prosperity, along with the Williams family from Little Mountain, embarked on a fishing trip along the beautiful Saluda River. To their surprise, they reeled in a rare black longnose gar, a catch that is both exciting and unusual for this region of South Carolina.
A Day on the Water
Henry Alex Brandt, one of the family members, shared that most of their previous trips to the river typically resulted in them catching only catfish. “I’ve never really caught anything decent,” he said, reminiscing about past fishing experiences. But the day quickly turned around when one of their fishing rods started bouncing vigorously. This sudden movement caught the attention of everyone in the family, prompting them to rush over to see what was happening.
There, in the water, was a long, dark figure. The excitement was palpable as Henry, his brother David Brandt, and their friend Chandlor Williams gathered around to witness this incredible moment. Their catch turned out to be a striking black longnose gar, which captivated not only the family but would also amaze local fisheries experts.
The Nature of the Catch
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), longnose gar are actually native to the state. What made this particular fish special was its unusual black coloration, which is caused by a condition known as melanism. Melanism refers to an increased level of dark pigmentation in animals, resulting in an impressive and rare appearance.
Jason Bettinger, a fisheries biologist with the DNR, noted that the lower regions of local rivers such as the Broad River, Congaree River, and the Saluda River are more likely to present such melanistic fish. “In areas I’ve worked, I would say we are looking at percentages greater than 1 percent for melanistic gar,” he explained. He further added that if someone floats down the lower Broad River on a clear day, there’s a good chance they might spot one of these rare black gars.
Size and Characteristics
Longnose gars are typically around two and a half to three feet long, which is the approximate size of the one caught by the Brandt family. These fish also have unique teeth, which can appear intimidating. However, the family treated the creature with respect and care after catching it.
Samantha Brandt, Henry’s wife, shared their approach to handling the fish, saying, “We caught her, we admired her, and we let her go. She swam on her way.” This thoughtful decision highlighted the family’s appreciation for nature and their understanding of the importance of conservation.
A Reminder for Future Adventurers
This exciting catch serves as a reminder for anyone exploring the **rivers** in the Midlands region of South Carolina. Whether you are fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying a day by the water, keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that resides there, including the fascinating melanistic longnose gar. While such sightings may be uncommon, they are a testament to the diversity of life found in these waters.
As families and adventurers continue to explore the natural beauty of the Saluda River, they may discover that surprises await at every turn, just as the Brandt and Williams families did on that unforgettable Sunday afternoon.
