Protect
the Gar.
Build the
Sport.
Conservation · Catch & Release · Community
The only organization in Texas built specifically for alligator gar anglers. We set the standard for catch-and-release sport fishing and sanctioned tournament competition — and fight to keep this fishery alive for the next generation.
Who We Are
The First Org
Built for Gar.
The Texas Gar Fishing Association was founded by Capt. Bubba Bedre — a licensed fishing guide, member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee, and lifelong student of the alligator gar. He built the TGFA because he watched the fishery change and knew that someone with real knowledge had to stand up for it.
Texas is the most important alligator gar state in the world. The Trinity River produces fish that anglers come from across the globe to catch. Our job is to make sure that's still true in 50 years — through catch-and-release sport fishing, sanctioned tournaments with zero-tolerance handling rules, and a community with a seat at the table when management decisions get made.
This is not a casual club. It's a mission.
Conservation First
Every decision we make is measured against one outcome: more trophy alligator gar in Texas waters for the next generation.
Sanctioned Tournaments
We set the standard for catch-and-release gar tournaments in Texas — live verification, zero bleeding rule, transparent payouts.
Education & Awareness
Most Texans don't know what alligator gar are. We change that through content, guides, and our TPWD connections.
Community & Advocacy
Members join a network with real influence. Founder Bubba Bedre sits on the committee that helps shape gar management policy for the state.
Why We Fight for This Fish
A Hundred
Million Years.
Don't Let It
End Now.
The alligator gar is one of the oldest fish on earth — largely unchanged for around 100 million years. A 7-foot fish is roughly 40 years old. When you release one, you're protecting decades more of spawning potential.
Bowfishing pressure has thinned stretches of the Trinity River that used to produce fish on every trip. Habitat pressure is growing. Without organized advocacy, the fishery will keep declining.
Through founder Bubba Bedre's seat on the TPWD Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee, we're not just talking about conservation — we're in the room where the regulations get discussed.
TPWD Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee
Founder Bubba Bedre serves on the committee that helps shape alligator gar management policy for the state of Texas — giving TGFA a real voice where it counts.
Alligator gar are living fossils — older than most modern fish species and largely unchanged.
TPWD notes gar can live to around 100. Releasing a trophy fish protects decades of future spawning.
One released trophy gar can produce millions of offspring over its remaining spawning years.
The Trinity River near Palestine, TX is among the most productive trophy alligator gar fisheries on earth.
Join the Association
Become a Member.
Be Part of This.
Every membership supports conservation, sanctioned tournament development, and the growth of catch-and-release gar fishing in Texas. Charter Members are building something that has never existed before.
Follow the Hunt.
The TGFA community lives on Facebook. Follow along, join the private member group, and get Garzilla Classic updates as the field builds.