Gar-Dang
Guide Service
Preparing for Your Trip
What to Know Before You Go
There’s nothing quite like a full day (or night) on the river chasing Texas giants. Whether you’re coming to catch your first alligator gar, land a monster catfish, or fight a bull red in brackish water, every Gar Dang trip is a memory waiting to be made. But a little preparation goes a long way in making sure that memory is one you’ll never forget.
This page is your one-stop guide to getting ready — what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time out on the water.
👋 Meet Your Guide: Larry Bailey
Larry Bailey was born and raised on the Trinity River and Lake Livingston. Those waters aren’t just where he fishes — they’re part of who he is. Larry grew up running trotlines, catching catfish before he was tall enough to see over the bow, and learning from old river hands who taught him the ways of the current.
Now, after a lifetime on these banks, Larry’s turned his passion into something bigger — sharing it with others. Every trip he runs is about more than catching fish. It’s about connecting folks to the same Texas outdoors he grew up in, teaching respect for the water, and keeping this tradition alive for the next generation.
Larry’s motto is simple: “Catch one, learn something, and leave the river better than you found it.”
🐟 Learn Before You Launch
Before your trip, take a little time to browse through a few pages on our site. These pages will give you insight into what we’re chasing, how they behave, and how we care for them. It’s part of the experience — and something that separates Gar Dang from your average guide service.
🎣 What to Bring
We’ll handle the rods, reels, tackle, and bait — everything you need to catch the big one. All you need to bring is the stuff that keeps you comfortable and ready for the long haul.
Clothing & Protection
-
Lightweight, breathable long sleeves and pants
-
Hat and polarized sunglasses
-
Rain jacket (Texas weather changes quick)
-
Hoodie or jacket for cool nights
-
Old shoes or rubber boots — you will get muddy
-
Extra socks or dry clothes for the ride home
Comfort & Essentials
-
Bug spray (lots of it)
-
Sunscreen
-
Folding chair or stool (for bank trips)
-
Small cooler with drinks and snacks (we provide cold water)
-
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
-
Wet wipes or hand towel
-
Portable phone charger
Optional but Nice to Have
-
Camera or phone for photos
-
Coffee or thermos for overnight trips
-
Gloves for handling fish
-
Extra bait or snacks if you’ve got a favorite brand
🌅 What to Expect
Every trip’s a little different, depending on the season, weather, and what we’re chasing — but here’s a good idea of what to expect:
Bank Trips:
You’ll meet Larry at a designated river spot — usually already set up with lines in the water and gear ready to go. Expect mud, laughter, and plenty of excitement when that line goes tight. Bank trips are great for families and kids, and we’ve got space to spread out, relax, and enjoy the day (or night).
Boat Trips:
Boat trips take you farther up the river or into the bays where the big fish roam. Sometimes, when a true monster hits, we’ll head for the nearest sandbar or bank to land it safely — there’s nothing like fighting a six-foot gar knee-deep in river mud.
Some trips run during the day, others at night. Both have their charm — daylight brings the scenery, and nighttime brings the mystery.
👨👩👧 Family & Friends Welcome
We love having kids on our trips. There’s no better way to build lifelong memories than letting a child feel the tug of their first fish. Larry and the crew are patient, friendly, and happy to teach the little ones the basics of fishing, handling, and conservation.
If you’ve got friends who’d enjoy it, bring them next time. Every new face we introduce to the river helps keep this message — and this tradition — alive. The more people who understand the value of protecting these fish, the stronger our future becomes.
🌊 Be Part of the Legacy
When you come on a Gar Dang trip, you’re not just booking a fishing day — you’re becoming part of a story that started generations ago on the Texas riverbanks.
You’ll learn about the fish, the ecosystem, and the importance of letting the giants go. You’ll feel the tug, the power, and the peace that only comes from being out here. And when you leave, we hope you’ll carry that respect forward — tell your friends, bring your kids, and keep spreading the message.
Because the future of these rivers isn’t written in laws or signs — it’s written in the choices we make each time we cast a line.
So pack your bag, grab your hat, and come ready. The fish are waiting — and the river’s got a story to tell.
