The shortnose is a smaller gar, seldom reaching five pounds in weight. The mouth is broad and flat, like a duck's bill, but still filled with sharp teeth.

The shortnose gar is more of a river fish than the longnose, often being found in sreas with current. In larger rivers, they like to hang around the mouths of feeder creeks. They occasionally herd minnows up against steep banks. Few lakes in the northern region support shortnose populations - only two in Minnesota that I'm aware of.

The same tactics that work for longnose gar also apply to the shortnose, but they are easier to hook, so rope-flies are not as effective or necessary. Inline spinners like the Lambo Lure or Mepps Agilia are excellent choices, as is a live native baitfish.