Bowfishing for monstrous gator gar looks like a blast. I’ve had my share of bloody, wet, muddy and fish-slimy archery encounters in my home state of Minnesota with 15- to 30-pound carp, but heading south to the Trinity River in Texas for a battle with a creature that can top 200 pounds sounds simply awesome.

I’m not sure if the guy in the white T-shirt in this video moves to the stern to make room for Mr. Gator, or if he’s of the mindset: Better safe than sorry. In any case, the bare-chested guide is right on when he proudly states, “Good job, boys.”

Note to self: Plan a Texas tug-of-war in 2013. Life is too short to stand on the sidelines.

Until next time ...