Flex, what did you use to catch them? I ask because I'm curious. I'm one of those rare fisherman that actually enjoy catching gar and I use old steak/sausage/artificial lures.
I don't have to judge people, I just watch and learn.
Try fishing with rope! Use about 8 inches of rope, tie to line on one end and fray the rest. Works great! Just pull towards tail when you land the gar and it will come loose.