WATCH: Massive Sawfish Caught by Brevard County Fisherman in Indian River Lagoon
By Space Coast Daily // August 19, 2021
Sawfish estimated 14 ft and 800 lbs
View this post on Instagram
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County fisherman Ronnie Nail reeled in a monster sawfish this week in the Indian River Lagoon.
The video was posted by Capt. Peter Deeks.
The catch was over 2 hour fight.
Nail says the fish was released.
Historically, sawfish were a common sight off Florida’s coastline. However, they have become less common during the last century because they were unintentionally overfished.
Back in May 2020, three giant smalltooth sawfish were captured on video by Michael Alvarez next to a dock in the shallow water in the Indian River in Melbourne Beach.
WATCH: Back in May 2020, three giant smalltooth sawfish were captured on video by Michael Alvarez next to a dock in the shallow water in the Indian River in Melbourne Beach. (Michael Alvarez video)
Their long saws, referred to scientifically as “rostrums” or “rostra”, were easily entangled in any kind of fishing gear.
Sawfish rostrums have also been popular trophy items. Since these fish produce few young, it has been a challenge for their population to recover after being depleted.
As a result, sawfish have been protected in Florida since 1992 and the smalltooth sawfish is currently listed as endangered Adobe PDF under the United States Endangered Species Act.
They should be released unharmed if accidentally caught while fishing for other species. It is important to note that sawfish rostrums should never be removed.
Very little is known about this spectacular fish, so scientists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute initiated a research program to learn more.
They are asking for help from the public via the Sawfish Survey. This statewide survey provides a means for anglers, boaters, and beach-goers to help biologists learn more about the areas in which sawfish are sighted.
If you catch a sawfish while fishing for other species or happen to see one while you are near the water, please contact us.
To report a sawfish sighting:
E-mail: Sawfish@MyFWC.com
Telephone: 941-255-7403 or 844-472-9347 (1-844-4SAWFISH)
To file a report of a sawfish sighting or encounter, please include the date and time of the encounter, the location, the estimated length of each sawfish, the water depth, and any other relevant details.
