Largetooth Sawfish

Description

These have the head of a ray, the body of a shark and a long saw-shaped bill attached to the end of the snout. The edge of the saw has sharp teeth on both of its sides.

These fish are highly protected and should be very carefully handled.   If possible, remove any hooks and traces from the mouth. Try your best to untwist your leader which will get caught around its saw.

Report any captures to Greg Poulakis on 941-613-0946 x 104 or e-mail him at gregg.poulakis@myfwc with details of size, date, time, place, bait etc.

So far, while shark fishing, we have caught 15 of these and we are happy to report our findings as part of a in-depth study by Gregg and his team based in Charlotte Harbor.

You may interested to learn that sawfish are being tagged with transmitters and their movements monitored by remote sensors which are fitted in the riverbed.

Size

The biggest we have caught so far has been about 7 feet although they are reported to grow up to 20’.

Food value

Please note that these are highly protected and cannot be taken under any circumstances.

Game qualities

Behave like rays when hooked and stay close to the bottom but because of their shark-like tail, they run everywhere in an erratic manner.

Tackle and baits

Shark fishing tackle and cut baits are the key means to their capture.