Sawfish

PH. (305) 248-6126

S a w f i s h

SAWFISH SIGHTING’S
The Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota is in the midst of a study on the
sawfish, pristis pectinata. The study began in 1999 to address inadequacies in the current state of
knowledge about sawfish and to assist in the development of effective conservation strategies for the
critically endangered species. One component of the project is to compile a sawfish sightings
database. And that is where you can help. If anyone catches or encounters a sawfish, (while sampling,
fishing, diving, and boating) the researchers would like to know about it. Report as much information as
is available such as date and time of capture, location, habitat type, water quality, method of capture or
encounter, and size of the sawfish. Any photos that are available from the encounter are also helpful.
To report information regarding a sawfish capture or encounter e-mail sawfish@mote.org. Or log on to
www.mote.org/-Sawfish/SawfishHomePage.html. Or call 941-388-4441 for more information

  I have been seeing a lot of sawfish on the flats of Flamingo while poling the flats looking for reds. I
have even had a junior angler (Cam Gallager) catch a 40+ pounder while fishing for trout in Snake-Bite
Channel. If by chance you hook one of these fellows, please be very careful. The best method of
releasing them is to just break off the line after a “in the water photo”. When you see the teeth in the bill
of these sharks you will understand why I feel this way. They are a good hardy fish and if you must
bring them aboard for a photo, use a towel on the bill to hold on to.

                                                             Tight lines & quick releases.

                                                           Capt. Dave Sutton