The bite off Fort Lauderdale has been delivering nonstop action, but every once in a while, the deep blue gives us a trip that nobody on board will ever forget. On our latest run just off Fort Lauderdale beach, we hooked into an absolute ocean titan: an estimated 15 foot Smalltooth Sawfish!

Battle with a 15 Foot Prehistoric Giant

We were running lines close to the coastline when one of our heavy setups got slammed. From the second the reel started screaming, we knew this was not a standard shark or wreck resident.

When the giant finally broke the surface in the crystal clear South Florida water, the entire crew was blown away. Measuring roughly 15 feet long, this massive apex predator put on a show of sheer strength and power. Seeing a sawfish of this caliber right off the beach is the kind of legendary catch that keeps us pushing out from the docks every single day.

Strict Conservation and Safe In Water Release

Smalltooth Sawfish are critically endangered and strictly protected by state and federal regulations in Florida. Protecting these ancient creatures is a top priority for the Good Hit crew:

• Kept In The Water: The fish remained completely submerged alongside the gunwale at all times.
• Clean and Quick Unhook: Our crew worked efficiently to remove the hook without placing stress on the fish or its distinct rostrum (saw).
• Strong Release: After taking a few quick photos alongside the boat, this 15ft leviathan kicked hard and swam back down into the Atlantic.

Gear and Setup Notes

When you are fishing South Florida’s coastal drops, you have to be ready for anything.

• Tackle: Heavy duty terminal tackle with 80 to 100 pound test rigs.
• Technique: Bottom baiting along deep reef transitions.
• Pro Tip: Keep your gear in top shape. When a 15 footer hits, there is zero room for equipment failure!

Ready to Get in on the Action?

Whether you are looking to target hard fighting gamefish on the reefs, hunt Mahi and Blackfin Tuna in the Gulf Stream, or test your muscle against massive deep water sharks, Good Hit Sport Fishing is ready to put you on the fish!

We operate daily out of Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale, fully rigged with top tier gear and local expertise.