Florida Novice Angler Lands a Giant Sawfish, a Living Relic of the Ocean

During his very first fishing trip, a Florida newcomer surprised everyone by catching an enormous, critically endangered sawfish, a marine animal often likened to a prehistoric dinosaur. This remarkable event, covered by Newsweek, has sparked considerable buzz online as scientists and social media users marvel at the uncommon sighting of this ancient species.

An Unexpected First Catch Along Florida’s Shores

Daniel Nuzum, a complete fishing novice, cast his line off Florida’s southern coast and didn’t expect what surfaced: not a shark but a 13-foot smalltooth sawfish. Recognizable by its distinctive chainsaw-like snout edged with teeth, the sight was professionally documented by AJ Rotondella, a land-based shark fishing expert from Apex Anglers, who posted the footage on social media.

“My clients got the surprise of their life when a sawfish emerged from the waves instead of a shark,” Rotondella told Newsweek. “They were absolutely shocked and in complete awe. It was actually the kid’s first fish ever, which makes it even more unbelievable.”

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The video captures the sawfish’s tooth-lined snout breaking the surface. Nuzum recounts, “That was my first ever fish, ever. I’ve never been fishing.” The clip rapidly gained viral status on TikTok, amassing over 1.8 million views and stirring extensive commentary from amazed observers.

@shaaaarky
And on the 8th day God said, “now go and attach this chainsaw to that there stingray.” #florida #lbsf #shark #fishing #landbasedsharkfishing #sawfish #catchandrelease #apexanglers

♬ original sound – shaaaarky

Sawfish: Ancient Giants Navigating Today’s Seas

Belonging to the elasmobranch family—which includes sharks and rays—sawfish are known for their extraordinary snouts that help locate and immobilize prey. Five species exist globally, all of which are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) stands out as the most prevalent species in U.S. waters. Individuals can grow as long as 17 feet and weigh up to 700 pounds. Historically common throughout the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, their populations have sharply declined due to habitat loss, accidental capture, and overfishing.

Today, only pockets remain along Florida’s southern coastline, where small populations survive. Such sightings as Nuzum’s are considered extraordinary, even among seasoned fishermen who may never witness one firsthand.

Photo credit: Kevin Moloney/ The New York Times/ Redux/Eyevine

An Ancient Creature Caught with Modern Conservation Care

The sawfish bit on a jack crevalle, a bait fish commonly used to attract sharks. When Rotondella realized the true nature of the catch, he quickly cut the line close to the fish and used a barbless circle hook designed to minimize harm by detaching naturally. After a swift health check, the sawfish was safely returned to the water, and the incident was reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, fulfilling legal responsibilities for protected species encounters.

“I’ve caught one other in the past,” Rotondella said. “I’m not sure how to describe the feeling of being in the presence of a modern-day dinosaur, but it’s kinda like stepping into a portal straight into the Cretaceous Period.”

Such rare encounters emphasize the value of appropriate fishing techniques and swift action to ensure the survival of vulnerable species. When handled correctly, these unexpected moments can aid conservation efforts instead of causing harm.