Caught a sawfish

[small bites]

Its probably a good thing you didnt keep it for any length of time, the TPWL would have had a major meltdown on you. Those fines are pretty steep. Would have been nice to have a pic of it tho.

[Williep]

here is the pic...[ATTACH=CONFIG]23221[/ATTACH]

Where do you get your hair cut Sandy, looks a little thin on top.

[2112]

TP&W wants to know about public encounters with SawFish, Box turtles and Houston toads...how did you know to report the catch and release?

[coachlaw]

Bert, I went to the county park and talked to the ranger. She showed me the poster about sawfish. I knew I'd seen something about them in there.

An update, I didn't get a call back, but I did get a PM here about it from the sawfish people. Here's the text of the message:

Hi Coachlaw,

I read your post about catching a sawfish and wanted to contact you. I work with the International Sawfish Encounter Database based at the University of Florida. I'm not sure what number you tried to call to report this catch, but it's possible that the long weekend left it overlooked. If you're willing, I'd love to send you a "Sawfish Encounter Reporting Form" to hear more about your experience. It's rare to see sawfish in Texas, so consider yourself lucky!

Thanks in advance,

Katelynd

[PasadenaMan]

Congrats to you Sandy, your probobly going to end up in some fishing or nat geo magazine regarding your catch of a lifetime!

[2112]

Well hells bells...you are blessed.
From what I know they are more closely related to skates than sharks. Are thought to live over 100yrs. Have a very low reproduction rates and take many years before they reach breading age. Most likely they will never recover in Texas waters.

I'm thinking about starting a Yes or No Poll for us forum members to chip in to buy you a smart phone or even a simple phone that has a camera.

[Curmudgeon]

I'm thinking about starting a Yes or No Poll for us forum members to chip in to buy you a smart phone or even a simple phone that has a camera.

I vote yes!

[PasadenaMan]

We can opt for one of those walmart smart phones that has unlimited internet text and video for $45

[coachlaw]

I am filling out a survey for the sawfish folks. I need your help. If anyone has an accurate GPS reading for the dock at BR's, I need it for the form. Also, anyone have an idea what the water temp around the pass was on Friday night? I guessed 74 degrees, but I'd rather not guess. This is science after all.

As far as a phone goes, I love my phone. Even if I had a phone with a camera, I wouldn't have had it out on the dock. How do you think I got the one I have to last this long? No collections for a new phone please. My dad gave me an Iphone 2 years ago. I gave it to VJER Vic. I don't want one. Call me a Luddite.

I will however accept a collection for the collapsed sewer line in my yard. I was told today it could cost me up to $3000.

Between my broken heating system, my collapsed sewer line, and not being able to sell my truck, this sawfish thing is a bright ray of sunshine. Every day it seems like a bigger deal!

Oh, here is a link the sawfish lady sent me. Check it out!

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/sawfish/sawfishconservation.html

[Ibtsoom]

Water temp on Sat in chocolate was 62 -- 29 04'36.00 95 09'01.63 should put you right in the middle of your dock.

[Ibtsoom]

and.... do NOT pay someone 3 grand to dig up your sewer line! We can probably do it ourselves far cheaper than that.

[coachlaw]

Already working on the sewer situation. Somebody needs to buy my truck though!