"Look over there," shouted one of his clients. "I think a shark is going after those baitfish." But then Capt. Mike saw a huge fin rip through the water’s surface in hot pursuit of the fleeing prey. "That’s not a shark," Mike announced, "that’s a sailfish."

Dropping his trolling motor, Talkington positioned his skiff to where he could get a one of the remaining whitebaits he had in the well into the path of the foraging predator.

"As soon as he saw it, that sailfish pounced on the bait," said Talkington. "I then gave the rod to one of my clients and let him fight the big fish."

It took several minutes, but they finally got the sail boatside. After pictures, Talkington released estimated 60-pound sportfish to fight another day.