On Saturday, anglers aboard Hot Spots Charters out of Pensacola enjoyed a routine six‑hour outing on the Gulf when an unusual catch changed the day’s story. While pulling in speckled trout and redfish, the crew spotted a large, unmanned aircraft floating near the water’s surface and hauled it aboard.
Drone details and military background
The object was identified as an FLM‑136, a U.S.‑made clone of the Iranian‑designed Shahed‑136. The Air Force has previously disclosed that it produced a low‑cost unmanned combat attack system, known as LUCAS, to mirror the Iranian model. Manufactured by Arizona‑based Spektreworks, the drones measure about 9.8 feet in length, have an 8.2‑foot wingspan, and weigh roughly 70 pounds.
According to a spokesperson for Eglin Air Force Base, the aircraft was part of a test program and was lost during a flight. “I can confirm that we were doing a test and the test article went down,” the spokesperson told defense news outlet The War Zone. The base, home to the Air Force’s 96th Test Wing, confirmed a missing drone but did not specify the exact type.
Charter captain’s reaction
Captain Daniel Arsenault, who runs Hot Spots Charters, said the discovery was accidental. “Riding along offshore and saw it floating,” he told CNN. He posted a photo of the drone occupying the entire bow of his boat on the company’s Facebook page, adding, “Great 6 hour today with this crew! If anyone is looking for their drone please call Hot Spots!”
Later, the charter’s Facebook page noted that “the black suvs came and got their drone, all is good!” indicating that military personnel arrived to retrieve the aircraft.
Local reaction and humor
Followers of the charter’s social media page responded with a mix of amusement and curiosity. One user joked, “Fun fight but they’re super bony and taste like avgas,” while another asked, “Aren’t those strictly catch and release?” The light‑hearted comments underscore the community’s interest in the unexpected encounter.
Broader context
The LUCAS drones have been reported in use by U.S. Central Command as part of ongoing operations against Iranian forces, described by the command as “delivering American‑made retribution.” Their presence off the Florida coast highlights the intersection of local recreation and national defense activities.
While the incident was brief, it serves as a reminder that military testing can intersect with civilian life, especially in coastal areas near active bases. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any unusual debris or equipment found in the water to local authorities or the nearest military installation.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
