Rare sawfish caught and released by Bonita Springs fisherman on North Bonita beach

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — A Southwest Florida fisherman made the catch of a lifetime when he reeled in a federally endangered sawfish while beach fishing in Lee County.

Michael Mesagno and his father-in-law were casting lines along the shoreline in North Bonita when they hooked the rare species. It started like any other day on the beach, with the two fishermen waiting for a bite.

"It's a sawfish, and I was like, 'It's a sailfish?' And then she's like, 'No, a sawfish.' And so, then when I realized what she was saying, I was like, 'That is so crazy,'" Mesagno said.

A smalltooth sawfish was on the line. Mesagno knew this wasn't a fish he could simply reel in and send back.

"We have to make sure that you know it's a clean release and make sure that this fish gets away safely because they're so endangered and so rare," Mesagno said.

FWC says if you accidentally catch a sawfish, it should be released as quickly and safely as possible. Anglers are encouraged to report the encounter.

"I explained everything that happened and how big it was, and they were glad to hear such a young, healthy fish was still in the water," Mesagno said.

This was more than a rare catch for Mesagno. His father-in-law has fished the East Coast of Florida his entire life and has put Mesagno on some big fish, but this time, Mesagno returned the favor.

"For me to like have set up the rods that brought in him, you know, the cool one of the coolest fish he's ever caught, like once in a lifetime experience for sure," Mesagno said.