Joshua Jorgensen of YouTube channel BlacktipH sought help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission after hooking a massive 17-foot sawfish. FWC officials met with Jorgnensen to help him ensure the endangered fish was safely released back into the water. Screen capture/BlacktipH/YouTube

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- A fisherman in Florida sought help from local wildlife officials after hooking an enormous endangered sawfish.

Joshua Jorgensen of YouTube channel BlacktipH reeled in the approximately 17-foot long, 700-pound sawfish before contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for help.


The FWC shared a list of procedures to follow after hooking one of the rare and endangered creatures.

"Research is underway to learn more about these elusive creatures, but one thing is for certain: they are dangerous!" The FWC wrote. "If you catch a sawfish, be sure to keep it in the water at all times, cut the line as close to the hook as safely possible, and report the encounter."

Video shows Jorgensen attempting to keep the massive sawfish on the line before heading back to shore to wait for the FWC to assist in its release.

Once near the shore Jorgensen tried to use a pair of hedges to cut the sawfish loose, but it knocked the tool away with a mighty jerk of its head.

After a second attempt the crew was ultimately able to snip the line and set the sawfish loose after it demonstrated its power with a flap of its tail.