HATTERAS, N.C. (WTKR) – A group of fishermen experienced the catch of a lifetime when they reeled in a great white shark from the shore in North Carolina.
Luke Beard and Jason Rosenfeld were among a group of fishermen who brought in and safely released a great white shark Saturday off the Hatteras shoreline. They believe the shark is between 12 or 13 feet long and weighs more than 1,000 pounds.
“I’m still on cloud nine. I mean, I probably will be for the rest of my life,” Beard said.
The two friends have a combined four decades of fishing experience, but this is the first time they’ve caught a great white shark in the Outer Banks.
“Every kid loves dinosaurs and great white sharks. The idea of having the opportunity to interact with this unbelievable creature, it gives me chills even thinking about it. It was unbelievable to say the least,” Rosenfeld said.
Reeling in a big catch is nothing new for the fishermen. For them, it’s not just about catching the big fish but making sure the creatures get back out into the ocean safely.
“The biggest priority is keeping the fish safe and get a good release on all fish that we catch,” Beard said.
All in all, it was an unforgettable experience that they will be talking about for the rest of their lives.
“I was about in tears after we released that fish because you never know if you’re ever going to be able to do that in your lifetime,” Beard said.
Great white sharks can appear year-round in the waters along the North Carolina coast, according to the North Carolina Sea Grant. Sightings are most common during winter and early spring.
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