A rare and breathtaking encounter off Hatteras Island

A group of North Carolina fishermen recently experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment when they caught and released a massive great white shark off the shores of Hatteras Island. The dramatic event, which was captured on video, has since garnered widespread attention.

‘It just felt different’: The moment of the catch

Fisherman Luke Beard recounted the extraordinary moment to Fox 19, saying, “I set hook on the fish, and it just felt different.”

On March 15, Beard, his best friend Jason Rosenfeld, and five other fishermen were wrestling with the enormous shark in shallow waters, working to release it safely. Beard estimated the shark was between 12 and 13 feet long, weighing anywhere from 1,400 to 1,800 pounds.

Though the group had previously caught large marine animals, including a massive stingray, this was the first time they had ever encountered a great white shark in North Carolina’s popular Outer Banks region.

A passion for big-game fishing

The fishermen were intentionally seeking a large catch that day, driven by their love for the sport.

“We were going out to catch something big,” Rosenfeld said. “You know, that’s the thing. That’s what we do. That’s our passion.”

Despite the intimidating size of the shark, the fishermen were not attacked while handling the release. However, they later shared a photo of an injury sustained by one of the men, referring to it as “White shark rash.” In a Facebook post, they wrote, “It sucks, but it’s totally worth it!”

‘White sharks are mysterious, and beautiful animals’

Following the successful release, the group shared a celebratory post and photos, expressing their admiration for the great white shark.

“I’ve been dreaming of this day for most of my life! This is the first big land-based Great White in Hatteras Island history! Thank you to all of my friends involved with this catch! White sharks are mysterious, and beautiful animals. The fight was about 35 minutes. We released this fish as fast as possible.”

Beard and Rosenfeld had been planning this moment for a long time, constructing a specialized rod specifically for this purpose. “She swam off perfectly, super green,” they shared in their post. “It’s breathtaking seeing a 12 to 13ft, 1,400 to 1,800lb animal jump out of the water on the hook set!”

In another post, Beard credited his longtime friend Rosenfeld for making the catch possible.

“That shark would not have been possible without the man standing behind me, one of my best friends, Jason Rosenfeld!” he wrote. “This was a catch for both of us. He wanted me to fight this fish because I had never caught one. We have been learning from each other for the last four years, and now we have shaped the future of land-based fishing!”

Rosenfeld is now in the process of opening a new tackle shop in Buxton, North Carolina, near Red Drum Food Mart. Beard encouraged the fishing community to support the venture, as well as the well-known Frisco Rod and Gun.

NOAA regulations on great white shark fishing

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), individuals with the proper permits are allowed to fish for white sharks using rod and reel gear. However, regulations require that the shark be released immediately without being removed from the water or harmed further.

This remarkable encounter serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of North Carolina’s fishing community while highlighting the awe-inspiring presence of great white sharks in the Atlantic waters.

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