A group of North Carolina fishermen had an unforgettable experience when they caught a massive great white shark. The shark drifted ashore in an unincorporated area on Hatteras Island, which is located about 30 miles east of the mainland. Luke Beard, one of the fishermen, set the hook and immediately knew this was not an ordinary catch. Something about the way the fish moved felt different. The moment was captured in a video from March 15, showing Beard, his best friend Jason Rosenfeld, and five other men working together to control the powerful shark in shallow water. Their main goal was to safely set it free without causing harm.
A Gigantic Shark That Put Up a Tough Fight
Beard estimated that the shark was between 12 and 13 feet long and weighed somewhere between 1,400 and 1,800 pounds. Great white sharks, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), can grow as large as 21 feet and weigh up to 4,500 pounds. This was not the first time Beard and Rosenfeld had gone after big fish. They had caught massive stingrays before. But this was the first time they had ever encountered a great white shark while fishing in the Outer Banks area. It was a moment neither of them would forget.
The Shark Was Released Quickly and Swam Away Strong
The North Carolina fishermen acted fast to release the shark. Despite its size and strength, the shark did not attempt to attack anyone. Beard later shared on Facebook that they worked as quickly as possible to set the shark free. He was happy to report that the shark swam away strong and healthy. The video showed just how much effort it took to handle such a large creature while keeping everyone safe. The team knew they had to follow proper guidelines for releasing the animal back into the ocean without causing it stress or injury.
A Lasting Memory and a Painful Reminder
Beard may have avoided a serious injury, but he did not walk away without a mark. He later shared a photo of a large red rash on his thigh, which he called “White shark rash.” He posted about it on Facebook and admitted that while it was painful, it was completely worth it. Meanwhile, Rosenfeld said the experience left him in awe. He described the moment as unbelievable and said he would remember it for the rest of his life. Just thinking about it gave him chills. The incredible catch was something that very few North Carolina fishermen get to experience firsthand.
Rules and Regulations for Catching Great White Sharks
NOAA has strict rules for fishing great white sharks. Only fishermen with proper permits are allowed to attempt catching them. Even then, they must release the sharks right away. The rules state that the shark cannot be removed from the water, and it must not be harmed in any way. Beard and Rosenfeld followed these rules carefully, making sure the shark was returned to the ocean as quickly as possible. They knew that protecting the species was just as important as the thrill of the catch.
A Team Effort That Made the Catch Possible
Beard gave credit to Rosenfeld for making the catch possible. He shared on social media that it was a team effort. The two North Carolina fishermen have been learning from each other for years, and this moment was proof of how far they had come. Rosenfeld had encouraged Beard to fight this fish since he had never caught a shark before. The experience strengthened their passion for fishing and reinforced their belief that they were shaping the future of land-based fishing. Their adventure on Hatteras Island was more than just an exciting catch—it was a milestone they would never forget.
