Video shows fisherman catching giant great white shark on U.S. beach; animal was returned to the sea

A social media video showing a fisherman catching a large great white shark off the south coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, has drawn wide attention after the rare encounter took place on Sunday, June 7. The scene unfolded on a beach where dozens of people gathered to watch and film the unusual moment as the shark was hooked and quickly released back into the ocean.

The fisherman was identified as Elliot Sudal, who has spent more than a decade fishing for blacktip sharks and other species during the summer in the Nantucket area. According to Sudal, the great white was caught unexpectedly while he was on the beach with his apprentice, Stone Fornes, and fellow fisherman Nathan Skerritt. In comments to the local newspaper The Current, he said the group had only been checking sea conditions when they realized a large animal had taken the bait.

Sudal described the catch as a rare event, saying it was the first great white shark he had ever hooked in 13 years of fishing in Nantucket. He emphasized that he had not been targeting the species and noted that, in shark fishing, anglers cannot control what bites the hook.

Sudal said the shark was in the surf zone and that he removed the hook and returned it to the water in about 15 seconds. He explained that once he saw one of the shark’s fins break the surface, he understood the seriousness of the situation and focused on releasing the animal safely and as quickly as possible.

He described the encounter as memorable and said he felt honored to have had the chance to interact briefly with such an impressive creature. According to him, the shark swam away strongly after being released, leaving an unforgettable impression on everyone who witnessed the moment.

Sudal also used the interview to advocate for responsible shark-fishing practices. He recommended using proper equipment, barbless hooks, and immediate release methods to reduce harm to the animals. He also encouraged participation in monitoring and tagging programs aimed at studying shark populations and supporting conservation efforts.

The video has resonated online because of both the size of the shark and the dramatic setting, with beachgoers watching the unexpected catch from the shore. The incident highlighted the presence of great white sharks in the waters off Nantucket and the role of careful, conservation-minded fishing practices when encounters with protected or large marine animals occur.