A rare great white shark was briefly hooked and released off a Nantucket beach in Massachusetts, USA, by an angler who documented the encounter on social media. Elliot Sudal, who has fished in the area for 13 years, said he inadvertently caught the shark while 'testing the waters' on Sunday, marking his first encounter with the species.
Footage posted to Sudal's Instagram account shows him reeling in the large predator, briefly hauling it from the surf by its tail, removing the hook, and returning it to the ocean within approximately 15 seconds. Onlookers watched as the rapid catch-and-release unfolded. Sudal stated he was not specifically targeting a great white shark, noting that anglers 'can’t control what picks up your bait'.
The angler defended his actions, explaining to the Nantucket Current that he believed he 'did everything right in that situation' to ensure the shark's swift and safe return. Great white sharks are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Despite their protected status, the exact population numbers in US waters remain unknown, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA regulations prohibit fishermen from landing white sharks, although accidental catches do occur. Sudal, who claims to have caught over a thousand sharks of other species, described the experience as unforgettable and humbling. He expressed hope that his video would serve as an educational tool for other anglers, advocating for the use of heavy tackle, barbless circle hooks, and immediate release when shark fishing.
He further urged fellow fishermen to undertake online courses, participate in tagging programmes, and maintain respect for the animals and public safety, recognising that their actions are often observed. The incident has drawn significant attention online, prompting discussions about responsible angling practices and the conservation of vulnerable marine life.