A Florida fisherman has captured a rare and awe-inspiring catch, reeling in an estimated 9- to 10-foot Great White Shark off Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The catch, which occurred during a routine fishing trip, has been described as “monumental” by the fisherman himself, highlighting the growing presence of these apex predators closer to shore.
Alberto Vanegas, an experienced land-based shark fisherman, was fishing off Fernandina Beach using the head of a black fin tuna as bait. Initially hoping to hook a bull shark, Vanegas was instead met with a 30-minute battle against a much larger shark. Upon successfully landing the fish on the beach, Vanegas realized he had caught a Great White, a species often associated with deeper waters far from the surf zone.
In an interview with First Coast News, Vanegas shared his excitement: “Yesterday was simply unforgettable. What started as a normal Tuesday, fishing at my favorite spot on Amelia Island, turned into a monumental catch for myself and for land-based shark fishermen.”
Vanegas, who has since posted about the experience on Facebook, expressed his commitment to continuing land-based shark fishing while also promoting conservation efforts for these remarkable creatures. It remains unclear whether the shark was released back into the ocean after being caught.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that between 2008 and 2017, commercial fishermen in the state harvested an average of 1 million pounds of sharks annually. During this period, approximately 477,000 sharks were caught each year along the East Coast, and 723,000 along the West Coast.
In Florida, those over the age of 16 must obtain a free, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing permit in order to legally fish for sharks. Notably, it is illegal to catch or kill Great White sharks in California.
Fernandina Beach, located north of Jacksonville, is known for its prime fishing conditions, with wide-open swell exposure and reliable beachbreak setups. The area’s ideal surf conditions offer a balance, where the swell can either be playful or too strong, making it a popular spot for both surfers and anglers alike.