A surf fisherman on Nantucket’s south shore briefly hauled in what he and witnesses say was a great white shark, then quickly pushed it back into the waves. The angler estimated the shark at roughly 8.5 to 9 feet long and about 300 pounds.
Footage picked up by local TV
The close encounter was caught on video and aired by WBZ‑TV, then replayed on CBS News Boston. As reported by CBS News Boston, the fisherman provided the size and weight estimates and said the entire encounter was over quickly.
Angler says he released the animal quickly
Local coverage identified the angler as Elliot Sudal, who was fishing with an apprentice and another angler when the shark took the bait. Per the Nantucket Current, Sudal said his crew removed the hook and had the shark back in the ocean in roughly 15 seconds. He also urged other anglers to use barbless circle hooks and to take part in tagging programs that support shark research.
Shark season is ramping up
Researchers say the sighting lines up with the usual seasonal pattern, as white sharks move north with warming water and returning seal populations along nearshore beaches. According to NBC Boston, outreach staff are reminding swimmers to stay in waist‑deep water, avoid murky conditions, and steer clear of seals and schools of fish. They also note that the region’s Sharktivity app is already logging new reports.
Rules and reporting
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries notes that white sharks are a prohibited species and that 2015 regulations bar attracting, capturing, or tagging them in state waters without a permit. The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries also outlines ongoing research into shark movements and provides public safety guidance for coastal communities.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy runs the Sharktivity app and maintains a public catalog of shark sightings, along with educational resources for both beachgoers and researchers. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy offers tools for reporting encounters and tips for staying safe near the water.
The Nantucket encounter, handled quickly with a release back into the surf, is yet another reminder that white sharks are now regular summer visitors in Massachusetts waters. Officials say it is not cause for panic, but a cue to give wildlife space, follow local beach guidance, and report sightings so scientists can keep tracking these animals.
