CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Fisherman reels in 7-foot great white shark at Hermosa Beach Pier

Fisherman frees shark in Hermosa Beach

A great white shark caught on a fishing line right at the shoreline. The man unhooked the fishing line and thanks to a help from a nearby lifeguard, the shark was safely freed back into the ocean.

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. - An early morning fishing trip at the Hermosa Beach Pier took a dramatic turn when an experienced angler hooked a seven-foot great white shark, an encounter captured in a viral video that highlights a recent surge in shark activity along the Southern California coast. 

The fisherman, who was targeting mackerel before snagging the apex predator, acted quickly to release the protected species back into the surf as experts warn that warming water temperatures are drawing juvenile sharks closer to popular shorelines.

What we know:

A typical Wednesday morning at the Hermosa Beach Pier turned into a scene "right out of Jaws" when an angler hooked a juvenile great white shark.

The fisherman, who is experienced with various species like leopard and horn sharks, noted that this was a far more "extreme" encounter. 

The shark was estimated to be roughly seven feet long and was seen feeding on a "big ball of fish" alongside a second shark earlier that morning.

Because great white sharks are a protected species, catching them is illegal. 

SUGGESTED: 8-foot great white shark seen circling surfer in Newport Beach

The fisherman and bystanders acted quickly to bring the shark toward the shore to safely remove the hook and release it. 

Both sharks encountered that morning reportedly swam away appearing healthy and unharmed.

What they're saying:

The fisherman described the moment of realization as "intimidating," noting, "I saw the teeth and I realized it was a great white." 

He emphasized his quick decision to follow the law. 

"The laws behind it and to protect the species... it just snapped in my brain. I acted quickly. I released as possibly as I could."

What's next:

While no formal shark warning signs have been posted at Hermosa Beach yet, lifeguards and experts are urging the public to remain vigilant. 

With water temperatures rising, juvenile great whites are increasingly moving into shallower waters. 

This follows a recent sighting in Newport Beach where an eight-foot shark circled a surfer, suggesting a trend of heightened activity along the Southern California coast for the foreseeable future.

Experts warn of 'sharky' summer

Authorities continued to monitor the ocean Friday after a shark sighting prompted a water closure at a Newport Beach shoreline.

What you can do:

• Stay Alert: If you are swimming or surfing, keep an eye out for dorsal fins or large schools of baitfish (like mackerel), which often attract predators.
• Know the Law: If you are fishing and accidentally hook a great white, you must release it immediately without removing it from the water if possible.
• Report Sightings: Notify local lifeguards if you spot a shark near popular swimming areas to help them monitor safety conditions.