This week, a routine fishing trip turned extraordinary for Yulee resident Alberto Vanegas when he reeled in a 9- to 10-foot great white shark from the shore of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.
Vanegas, who was using a blackfin tuna head as bait, had been aiming to catch a bull shark. After a 30-minute struggle, he was astonished to find a great white at the end of his line.
“Yesterday was simply unforgettable,” Vanegas shared with Florida’s First Coast News. “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.”
This incident emphasizes the presence of great white sharks closer to shore than many might expect. Recent drone footage and reports have challenged the common belief that these apex predators remain far from the surf zone.
Vanegas, who manages Amelia Island Land Based Shark Charter, LLC, emphasized his commitment to conservation. On Facebook, he stated that he “will continue to honor land-based shark fishing and conservation of these magnificent animals.” The shark was released back into the ocean after being caught.
In Florida, shore-based shark fishing is regulated to ensure both angler safety and shark conservation. Anglers aged 16 and older are required to obtain a free, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing permit. Additionally, the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks is mandated when targeting sharks with live or dead natural bait. Chumming from the beach is prohibited to minimize potential conflicts between beachgoers and sharks.
Great white sharks are known to migrate along the Atlantic coast, with tracking data revealing their presence near Amelia Island. The presence of Great Whites off the coast of Florida is not uncommon, especially during the winter months. OCEARCH, a nonprofit organization that monitors shark movements, has tagged several great whites in the area. For instance, a 10-foot, 3-inch female named Penny was tracked off the coast of Fernandina Beach on December 3. However, Vanegas confirmed that the shark he caught was male.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has implemented measures to promote responsible shark fishing practices. These include requiring anglers to possess devices capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook to facilitate the immediate release of prohibited shark species. Such regulations aim to increase the survival rates of released sharks and address public safety concerns.
Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, located north of Jacksonville, are known for their open swell exposure and scattered beach break setups, making them popular spots for both surfers and anglers. The presence of large sharks in these areas serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life inhabiting Florida’s coastal waters.
Vanegas’s unexpected encounter highlights the importance of adhering to fishing regulations and promoting conservation efforts to protect these vital marine species.
