LEWES, Del. — A Delaware fisherman caught more than he expected when he hooked a large sand tiger shark while shore fishing.
Dave Williamson was fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park when he caught hold of the large sand tiger shark, WRDE reported.
Because it is a protected species, fishermen are supposed to minimize handling of them if they are caught. Williamson wrangles it barehanded to cut off the hook before letting it go.
"It's not a first for me by any means," he said. "I've been catching sharks on the beach for about five years now."
Video of him holding the shark by the jaws caught the attention of beachgoers, who posted video to social media. Williamson said park rangers were also there and did not cite him for the way he released the shark.
"If you watch the video, I did those things, and I try to do it by the book every single time because there are so many eyeballs and camera lens on you at all times," Williamson said.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources reviewed video of the interaction.
“While shore-based shark fishing is allowed in Delaware, harassment of wildlife is not,” the agency said in a statement. “Prohibited shark species must be immediately released and anglers should minimize handling them to increase their chances of survival.”
Cox Media Group
