Sunset Beach Angler Removes Hook From Estimated 8-Foot Juvenile Shark And Returns It To Sea. Eyewitnesses say the animal swam into Santa Monica Bay and was not seen again, suggesting it survived. Scientists, including Dr. Chris Lowe of CSU Long Beach, link increased juvenile great white sightings to El Niño–related warm water creating nearshore nursery habitat. Experts stress that attacks on people remain exceedingly rare and advise reporting sightings to authorities rather than attempting hazardous rescues.
Angler Reaches Into 8-Foot Shark’s Mouth to Remove Hook, Drags Juvenile Shark Back to Sea at Sunset Beach (Video)
Fisherman Shoves Hands in 8-Foot Shark’s Mouth, Then Drags It Back to Sea in Los Angeles (Video)
A dramatic encounter at Sunset Beach in Los Angeles was captured on video after an angler landed a juvenile shark — estimated at about 8 feet and possibly a young great white — and worked to return it to the water.
The footage shows the unnamed fisherman standing on the sand beside the exhausted animal as onlookers gather. In a tense sequence, he methodically tries to remove the hook, at one point placing his hands inside the shark's mouth, before hauling the animal back toward the surf.
Eyewitnesses reported that the shark swam off into Santa Monica Bay and was not seen again, suggesting the animal likely survived the encounter.
Why Sightings Are Increasing
Marine scientists say this incident is part of an unusually active shark season along Southern California's coastline. Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, linked the rise in juvenile great white sightings to warmer ocean temperatures associated with El Niño. Warmer nearshore waters can create favorable nursery habitat where young great whites feed on rays and other prey while avoiding larger predators.
'We're expecting a very sharky summer,' said Dr. Chris Lowe.
Other Recent Encounters
This is not the only improvised rescue this season. In April, a 20-year-old angler, Kevin Phan, landed a juvenile great white at Hermosa Beach, removed his clothes and carried the animal back into the ocean — an act that drew wide online attention and praise for trying to give the shark another chance at survival. Drone footage has also captured juvenile great whites breaching behind bodyboarders and appearing near swimmers in Newport and other SoCal beaches.
What experts emphasize: While seeing an 8-foot shark hauled onto a beach is alarming, confirmed attacks on people remain exceedingly rare. Young great whites are primarily interested in natural prey such as fish and rays rather than humans.
Safety and Conservation Notes
Authorities and scientists encourage beachgoers to keep a safe distance from sharks and to report sightings to local lifeguards or marine authorities. If you encounter an entangled or hooked shark, the safest course is to contact trained responders rather than attempting a risky manual rescue.
This story was originally published by Surfer on Jul 31, 2026, and first appeared in the News section.
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