Florida man reels in massive, 12-foot tiger shark at Jacksonville Beach: 'It was a great experience'
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, tiger sharks can grow to be 15-18 feet in length and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds. They are common throughout Florida and can be found in many habitats, including the open ocean, shallow bays and river mouths.
Tips on how to stay safe if you encounter a shark
Biologist and Wildlife Expert, Forrest Galante, provides tips on how to stay safe if you encounter a shark and explains why sharks are attracted to the busy shorelines. (Video from June 2023)
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A Florida man caught the catch of a lifetime when he reeled in a massive tiger shark at Jacksonville Beach last weekend.
Fisherman Owen Prior is no stranger to catching sharks. He heads First Coast Surf Fishing, where he leads fishing enthusiasts in seeking out some of Florida's largest and most flavorful coastal fish.
GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH SHOWS GREAT WHITE SHARKS MAY CHANGE COLOR TO BETTER HUNT THEIR PREY
A 12-foot tiger shark was captured and released at Jacksonville Beach over the weekend. (Credit: Owen Prior)
(FOX 35 Orlando)
However, according to a report from FOX 35 Orlando, the 12-foot tiger shark was the largest shark he has ever snagged in Jacksonville.
"I’ve caught hundreds of sharks up to a 14-foot hammerhead, but that was my personal best tiger shark," he said. "I got the hook out by hand and released the shark with tons of energy in less than two minutes."
Prior said he caught the tiger shark when he was out on the water at 4 a.m. on Mother's Day. He said it took about 20-25 minutes to reel it in and release it.
SHARK BITES MAN SITTING IN WATER AT FLORIDA BEACH
Man critically injured after shark bite in Florida
Bodycam footage from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office shows deputies helping a man who was bit by a shark off Anna Maria Island. (Video from July 2023)
Catching the large shark is an adventure he'll likely never forget.
"All in all, it was a great experience having the ability to feel the power of a large shark like that and even better being able to safely remove the hook and watch her swim away back into the abyss with a free meal," Prior said.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), tiger sharks can grow to be 15-18 feet in length and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds. They are common throughout Florida and can be found in many habitats, including the open ocean, shallow bays and river mouths.
In Florida state waters, they are prohibited from commercial or recreational harvest.