Fab Marchese and his fishing buddies set out to catch some big fish Friday afternoon. But they never thought the catch would be this big.
“We were just in awe. Just something I’ve never seen before in my life. Like live,” said Marchese.
Live and just 30 miles off the coast of Treasure Island, a great white shark.
“That thing was I don’t know 18 feet long. It was huge! You could tell how long when it was along side of the boat,” Marchese said.
The four Canadians travel to the Bay area every year and charter a 32-foot boat with Go Fast Fishing Charters, a company with fishing captains who have been on these waters for years, but this was even a first for them.
“I’ve never seen one out here before. Heard a couple stories about them but that was the first time I’ve actually seen it in person,” said Go Fast Fishing Charters captain, Joe Maisano.
The fishermen eventually cut the line and let the shark go. They say they couldn’t bring it on board because it was too dangerous and the sharks are protected species.
But Marchese says he did try to hold on to the moment and the shark as long as he physically could, more than three hours.
“I am sore. Like my arms are sore. My hands are cramped up,” Marchese said.
Pain he says is worth it for a fishing trip he’ll never be able to top.
“Unbelievable. That’s why I think it was sent from my brother-in-law Bill. That’s just what I believe,” Marchese said.
Mote Marine lab shark experts said based on the video this does appear to be a great white shark. They said this time of year, spotting a great white is normal.