Young Man Saves Great Shark: Social Media Agog

The event centered on a juvenile great white shark—likely between 5 and 8 feet long—that had become snagged on a fishing line cast from the pier. Juvenile sharks often frequent these shallow waters to feed on small fish and rays.

Here's how social media users reacted:

Caitlin Whelan: Brave guy acting kindly toward another living being, love to see it.

Nannon Mansfield: Poor shark being dragged in with a hook in its mouth.

Paul Trezise: Great whites the ocean is there home. Thats where they belong.

Matthew Jenkins: We need to make this guy famous right now

Julie Rosh: Glad both made it out okay, that could’ve gone very differently

Danny Diaz: Great job human

Stephanie Kakes Smith: Jason Smith 🦈 in HB!

Mitchel Brenneman: There are plenty more where they came from!

Story continues below:

The Heroics: A local fisherman, recognizing that the shark was distressed and potentially in danger of further injury or drowning (as some sharks must move to breathe), took matters into his own hands.
The Underwear Factor: To maintain mobility and perhaps protect his clothing from the salt and shark slime, the man stripped down, entered the water or climbed down to the surf line, and used a pair of scissors to snip the heavy-duty fishing line as close to the hook as possible.
The Crowd: Dozens of onlookers on the pier captured the moment on smartphones, cheering as the shark, freed from the tension of the line, swam back into deeper water.

2. Why This is Significant

This specific rescue highlights several ongoing issues in the South Bay (Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo Beaches):

The "Nursery" Effect: In recent years, scientists have noted that the South Bay has become a primary nursery for juvenile great whites due to warming waters and an abundance of food.
Pier Fishing Conflicts: Fishing for Great Whites is illegal in California. However, fishermen often hook them accidentally while targeting other species. Per state law, once a Great White is identified, the line must be cut immediately.
Public Safety vs. Wildlife: Hermosa Beach and neighboring Manhattan Beach have seen similar incidents before. In 2014, a distressed shark on a fishing line famously bit a long-distance swimmer nearby, leading to temporary bans on pier fishing.

3. The Legal and Safety Reality

While the fisherman’s actions were seen as heroic by the crowd, local authorities and wildlife experts generally advise against such direct intervention for two reasons:

Personal Danger: Even a juvenile shark has rows of razor-sharp teeth and immense thrashing power.
Legal Scrutiny: Great whites are a protected species. While the fisherman was helping, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife strictly monitors how these animals are handled to ensure they aren't harassed or further harmed during rescues.